Bangor International September 2016
No. 1 in the UK for Student Accommodation WhatUni 2016
HRH The Prince of Wales opens Marine Centre Wales at Bangor University HRH The Prince of Wales officially opened the University’s new Marine Centre Wales. Built at a cost of £5.5M, Marine Centre Wales is a national facility for the growing marine sector in Wales. The Centre provides a focus and access to expertise and a collaborative space for researchers, commercial operators, and agencies in the Welsh marine sector. The Marine Centre Wales houses up to 50 staff, with space for visitors from collaborating organisations and companies. The newly constructed building provides a home for the University’s Centre for Applied Marine Sciences as well as vital project development space, enabling companies accessing university scientific expertise
The Prince also took the opportunity to visit the R.V. Prince Madog, the largest university research vessel in the UK
Vice Chancellor Professor John Hughes with HRH The Prince of Wales to work alongside academics, and have access to lab facilities and aquaria – which all have Menai Strait seawater on tap – and access to a fleet of research vessels including the RV Prince Madog. The building has been designed to make the best use of space, minimise energy consumption, and provide natural light and scenic views of the Menai Strait. It was financed as a part of the £25 million SEACAMS project, part funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). www.bangor.ac.uk/international
Bangor University’s Vice Chancellor Professor John G Hughes said:
“We’re honoured to have The Prince of Wales open our Marine Centre Wales. Our work here contributes to a strong and healthy marine economy for Wales and makes a significant contribution to sustainable Welsh fisheries and a sustainable marine environment.” Read the full story here: www.bangor.ac.uk/news/ university/hrh-the-prince-ofwales-opens-marine-centrewales-at-bangor-university-27721
Research News Footballers’ voices: gambling and addiction in football
Bangor University, University of London and the University of Oxford have jointly been researching the connection with gambling problems amongst a minority of professional footballers. The researchers had direct access to the players to learn about their experiences of gambling and how and why their gambling became a problem. New research, published in Addiction Research Theory, has revealed how some players could develop difficulties with their gambling, and what can be done to help them seek treatment. Professor Robert Rogers of Bangor University’s School of Psychology said:“Our research highlighted several factors which could reduce the risk of footballers becoming addicted to gambling.” Colin Bland, Chief Executive of Sporting Chance Clinic commented:
"Sporting Chance is pleased to be associated with Dr Rogers' research as it is always good to gain further insight into factors that influence football players who cross the line into problem gambling. We, alongside the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association), have been offering pathways to solutions to this issue for fifteen years and any information that can inform better practice is gratefully received."
Bangor University historian made Fellow of British Academy Welsh History & Archaeology receives the Fellowship, which is the highest honour in the UK for a scholar of the arts and humanities, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to research in archaeology. She is also the only academic from a Welsh university among this year’s new Fellows.
Nancy Edwards, Professor of Medieval Archaeology at Bangor University
Professor Nancy Edwards, an eminent historian and archaeologist from Bangor University has been made a Fellow of the British Academy. Each year, the British Academy elects to its Fellowship up to 42 outstanding UK-based scholars who have achieved distinction in any branch of the humanities and social sciences. In the words of the British Academy, fellows are scholars who have 'attained distinction in any of the branches of study which it is the object of the Academy to promote'. Nancy Edwards, Professor of Medieval Archaeology at Bangor University’s School of History,
Prof Nancy Edwards’ research focuses on the archaeology of Wales and Ireland in the early medieval period. Her particular interests include inscribed stones and stone sculptures and the archaeology of the church. Professor Andrew Edwards, Dean of Arts and Humanities at Bangor University commented:
“I am delighted that Nancy’s substantial and significant contribution to archaeology has been recognised by the British Academy with this prestigious award. This is a much deserved reward for an academic who has worked tirelessly to promote the development of her discipline in Wales and beyond. This award clearly reflects Nancy’s standing as a world–leading authority on Welsh and Irish Archaeology.”
Bangor College China Nominated in the British Business Awards 2016 The British Business Awards are a unique showcase for outstanding UK companies in China. Organised by the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai, the Awards recognise and promote excellence in innovation, enterprise and endeavour in the British and Chinese business communities. The finalists were revealed on 6 September and Bangor University / CSUFT (Bangor College China) have been nominated in the ‘Education Institutional Partnership of the Year’ category.
Bangor College China was founded in 2013 and results from a partnership between the Central South University of Forestry & Technology in China and Bangor University. Final award winners will be announced during the Gala Awards Dinner, held on 3 November 2016, in Shanghai.
Another First for Bangor University’s Environment!
L-R: Robert Williams, Green Dragon Auditor for Groundwork Wales, Professor John G Hughes and Ricky Carter Bangor University has become the staff and students who are actively first organisation in the UK to involved in protecting and achieve Level 5 of the new, 2016 enhancing the environment in and version of the Green Dragon around Bangor University. I am Standard for Environmental particularly pleased with the way Management. The new Standard we are reducing our carbon was only launched in July this footprint year on year through a year, and certified organisations range of initiatives from LED are being given 12 months to lighting and heating system satisfy the more stringent criteria upgrades to binless offices and set out in the 2016 version. electric vehicles. In addition, energy use in the majority of our Ricky Carter, Environmental buildings is now monitored every Manager, Property and Campus half hour through our Automated Services explains, “Our Metering System, and this is Environmental Management becoming invaluable in helping us procedures are audited annually understand where even further by Groundwork Wales, who closely efficiencies can be made”. examine our energy and water Gareth Jones, Green Dragon conservation measures, Quality Manager at Groundwork greenhouse gas emissions, and Wales said, “Bangor University has waste and travel management. been certified to the Green Dragon Rather than wait another year for Standard since 2009. To achieve the new Standard to become Level 5 certification so soon after compulsory, we elected to be the Standard has been revised is assessed against it immediately commendable, and clearly after it was launched.” demonstrates their ongoing Vice-Chancellor Professor John G commitment to reducing their Hughes added, “I am delighted environmental impacts and with this news. Achieving the promoting sustainability within the award so early after it was University. We congratulate them introduced is a credit to the many on all of their hard work.”
Research News Have Bangor University researchers helped to solve the chocolate crisis?
Senior author Sayma Akhter with wild mango fruit Chocoholics around the globe have been aware for the last few years that their favourite sweet treat is under threat. Researchers at Bangor University may have come up with an answer that could help find a solution to the chocolate crisis by using wild mango as a new cocoa butter alternative. Global production of cocoa is in decline due to a combination of factors including crop failure, disease and ageing plantations, leading to price fluctuations and a shortfall in supply. A recent study published in Scientific Reports explored the potential of a wild mango (Mangifera sylvatica Roxb.), an underutilised fruit species of south east Asia, to provide an alternative source of butter for the industry. Sayma Akhter, the senior author and a postgraduate student at the School of Environment, Natural Resources & Geography, said: “Wild mango is one of the so-called ‘Cinderella’ species whose real potential is unrealised. The identification of real added value as we have shown in this study, could pluck it from obscurity into mainstream production.” This story is gaining press coverage worldwide, read the full story here: www.bangor.ac.uk/news/ research/have-bangor-universityresearchers-helped-to-solve-thechocolate-crisis-28274
Chevening Scholars News... The Chevening Scholarship is an international scholarship scheme which enables students with leadership qualities from 144 countries and territories to undertake postgraduate study or courses in universities in the United Kingdom. Funding for the scheme comes from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Chevening offers a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world to develop professionally and academically, network extensively, experience UK culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK.
We say goodbye to our 2015 Chevening Scholars On the 7th September we held a farewell ceremony for our Chevening Scholars, it was an opportunity to wish them all the best for the future, and it was fantasic to hear how much they had all enjoyed their year at Bangor University. Pictured left are just some of our amazing group of Chevening scholars with Angharad Thomas, Katerina Videnskaya and Sarah Jones-Morris from the International Education Centre.
Bangor University Chevening Scholar receives ‘Gold Award’ for Volunteering UK to receive the Gold Award for completing 75 hours of volunteering. The awards recognise the scholars volunteering efforts during their time in the UK. A few words from Emil...
Emil Kosi Amoah pictured during a ‘beach clean’ excercise
Emil Kosi Amoah from Ghana, who is coming to the end of his MSc in Environmnetal Forestry at Bangor University, is one of only six Chevening scholars throughout the
“I was involved in a couple of voluntary exercises to help conserve our environment and help the society while I was studying in Bangor, this was a way for me to show my appreciation to the UK Government for sponsoring my one year master’s programme in Environmental Forestry, in one of the most prestigious and best forestry schools in the worldBangor University. While in Bangor I was involved
with ‘The Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB) voluntary team where I participated in beach cleaning and woodland land management programmes. I also spent a lot of my time in ‘Upper Annie’s’, a Charity shop which involves helping children all over the world as well as local homeless people. I was so privileged to be awarded a Gold award category by my sponsor, ‘Chevening’, at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. It has been a great privilege and also fun volunteering, I made friends and also met people from different places. I want to say a big thank you to Bangor University and the Foreign and Commonwealth office.”
Chevening Scholars conquer Mount Snowdon
On Friday, 12 August and Saturday, 13 August, Bangor University hosted a group of 44 Chevening Scholars, studying Masters degrees in Universities across the UK. The scholars enjoyed a weekend of culture and outdoor activities in an area of stunning natural beauty in the UK. The group learned about the history and culture of Wales from experts at Bangor University. They then visited the impressive Caernarfon Castle before trying out a traditional Welsh folk dance, the ‘twmpath’, in the evening. The following day, the group set off early to ascend Mount Snowdon through Snowdonia National Park. By the time the scholars reached the summit, it was unfortunately shrouded in mist, but this didn't cloud their spirits.
To apply for a Chevening scholarship to study in Bangor University, go to: www.chevening.org/apply
‘Chevening Scholar Shahad Aljanabi from Iraq refers to her time at Bangor as ‘A dream come true’
“Attending the UK Chevening Farewell event at the Alexandra Palace in London made me think back to a year ago when I was busy applying to Bangor University, waiting anxiously to be accepted, a Chevening Scholar and a student at Bangor University everything was a dream, but here I am celebrating my Chevening Graduation with my fellow cheveners, we are very proud of ourselves as every single one of us had the chance to study in one of the most prestigious educational institutes in the UK. Cheveners are like ambassadors representing their countries and the Universities they are involved in; it’s like a small world of tomorrow’s leaders. Living in Bangor is one of the most amazing experiences of my life, a very different place to where I come from. The astonishing landscape and peaceful view of the sea from the top of the hill where the university is located is my favourite daily routine. Studying at Bangor University as a graduate student in the School of Linguistics and English Language is also one of the best experiences of my lifetime. I was lucky to be taught by a group of fantastic professors, I gained knowledge academically and professionally. A lifetime experience never to forget.”
Bangor PhD student congratulated by The Embassy of Saudi Arabia
Othman AlZahrani The Embassy of Saudi Arabia, London, congratulated Othman AlZahrani, a Bangor University PhD student on achieving success in his continuing studies at Bangor University, he also received an award certificate for ‘Excellence Achievement’. Othman AlZahrani said: “I started my journey at Bangor University by registering on a Masters degree, Molecular Biology with Biotechnology in 2012/13. I achieved the degree with Distinction, I then went on to pursue my PhD studies at Bangor University in Molecular Biology under the supervision of Dr Ramsay McFarlane. I’m still registered in Bangor University and my studies and living experience at Bangor continues to be very enjoyable. I’m very pleased for the recognition, my name is added to the Honours Board for Saudi students in the UK, students who achieve significant achievements during their studies un the UK.” Othman recently participated in the 8th International Fission Yeast Meeting in Japan, where he presented a poster session.
Developing links with Mizoram University, India
Dr Anita Malhotra and Dr Wolfgang Wüster being presented with a traditional Mizoram bamboo cap by Professor Lalthantluanga, Vice-Chancellor of Mizoram Unviversity during the opening ceremony of the National Workshop on Snakebite Management held in July 2016
Dr Anita Malhotra and Dr Wolfgang Wüster, from the School of Biological Sciences at Bangor University, recently visited Mizoram University in a remote and difficult to-get-to part of north-east India, nestled between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Dr Anita Malhotra and Dr Wolfgang Wüster were funded by an EU staff-exchange scheme grant ’BITES’, (Biodiversity Informatics and Technology Exchange for Snakebite management). During their visit, they also contributed to a national-level snakebite awareness symposium, and met with Dr Bza, Director of the Health Board of Mizoram to discuss the need for data on the number of snakebite cases and the species causing bites in the state. A recent study demonstrated that India as a whole suffers from the highest rate of snakebite mortality in the world, but did not include data from the northeastern states. Nevertheless, there is strong potential for a high rate of mortality from snakebite in Mizoram: the standard treatment for snakebite, the polyvalent antivenom, is manufactured against the four species that are
the main causes of snakebite in the rest of the country (the common cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper and saw-scaled viper) but are absent here. Although they are replaced by distinct but related species, no work has been done to test the efficacy of the antivenom against these related species, and anecdotal case histories of bites from the region suggest that the existing antivenom is ineffective. Moreover, as Mizoram is located in a different biogeographical (and highly biodiverse) region compared to the rest of India, there are many other unrelated species present that may cause potentially life-threatening bites. Drs Malhotra and Wüster together are world experts on the taxonomy of many significantly venomous snakes, including cobras, Russell’s viper and Asian pitvipers. They hope to obtain collaborative funding to work with Dr Gurusubramanian, Dr HT Lalremsanga, and Dr Senthil Kumar (School of Life Sciences) at Mizoram University to provide the underlying biological information needed to devise an effective snakebite treatment strategy for the state.
Bangor Professor awarded Honorary Fellowship by Chartered Banker Institute
Research News How Pokemon Go turned couch potatoes into fitness fanatics without them even realising it
John A Parkinson, Professor in Behavioural Neuroscience at the School of Psychology has had an article he has written about the ‘Pokemon Go’ phenomenon published on ‘The Conversation’. Professor John Ashton (left) receives his Honorary Fellowship from Mr Colin Morrison, the CBI's Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Education programme which has so far been Professor John Ashton has been completed by over 500 bankers awarded a prestigious Honorary across the globe. Fellowship by the Chartered Bankers Institute of Scotland. Commenting on the award,
The Fellowship recognises Professor Ashton’s significant contribution to banking research and education. The award citation recorded his numerous contributions to research in the fields of financial regulation and the economics of banking, in addition to numerous policy contributions in the UK and beyond. His long term commitment to professional engagement and contribution to banking education was also recorded. A Professor of Banking, Professor Ashton undertakes various roles at Bangor Business School, contributing to teaching, publishing, administration and editing the Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance. He is the Academic Director of Bangor’s Chartered Banker MBA, a unique and innovative blended learning
Professor Ashton stated: “It is very flattering to receive the Fellowship. This award also reflects the hard work of my many colleagues within the Banking and Finance group at Bangor Business School”. Designed for experienced banking professionals, the Chartered Banker MBA focusses on developing professionalism and enhancing leadership, ethical practice and risk management. It is the only qualification in the world to combine an MBA with Chartered Banker status, with the latter being the highest professional award available to bankers worldwide. Further information on the Chartered Banker MBA can be found here: www.bangor.ac.uk/international/ courses/postgraduate/ chartered-banker-mba
Read an exctract from his article here: ‘Pokemon Go has been taking the world by storm. Within days of its US release, its number of daily active users caught up with longstanding apps Twitter, Snapchat and Google Maps, and it became the biggest mobile game in US history. Since then, the game has been launched worldwide, creating a user base which spends more time playing Pokemon Go than the average Facebook user spends on site.
This latest version of the Pokemon game has also been hailed for increasing physical activity in a group of individuals that have traditionally been seen as couch potatoes. Since 1980, worldwide obesity has doubled. Likewise, people are spending more time sitting down. Pokemon Go is undoubtedly a great tool for boosting physical and mental health, and could probably claim to be the most successful health app on the market without even trying to be. But why is it so motivating for some, and how can we harness this power to change othe behaviours? ‘
Seeing the invisible: visible light superlens made from nanobeads A story that has attracted huge national interest and has been featured extensively in the specialist media is a new ground-breaking application creating a superlens. In joint research led by Dr Zengbo Wang of Bangor University UK and Prof Limin Wu of Fudan University, China, the team created minute droplet-like lens structures on the surface to be examined. These act as an additional lens to magnify the surface features previously invisible to a normal lens. Illustrating the strength of the new superlens, the scientists describe seeing for the first time, the actual information on the surface of a Blue Ray DVD. That shiny surface is not as smooth as we think. Current microscopes cannot see the grooves containing the data- but now even the data itself is revealed. Dr Wang believes that the results will be easily replicable and that other labs will soon be adopting the technology and using it for themselves.
(a) Conceptual drawing of nanoparticle-based metamaterial solid immersion lens (mSIL) (b) Lab made mSIL (c) SEM image of 60 nm sized imaging sample (d) corresponding superlens imaging of the 60 nm samples by the developed mSIL The advantages of the technology is that the material, titanium dioxide, is cheap and readily available, and rather than buying a new microscope, the lenses are applied to the material to be viewed, rather than to the microscope. Dr Wang, says: “We have already viewed details to a far greater
level than was previously possible The next challenge is to adapt the technology for use in biology and medicine. This would not require the current use of a combination of dyes and stains and laser light- which change the samples being viewed. The new lens will be used to see germs and viruses not previously visible.”
Model ‘Electric’ sheep helping researchers keep flocks in fine fettle affects farm productivity? Two ewes in the fields of north Wales are helping find the answers. From a distance they look much like other sheep; but their thick fleeces, ear tags and woolly tails hide a hi-tech secret. Multiland Sheep Photo: WTML\Laurence Clark
Have you ever thought how a sheep feels when it’s freezing cold or baking hot? And whether an animal’s reaction to the weather
They are ‘electric’ sheep, life like models, with a special battery operated heating system which simulates the heat produced by a live animal. Researchers from Bangor University’s School of
Environmental, Natural Resources & Geography are using them to measure the effectiveness of trees and shelter belts to protect flocks from adverse weather. The eventual aim of the research is to produce a practical tool kit for farmers to show them the best places to plant for effective shelter and shade. Read the full story here: www.bangor.ac.uk/news/latest/ model-electric-sheep-helpingresearchers-keep-flocks-in-finefettle-28203
Courses at Bangor University MSc Clinical and Health Psychology Clinical psychology involves applying psychological understanding to difficulties connected with mental or physical health problems. Using this understanding, clinical psychologists assess and treat people of all ages and ability levels who are experiencing psychological distress, behavioural problems or related issues. The academics involved with this programme have extensive research links with external bodies and companies, which are fully utilised in ensuring that the modules are relevant to the modern work and research environment graduates will enter.
Career Prospects: The course will be of particular interest to psychology graduates aiming for a career in clinical psychology and who do not yet have relevant work experience. Completing the MSc provides a sound basis for obtaining emplyment as an assistant psychologist and later gaining entry to clinical training. For graduates who already have relevant work experience, the course provides evidence of academic and research skills, which many clinical psychology training courses cite as a valuable asset to applications for clinical training. It is also excellent preparation for graduateswho are keen to pursue research in the area of clinical psychology and for qualified health professionals with an appropriate academic background who wish to extend their understanding of clinical psychology.
Quick facts: l l l l l
Duration - 1 year full-time September intake Qualification - MSc Tuition Fee - £13,800 Entry Requirements - You must have a single or joint honours degree in Psychology or a related subject area with a minimum degree class of 2:2 or equivalent l English Language Requirement - 6.0 (no element below 5.5) For full details on the Clinical and Health Psychology MSc course please visit the link: www.bangor.ac.uk/international/courses/postgraduate/clinical-andhealth-psychology-msc
Dr Judith Roberts Course Director
Why Study Clinical and Counselling Psychology in the UK? Dr Fay Short, a lecturer in the School of Psychology has had one of her articles ‘Clinical and Counselling Psychology in the UK’ posted on the ‘i-studentglobal’. Dr Fay Short started out her studies in Psychology as a BSc student at Bangor University, after completing a Masters and a PhD, she now lectures at our School of Psychology whilst researching body representation, teaching and learning, and
counselling in high schools. In the article Fay gives us an insight into why it is great to study Clinical and Counselling Psychology in the UK. To read Fay’s full article please visit the link:
www.i-studentglobal.com/studyprogrammes/medicine-healthsciences/psychology/clinical-andcounselling-psychology-in-the-uk
Dr Fay Short
www.bangor.ac.uk/international
Karen Jones
Ali Khan
Maggie Parke
Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388207 Email: k.m.jones@bangor.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388874 Email: a.khan@bangor.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388416 Email: maggie.parke@bangor.ac.uk
Responsible for:
Responsible for:
Responsible for:
China Hong Kong Japan Philippines
South Korea Taiwan Vietnam
Bangladesh India Indonesia Malaysia Maldives Nepal Pakistan
Singapore Sri Lanka
The Americas: Brazil Mexico Canada USA Chile Colombia
Sarah Jones-Morris
Noor Al-Zubaidi
Michael Rogerson
Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388843 Email: s.jones-morris@bangor.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1248 382879 Email: n.al-zubaidi@bangor.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1248 383648 Email: m.rogerson@bangor.ac.uk
Responsible for: Thailand & Brunei Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon Central Asia - including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine
Responsible for: Middle East and North Africa including: Bahrain Oman Egypt Saudi Arabia Iraq Turkey Iran UAE Jordan Qatar Kuwait Libya
Responsible for: European Union Countries
International students in the UK
Upcoming Visits for 2016 We shall be visiting the following countries between September and November 2016: Hong Kong - September Canada - September/October China - September Ghana - October
Nigeria - October Vietnam - October Taiwan - November China - November
Visit our country visits page for more information:www.bangor.ac.uk/international/visits OR contact the relevant Country Manager.
Please do contact us if you would like one of our international oďŹƒcers to visit your school or if you need any advice. W: www.bangor.ac.uk/international - E: international@bangor.ac.uk www.facebook.com/BangorUniversityInternational
@BangorUni_intl