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Taf-Od: Brexit yn tanio rhagfarnau wrth Gymraeg P25 >> gair rhydd | freeword Cardiff ’s student weekly Issue 1096 Monday 20th March 2017 Study shows being busy is ‘a barrier to exercise’
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Credit: Cardiff University
Sir Martin Evans steps down as chancellor of Cardiff University Gabriella Mansell
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ollowing eight years in the role, FRS and Nobel prize winner Professor Sir Martin Evans is set to step down as chancellor of Cardiff University. Sir Martin made the announcement last week at the University’s annual general meeting after having formally advised the council previous to this. Despite renouncing his title, Sir Martin will remain at Cardiff, continuing to be very much a part of the University as an Emeritus Professor, which is an honorary title that recognises distinguished academic service. Professor Sir Martin Evans was the first ever scientist to identify embryonic stem cells, which can be adapted for varying medical purposes. From basic research to the complex development of new theories, his discoveries are now being applied to virtu-
ally all aspects of biomedical science. In 2007 Sir Martin was awarded the highest accolade, the most prestigious honour in world science: The Nobel Peace Prize for Medicine. He was awarded it based on “the groundbreaking discoveries concerning embryonic stem cells and DNA recombination in animals”. Among other merits Sir Martin was knighted in 2004 for his services to medical science and in 2009 was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Society of Medicine in recognition of his valuable contribution to medicine. In 2009 he also received the Baly Medal from the Royal College of Physicians and the Copley Medal, the Royal Society’s oldest award, joining an eminent list of previous recipients including the great Albert Einstein. Additionally he received honorary doctorate awards from the University of Bath, University of Buckinghamshire, University College London, University of Wales and the Univer-
sity of Athens. Sir Martin Evans was inaugurated as chancellor (previously known as president) in 2009 and took up a second term in 2014. The chancellor is the most senior of position of the University’s honorary officers; it is a ceremonial role consisting of chairing Court and presiding at graduation ceremonies. Speaking about Sir Martin’s departure from the role, Professor Stuart Palmer, Chair of Council said: “I would like to take this opportunity to put on record our immense thanks to Sir Martin. It has been an honour for the University to have our Nobel Laureate, Professor Sir Martin Evans, as the 22nd Chancellor of Cardiff University.” Reflecting on his time as chancellor Sir Martin said: “Holding the role of Chancellor of this institution has been an honour and a privilege which I have greatly enjoyed. To be part of graduation, one of the highlights in
the University calendar, has been a joy. Each year I have shared in the pride of all of our new graduates who join over 145,000 alumni in more than 180 countries around the world.” Sir Martin moved from Cambridge University in 1999 to lead the newly formed School of Biosciences in Cardiff University and after 18 years at Cardiff in 2013 the University named the School of Bioscience building in his honour. Professor Colin Riordan said: “Professor Sir Martin Evans holds, to date, the only Nobel Prize to have been won by a scientist working in Wales and this is a matter of immeasurable pride for the University. We are grateful for his immense contribution to science, the wide ranging benefits of his research and his service to the University.” Sir Martin is heralded worldwide as “the grandfather of stem cell research” and named as one of “ten Britons who have shaped our world.”
ardiff University have looked into the reasons why people don’t exercise amid concerns over public health. Eight out of ten people cited worklife commitments as a reason why it can be tricky to exercise regularly. Safety was also a big concern as a third of women and 15 per cent of men, then a fear of running on busy roads cited by 12 per cent. Men and women differ in their reasons for not wanting to start running, as women were more afraid of not being prepared and being judged, whereas men tended to be more afraid of not reaching their goals. Despite these obstacles many positive reasons were given for running, including a sense of wellbeing, reported by 28 per cent of respondents, getting outdoors (22 per cent) and better health (20 per cent).
Cardiff Council aims to end rough sleeping
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he ‘rough sleeper strategy’, as proposed by Cardiff City Council, aims to cut down numbers of people sleeping on the streets by ensuring there will be ‘no first night’. The annual rough sleeper count organised by the Welsh Government shows that figures for Cardiff rose from 26 in 2014 to 53 in 2016. Only 50% of those sleeping rough in the city have a local connection to Cardiff. The council intends on building on existing services run by The Salvation Army which helps put people reconnect with their ‘home’ areas. Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Elsmore, said: “We know there are too many people living on the streets in Cardiff. Those who sleep rough often have complex lives and issues. This new strategy seeks to ensure we are providing the right advice, support and assistance to ultimately end rough sleeping in the city.” The strategy is to be considered by cabinet this week.