King's College London newsletter
co
GRATULAT 0
S
SIR
JA
ES!
SIR lAMES BLACK, HEAD OF THE DEPARTME T OF A ALYTlC L PHARMACOLOGY AT KI G'S COLLEGE SCHOOL OF MEDlCI EA D DE T1STRY HAS BEE AWARDED THE 1988 OBEL PRIZE FOR MEDlCI E. It will come as no surprise to those who know Sir J ames Black to learn that he i overwhelmed by the media attention which has been accorded him since the announcement on 17 October that he had been awarded the 1988 obel Prize for Medicine; an accolade which he hares with Drs Eliou and Hitchings, American cienti ts involved in the development of cancer treating drugs.
Sir James, Head of the Department of nalytical Pharmacology at King' College School of Medicine and Dentistry since 19 4, has a career history which has alternated between commercial Pharmaceutical companies and academic institu lions, perhaps indicating the conflicting frustrations of company profit margins on the one hand and lack of support for innovative academic research on the other. During his time in industry, Sir J ames was responsible for two major breakthroughs in pharmaceutical research. In 1962, whilst working at ICI, he developed the first clinically proven beta blocker to be used in the treatment of cardiac diseases. Th.. beta blocker, which has the same biochemical shape as Adrenaline, acts as a plug which attaches itself to the nerve fibre receptors in the heart, thereby blocking Adrenaline, preventing over stimulation and bringing relief from pain. Fired by his enthusiasm for this type of lock and key principal, Sir James moved to Smith, Kline and French where he was able to develop an inert replica of Histamine, a substance linked with the overproduction of gastric acid and the resulting peptic ulcers. Again the inert replica acted as a plug thereby suppressing the secretion of the potentially harmful acid. These two discoveries have made fortunes for the drug companies concerned, relieved the pain of millions of suffers and earnt Sir James the respect and admiration of his scientific peers. Sir James Black later moved to the Well,..",.,., .. J:"no,ndation resigning shortly after
a large slice of the company had been noated on the Stock Exchange. In 19 4, King's College was pleased to welcome Sir J ames onto its taff when the new department of Analytical Pharmacology was established within the Faculty of Clinical Medicine at the Medical S hool. Situated in research laboratories within the Rayne Institute, the Department has allowed Sir James to resume his own intuitive research and both to encourage and supervise a progression of postgraduate research students. The Department receives 100% support from outside sources, most notably the Wellcome Foundation, which guaranteed to fund his research for a further five years when he
left them in 19 4. Sir J ame , in his apaity a chairman of the Fa ulty 0 Clinical Medicine Research Committee actively supports and encourages his academic 01leagues to make forays in to the pharmaceutical industry for research funding whilst keeping a watchful eye on academic independence. Sir J ame has now ide-stepped in to the field of commercial research and has set up The James Black Foundation, a mall pharmaceutical research company with a maximum staff of twenty wholly independent and attracting funding in exce of ten million pounds from John on and J ohnson. This company is charity linked and has very close connections with the
College. The Foundation occupies two floors of the College:s former plant ciences building in Half Moon Lane in which it ha invested over one million pound in refurbishment. Sir lames ha described the Foundation as 'an experiment in the minimali t approach encouraging a small staff to develop their own lines of re earch in a constructive and supportive environment, rather than in a large organisation where there may be a tendency for workers to become dehumanised. He believes that it is only by encouraging brainstorms through what he fondly refers to as 'Friday afternoon experiments' that significant and original breakthroughs will be made. By running a small pharmaceutical research concern alongside his academic Llepartment, Sir lames hopes to establish a relationship between commerce and academia which provides mutual support and stimulation. It is a considerable pleasure and honour to
have so strong an advocate of academic initiative as Sir lames Black on the Staff of the College. He has brought a great deal to the College in both terms of expertise and financial support and we look forward to further breakthroughs in the future. Brigid 0' eill Assistant Secretary KCSMD
the strength and the per istance of tradition in literature.
W RD 'icola LeFanu Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mu i ,ha been awarded a DMus by the niver ity of London, for her published work in Composition.
KI1G' 1D Cb LZB RG
IC I
A t the end of Septem ber Profe sor Averil Cameron, the Head of the CIa ics Department at King' , made a great impres ion with a paper to an International olloquium in Salzburg on the teaching of Classics, and was interviewed on Au trian television. The Colloquium was one of a regular series of biennial meetings which bring together Classics teachers in univer ities and schools all over Europe and was organized as u ual by an international committee on which one of the College Vice-Principals, 10hn Muir, is the UK repre entative. The Colloquia are designed to provide opportunitie to debate matter of common and contem路 porary interest in relation to the teaching of classical culture, and this one was concerned to explore the links between attirudes in the ancient and modern worlds on such subjects as respect for the environment, treatment of the phy ically-handicapped, the public arts of persuasion and
bout 450 delegates from a number of uropean and Eastern-bloc countrie heard Profe sor Cameron peak on the po ition of women in the ancient world and her talk provoked a very lively interet: 0 much 0 that she was invited on the pot to give the same paper to a ongre of two hundred Classics teachers in Ghent next Spring. The olloquium also heard with ome incredulity the terms which the new at路 ional Curriculum will impose on Briti h chools, and participants from countries where the classical element in European culture is more respected expressed great concern that the Classics in education are o much at risk in the UK. The nex t International Colloquium is to be held in London in April 1990 and King' ha been honoured with an invitation to host the occasion.
The College Advent Carol Services will be held this year on Wednesday, 7 December, ThursdaY,8 December and Friday, 9 December at 5.30 pm. To re erve seats, please ring 10 ephine Bell, the Dean's secretary on ext 2333.
STAFF NEWS The College is pleased to announce the following prom otions and new appointments, which have come into effect recently, unless otherwise stated.
PROMOTIO A D APPOI T E T
EW
Anthea Tinker, Director of the Age Concern Institue of Gerontology at King's Road, has been promoted to Profes or of Social Gerontology. Brenda Hoggett, of the Law Commi ion has been appointed to the Chair of English Law and will take up her appointment on I May 19 9. DCA Candy, of the Institute of Child Health of the University of Birmingham, has been appointed to the Chair of Child Health at the Medical School. Stephen Ball, Lecturer at the Centre for Educational Studies at King' Road, has been promoted to Reader in Sociology of Education.
We're there! Well, at least Colin and Flora are. Dr Colin Sinnott and his secretary Flora Kerrigan are the first King's people to be working in Cornwall House. Colin, pictured above in his new premises, looks forward to other staff joining him on the South Bank from early next year onwards.
,\ radi al approa h 0 ta . ling he probiem of poorly deigned coun il hou ing tate i 0 be gl 'en pra tic I trial wi h the uppon of the Department 0 rhe En 'ironmen .• 'i hol Ridley. e rer ry of tate or he environment, ha ommiioned Kmg' to develop wirh 10 al authoritie anum ber 0 experimental de ign improvement heme on ele ted council estate under the dire rion of Profe or Ali e oleman. The e cheme will be full- ale trials of the methods ad 0 ated by Profe or Coleman in her book 'Utopia on Trial' - which hallenged e tablished thinking on olutions to the 0 ial and phy icaJ decay found on poorly de igned and run-down e tate. From her research, Profe sor Coleman con luded that re idenl were often eriously di ad antaged becau e of the poor design of their home environment. To make estates afe and more pleasant places in which to live Professor oleman advocates that ometime there i a need for radical design modifications and improvements. When published her book instigated an important debate on design and planning and her idea continue to attract international interest. I:.ach of the trial scheme will last for 2-3 year, with monitoring and evaluation.over a 5 year period. Professor Coleman wIll work closely with the local authorities and residents concerned. The scheme will be carefully evaluated to assess their effe tivene s. In announcing Professor Coleman's appointment a a con ultant to his Department, Mr icholas Ridley commented: 'I am delighted that we have been able to agree terms with King s College to employ Profes or Coleman on such an important project. Profes or Coleman's work on the nature of the problem affecting many inner city e tates and her proposed approach to solving them have attracted widespread intere t. Thi con ultancy project. which i intended to take 5 years to complete will enable her to put her idea into pra~tice in co-operation with the local authoritie concerned.This work and it' evaluation will help us understand the complex relation hip between design, environment. and behaviour pattern , including level of crime and vandalism and ecurity on hou ing estates:
E
R PORT 0
ELDERL .
In 19 6 the World Health Organi ation called for the preparation of national plan of action on health promotiun in old age. This call was responded to by the production of a report 'Promoting Health Among Elderly People' which was jointly co-ord-
A two day Careers Information Fair was held at King's at the beginning of this ''':filth. A wide variety of employers (Ook part on the first day, whilst on the seco~d gra uates of the College returned to answer present students' questions about lobs and (0 say how their careers had progressed. inated by three authors, of which one was Tony Warnes, Senior Research Associate from the Age Concern Institute of Gerontology at King's. The report is concerned with the wellbeing of elderly people in the UK, pre ent and future,since the reports findings indicated that Britain is falling behind other European countries such as Greece and Spain in the life expectancy league table. It also will be of great value to those involved in planning and developing innovative ervices for the elderly. The booklet also puts forward an agenda for the fu ture action at all levels of government plus public and private organisations. It also provides a source of scheme where advice and help can be obtained. A copy of 'Promoting Health Amollg Elderly People' is available from King' Fund Centre, 126 Ibert Street, London I W1 7 F. Price ÂŁ2.50 (cash with order).
E
E
GR 0
TE ?
October 1989 marks the 25 lh anniversary of the admis ion of the fir t tuden ts to the niversity of s ex at Colchester. A year's programme of events i being compiled, and the University is anxious to contact a many of its former students as pos ible. If you are an ssex graduat~, then plea e write to Clerk of Convocation, University of E sex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester C04 3SQ.
T FOR KI G' King's continues to expand its pioneering activity in the field of health ciences - the late t development in this vital area of life cience is the esta blishmen t of a Department of Phy iotherapy. This i a tremendous academic first becau e when the department open and the initial tudents pass through the doors it will become the first universit department in the country offering Phy iotherapy as a degree course. The new degree, BSc in Biomedical Science with Phy iotherapy, will be taught at ormanby ollege. Thi may be a new name to many people at King's 0 a few words geographically locating it and brieOy de cribing it hi tory follow. ormanby ollege, standing in its own ground urrounding a landscaped courtyard i ituated in Denmark Hill just around the corner from the Medi al S hool. Despite the obvious clinical. medical nature of the ollege it is not in the least intimidating, on the contrary, the atmosphere is very friendly and inviting. Opened in June 1975, orman by i home to the Schools of ursing, Midwifery and Phy iotherapy and has recently been joined by the School of Radiography. It is one of the few purpose-built Colleges in the country, providing excellent educational opportunitie and facilities. There are approximately 400 tudent and members
of staff, with the School of Physiotherapy having 150 tuden ts on their three year cour e and nine mem bers of staff. The School of Phy iotherapy has been at King's since 191:5 and moved to 0.-manby College in 1975. The College derives its name from Lord ormanby, who was chairman of the former Board of Governors from the beginning of the ational Health Service (1948) until its reorganisation in 1974. Like KCSMD, Normanby falls within the Camberwell Health Authority, and as one of London's most experienced and accomplished teaching centres prides itself on its tradition of great nursing and medical achievement. King's is paving the way to increase the amount and standard of teaching and research in the area of physiotherapy, which is now the third largest profession in the ational Health Service, following doctors and nurses. In recent years the skills and knowledge of physiotherapists have extended into every branch of medcal practise, as well as assessing and treating pain and disability they are increasingly involved in preventing illness and injury, and health education in general. The term physiotherapy was coined at the turn of the century to describe those skilled in the technique of massage, manipulation, movement and exercise for therapeutic and remedial purposes. Knowledge and expertise in this area rapidly increased following the two world wars which resulted in war injured that needed to be rehabilitated. The polio epidemic of the 1940s also meant that the skill of rehabilitation became even more vital. Physiotherapists are required across the whole spectrum of medicine from general out patients to intensive care, where round-the-clock chest physiotherapy can be essential to keep unconscious patients breathing. Physiotherapists work with trauma, orthopaedics and stroke victims, the chronically ill, arthritics, those with multiple sclerosis or cystic fibrosis. An increasingly important area of work is with the mentally handicapped, where improvements can be made to the quality of life; and in psychiatry where there is a physical problem. The work is not restricted to the ill and disabled: expectant and newly delivered mothers need advice on how to avoid back-pain, relaxation and exercises for labour plus muscle building strength after the birth. On completion of training, physiotherapists can go on to treat particular groups such as children or adults, or concentrate on specific conditions such as sports injuries neurological or respiratory disorders. '
The creation of this new university department was recommended by the Ellis Working Party which was set up to report to the Senate on the of the health sciences within the niversity of London. It reported in Decem ber 1987, concluding that an academic department of physiotherapy should be e tablished at King s. The deparment falls within the Life Sciences Faculty at the College. Students undertaking the Bsc will have a variety of learning opportunities, physiotherapy skills of assessment and treatment will be acquired during the practical sessions and periods of clinical secondment. Great emphasis will be placed on learning through clinical observation and experience. Students will be able to pursue their own particular academic and clinical interests through project work and so contribute to the development of physiotherapy knowledge. aturally there is great excitement about the launch of this new BSc and credit must go to all those at the School of Physiotherapy at ormanby College who have worked extremely hard and with great enthusiasm since 1979 in organising and setting up the department and degree course.
C RRE Tea TE TS OW AVAIL BLE 0 Ll E Anyone who need to keep really up to date will be familiar with the printed editions of Current Contents, which in even separate publications produce an index to the contents tables of 6 500 journals covering the full range o'f subjects including the Humanities. II this information is now available online. The online ver ion allows you to scan contents pages and to earch by subject author or journal title. You can re trict y~ur search to the latest issues of each journal. The online files are updated immediately the journal issues are rece;vcd, and are thus more up-to-date than the prin ted versions. For further details searches on Current Contents, ask any member of the Library Staff or contact Peter Walsh (K498), Margnret Samman (S2738), Ann Lees (S2186/2l32) or David Griffiths (C2223/ 2358).
LIBRRTAS PROGRE S REPORT There is continual behind-the-scenes activity, and we hope to introduce our reade:s to the new online catalogue by the tIme the next issue of Comment appears. Watch this space!
LIBRARY NEWS EW TELEPHO E SYSTEM FOR KENSINGTO ?
EED A GOOD REFERE CE? The Arts and Humanities Citation Index has become a popular tool for the tracing of articles and monographs since it was acquired by the library a few years ago. The run of bound volumes goes back to 1975, including a 14 volume 1975-1980 cumulation, and the current parts are also available in Strand level 1. A new service has just become Jlvailable online via DIALOG, offering the AHCI since 1980 in one file. (AHCI was Pl eviO,usly available only on BRS, via the Central Information Service of the University o.f London.) The file is indexed by autho) tItle words, Journal name and institutional affiliation, and also includes an online author thesaurus - very useful for pseudonyms and common names from Eliot to Mann. Further details of what AHCI has to offer, both in online and hardcopy versions, are available from Library staff at all three campuses: or contact Ann Lees, Strand extension 2186/2132.
I was interested to read the article about the new College telephone system which appeared in the last issue of Comment. I note the considerable advantages this system will provide for both the Strand campus and the King's Road site at Chelsea. However, the report makes no mention of the Kensington campus. 1 wonder if the General Services Manager would care to comment about what benefits will accrue to Kensington from the installation of the new system. Will Kensington be provided with a slave unit similar to that which will serve the King's Road and if not, why not? Are there any plans to improve the telephone system at Kensington to cope with the often chronic difficulty in obtaining lines in and out of the campus? Is this just another example of the prevailing attitude of neglect that seems to pertain to the Kensington campus, which increasingly has the air of a forgotten ou tpost of a fading empire? The absence of any official announcement reaching Kensington about the Principal's start of session talk to staff here, until after it had taken place, is just another example of this same syndrome. Dr Paul Markham KE SI GTO
.,
LECTURES, MEETINGS AND SEMINARS DEP RTME T OF BIOPH CELL D IOLEC L R R BIOLOGY EM
IC
Monday 28 ovember OPTICAL PROCESSI G Dr A Levenston, Sowerby Research Centre, British Aerospace
Friday 18 ovember THE BE YE ISTE AFFAIR Dr John Maddox, Editor, ature
Monday 5 December IF 0 LY WE COULD..... Professor C Goodman, STC Technology
Friday 25 ovember EXPRESSIO OF NUCLEAR GE ES FOR CHLOROPLAST PROTEI S Dr John Gray, Botany School Cambridge
Monday 12 December SPECTROSCOPY AT HIGH PRESSURES Professor W F Sherman , King's College
Friday 2 December THE REGULA no OF TRA SCRIPTION DURI G EARLY MOUSE EMBRYOGENESIS Dr Peter Rigby, IMR Friday 9 December MASS FLUX I THE MOYI G FIBROBLAST Dr Graham Dunn, MRC Cell Biophysics Unit
Ltd
2.00pm - 3.00pm, Room 2C, Strand campus
STUDY SKILLS SEMI ARS Wednesday 23 ovember Room 6C Strand campus Wednesday 30 ovember Council Room, Strand campus
THE PHILIP 0 LECT RE
TO
MEMORIAL
LITERATURE A DART Thursday 17 ovember FLA BERT A D PAl TI G Dr Adrienne Tooke, Somerville College, Oxford Thursday 24 ovember PROUST AND RUSKI Dr Richard Smith, French Department, King's College Thursday 1 December 'READ! G' A PAl TI G Dr Robert Lethbridge, Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge Thursday 8 December LE SYMBOLISME DANS L'ART ET LA LITTERATURE DU XIXe SIECLE Mme Monique Riccardi-Cubitt, The Riccardi Institute of Arts (Lecture in French) 12.00pm, Room 2B23, Strand campus
1.00pm, Lecture Theatre, Drury Lane
THE MAXWELL SOCIETY Monday 21 November CATASTROPHE THEORY I PHYSICS Professor P T Saunders, King's College
In order to help students, particularly Freshers, cope effectively with their academic work, Student Services are holding the first of t~yO annual Study Skills Seminars.
DEPARTME T OF BYZA TI E A D MODER GREEK ST DIE
For further details, please contact Lisa Payne, Student Services, Room SEA, Chesham Building, Strand campus ext 2530
Monday 21 November POETRY AND HISTORY Thessaloniki: Days of 1969 AD by M Anagnostakis D Maronitis, Professor of Classics, University of T hessaloniki, Greece 5.30pm, Room IB27, Strand campus
FACULTIES OF ARTS A D MUSIC A D THEOLOGY A D RELIGIOU STUDIE Monday 21 ovember AGE ERAL PROBLEM OF CREATIO WHY WOULD GOD CREATE ANYTHl AT ALL? Professor orman Kretzmann, Susan Linn Sage Professor of Philosophy, Cornell University, Ithaca, USA 5.30pm. Room 6C, Strand campus
A POETR Y READI G I THE DEPARTME T OF BYZA TI E A D MODER GREEK STUDIES Monday 28 ovember POETRY READ!. G AND DISCUSSIO Haris Ylavianos, Trinity College, Oxford
The 1988 Adam Lecture, entitled 'Jesus and the Volkswagen' was given recently by Bduardo Paolozzi see~ here on the right in conversation with Miron Grindea, founder of the Adam InternatlOnal Review.
5.30pm, The Committee Room, Strand campus
BRITI HI.' TIT 'TE OF He,) 'i RIGHT
GE CO. 'CER.· I. TIT TE OF GERO_'TOLOGY E:\1I.'. R
10nday 21 'ovember l. 'T R.· TIO.· L Hu~ . ·ITARIA.· LA\ \lr Chn topher Greenw 0 ,Barris er-a Law, Le rurer. Unher ity 01 Cam bri ge ami \1ember 01 the Prin iples and Law War 'ing Group 0 the British Red Cr s
Monday _ November . ·ATIO.· L RESEARCH l. ' THE ELDERLY Prote or H .1 kolm Hod 'inson, Depart· men of Geriatri .1 di ine, ~1iddlesex Ho pi al ~Iedi IS hool Uni er:.ity College
Tue day 29 Ovember THE LIBERTY OF PROPHESYl. 'G Canon Reginald skew, De n of King's allege
10nday 12 December THE AGEl. 'G CO. ','ECTI E TIS UE
1.00pm, The
ew Theatre, Strand campu
Ice, the prison ervi e,the probation erY· i e, he pys hiarri en'ice and 0 i I wor 'er. onferen e Fee (in lude single room and lull oard) £ - £-- 'or ISTD member) - booking from I ..o\'ember will be required to pay n addl lonal 10. Further detaIls and application torm trom: The Adminis r tive Se re ary, Ponman Clmk, Fitzjohn' venue, London.' 3 5.' . Tel 9 262.
~IATRIX
Or Geof rey Laurent, Bio hemi try Unit, The Cardiothoraci Institute, London 4.ISpm - S.30pm, Room 2,109, Clark Building 552 King' Road, Chel ea cam· pu
I lA W.>dne day 7 December GOR CKI: MODER ISM A:\D AFTER David Drew Wedne day 14 December PR ACHI. GAD PRACTICE I, ' BERLlOZ'S ORCHESTRATIO;..l TRE TIS Pro e sor Hugh Macdonald, Wa hington niversity S.OOpm, Room Gal, Mu ic Strand campu
OEP RTME T OF HI TORY o PHILO OPHY OF CIE CE EMI AR
THE KI G' COLLEG L CT RE I PH RM CE TIC L CIE CE Monday 5 December THE IMPACT OF EW BIOLOGI SO H MA.' HEALTH CARE Professor Eric Tomlinson, Head of Advanced Drug Delivery Re ear h CIBA-GEIGY Pharmaceu ticals 6,30pm, College Hou e, Manre a Road, Chel ea campu
EOIEVAL GERM GRO P
T OY
Wedne day 23 ovember WHAT CA OT GO FASTER THA . LIGHT? Or John Bell, CERN
Monday 28 ovember at 6.00 pm FROM ALLEGORY TO ADVERTISl G: THREE CE TRIES OF A TWERP STREET PROCESSIO S (OMMEGA GE ). All welcome. Meeting to be held in Room GOS. Strand campus.
Wedne day 30 ovember S P R-STRI GS: THE U IFICATIO OF PHYSICAL FORCES? Profe or Mi hael Green, Queen Mary College
I TIT TE FOR THE T OY TRE TME T OF DELl 'Q o PORTM CLlr IC
Wedne day December THE DEVcLOPME T OF THE RE AISSANCE OTIO OF MBER 0 T OF TH GRE K lOTIO OF ARtTHMOS Paul Pritchard, Univer ity of Bristol Wednesday 14 December 1 0 S PARABILITY A 0 SOME VIEWS OF REALITY Profe or Bernard d'Espagnat, University of Pari B.This Seminar will be held at 3pm. 2.ISpm, Room IB06, Strand campu
o
3.30 pm 2 December· 4.30 pm 3 Decem· ber NDERSTA 01 G THE PAEDOPHILE. A residential inter-disciplinary workshop. Discussion papers will be presented by: Mervin Glasser, Con ultant Psychiatrist, Portman Clinic, Helena Kennedy, Barrister, and Ray Wyre, Consultant Therapist & Director at the Gracewell Clinic, Birmingham. The aim of the workshop is to identify areas of mutual intere t and clarify the different perspectives of professional working with paedophiles by focu ing on a case which i anonymous, but based on reality. Applications are invited from the legal profession, the magistracy, the pol·
Tue day 22 ovember THE 3 rh UAL GE 'ERAL MEETI G OF ISTD. The bu iness meeting (members only) will commence at 6.00 pm and will be followed at 7.00 pm by light refreshments and at 7.30 pm by an address by The Rt Hon Sir Patrick Mayhew QC, MP. The Council Room, King' College Landon, Strand campus, London WC2. Prior booking not neces ary.
TH
ROY L OCIET
Thur day I December at 18.00. SCI CE 0 TECH OLOGY BRI G TH WORLD TOGETHER? Or olombo. Joint Royal Society/ Fellowship of Engineering Lecture Thur day 8 and Friday 9 December PHYSICS 0 MATHEMATICS OF STRI GS. Discussion meeting organised by Sir Michael Atiyah, FRS, Or J R EIlls, FRS, Professor M B Green and Or C H L1ewelIyn Smith, FRS. Tue day 13 and Wednesday 14 December TH DY AMICS OF THE CO PLED ATMOSPHERE A DOCEA . Di cu sion meeting organised by Professor H Charnock, PR ,and Or G Philander. Programme, registration forms and other information on all meetings in the Society' programme are available from the Scienti· fic Meetings Secretary, The Royal Society, 6 arlton Hou e Terrace, London SW I 5 G. Tel 839 5S61, ext 278/277.
OCIETY FOR RE E RCH I TO HIGH RED C TIO 19-21 ovember C DEMIC FR DOM, A major in ternational conference. The 19 Annual Conference of the Society for Re earch into Higher Education will be held at the University of Surrey, Guildford. Details and registration form must be returned by I December to Frank Curtiss, Conference Admin· istrator, Secretariat, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU25XH.
On Tue day morning quite recently. a most unu ual entourage appeared from the corridor to the right of my reception desk. It on isted of a le turer and a gaggle of mi cellaneous researcher and post grad , who between them arried, with great difficulty a long table. It was about eight feet long, two feet wide and had, like a pider (although there all re em blance ceased) eight thin legs. Because of its length and weight it was extremely difficult to manoeuvre round corners and when it eventually came to re t, it successfully blocked the whole three entrances to the reception area. The relief of resting their burden was such that the bearer seemed content to leave the table where it was and to go about their various businesses, until I reminded them that I was not prepared to defend a barricaded reception area against all corners. Even tualIy, after much straining and toving the table was pushed into a po ition where it just cleared the main
NEWS ROUND-UP EW 0
ERASMUS
Professor John MacDonald (Geography) has been awarded an Erasmus contract to teach in the Universities of Rome and Barcelona. The new forms for the academic year 1989/1990 of the Erasmus programme are now available from Professor P B Gahan, Biosphere Sciences Division, Kensington campus (ext 449). Closing dates for submission are: 31 December 1988 for Inter-university Cooperation Programmes (ICPs) and grants for students within these programmes, and 28 February 1989 for all other programmes within Erasmus.
C CP
EW
Mr Patricia Luker has been appointed a the first Director of the new Universities' Staff Development and Training Unit with effect from I January 1989. Mrs Luker is currently Staff Development and Training Officer for the niversity of Sheffield. The national unit has been established by the CVCP on behalf of the universities of the K. It i based at the Univer ity of heffield. The nit's purpo e is to stimulate the training and development of all
en trance door and only partially blocked the entrance to a lecture theatre. About two day later I enquired of one of the original bearers a bou t the proposed fate of the table. It seemed that it had been considered uperOuous to requirements by hi department and th the in tended eventually to transport it elsewhere. A day later it was mooted that perhaps it was not after all uperfiuous and that the department might take it back again. By now it had been there several days and I was becoming quite fond of its battered surface and spider-like legs. It had become part of the reception area scene. Parcels, bottles, crates and bales all found a resting place on it scarred surface. Incoming and outgoing laundry was placed on it and students sat on it or made up their notes on it. I had developed a real fondness for this old piece of furniture which fitted in so well (even if not so well physically) and which was obviously of great use to everyone. Looking through the reception doors
categories of university staff and, by so doing, enable the universities to make better use of the human and other resources available to them. The main emphasis will be on the encouragement of universities' own activities both locally and regionally. The Unit will also act as a central focus for the dissemination of information and of training materials; organise some courses itself; and be involved in the organisation of courses by other bodies.
at the wooden culpture entitled 'Earth, Air and Water' and then at the old table, [ think that given the choice of either. I would have chosen the latter. There eemed to be no urgen y in deciding the table' eventual destination until one morning it fate wa decided in a tri e. One Monday, through my early morning daze, a senior administrator eemed [0 appear from nowhere. If he greeted me, I didn't hear him but I did hear of the great displeasure caused him by the table. The person re pon ible had, it eemed, until the nex t day to remove it hence. Either within or without the building, but certainly hence and I was to be the bearer of the ill-tidings. I know that one of the ancient races u ed to execute the bearers of ill-tidings. I hope that it was not the Greeks, becau e the person I have to inform of the unpopularity of the table has a greek name.
Don Mindel Atkin Receptioni t, Ken ington
Closing date for reservations is Friday 2 December unless fully subscribed before that date. To obtain a booking form please contact The Catering Manager, Chelsea Campus, Manresa Road. Numbers are restricted to 100 for 552 King's Road and 180 for Manresa Road so the advice is please book early. Co t per person ÂŁ4.
CHRI TM CHRI TM
C TERI CAT
CHEL E The College Staff Christmas Lunches will be held on Tuesday 20 Decem ber in the Thomas More Refectory, 552 Kings Road and on Thursday 22 Decem ber in the Main Refectory, Manresa Road. The time is 12.15 for 12.30. A traditional roast dinner will be available with a choice of turkey or beef and Christmas pudding or a choice from the Sweet Table. egetarian alternative will also be available if a definite order i placed at time of booking. The service will be a semi self-help system. The Starter, Vegetables and Coffee will be brought to the tables, but the Roast Meats and the Sweet should be colJected from the serving points by individuals. Only wine and other drinks purchased from the Refectory or bar may be con umed at this event.
M
IC
Singer for hire! Or how to make your party/function/Christma ba h that little bit different. Why settle for cheese and wine when you can have music? We are a small group of King' student /recent graduates who would like to ing at your formal College function ,le s formal Christmas/leaving parties. posh dinners ... in fact you suggest the engagement and we'll provide the appropriate music: madrigal, clo e harmony sea onal. light, heavy, etc. For more information phone 6024736.
BOOK
OW FOR CHRI TMA !
It is expected that the long-awaited opening of the King's College Sports and Social Club's new room in 33 Surrey treet will be performed with all due ceremony on
I De ember ( ubJed to licen lIlg arrangement being ompleted by that d te). Therea ter the room "'ill be available or u e by member ., both at lun htune nd in the evening. The room re splendId improvement to the College' 0 iall <.oilitie and \\ ill provide a mo t plea an t venue or,inter alia. Departmental Chri tma partIes for up to a hundred people. Anyone wi rung to t °e advantage of thl f ility hould contact the Club e retary, Andre\\ Tatham (ext 2599) or the Club Trea urer, Brian Oldham (ext 2 ~). ·Club member hip i open to all taff of the College for the nominal urn of £2 per annum. To Join, either call in to the Club rooms, where you are welcome to ample the new fa ilitie and peak to the duty bar taff, or ring Brian Oldham.
1---CO LLEGE CHRI TM
C RD
olle table - can be put to good u e. _'ot only doe the money go to a good ause but the s heme a 0 provide the inmates \\i h an interes and a hobby. If .'ou an help. partI ularly by organi ing the olle ed stamp 1Il your department, ion 0 please wri e 0 Les or Doug at Stamps, H~1P Dartmoor, Prince on, Yelvenon, Devon PL20. Dr David Green Department of Geography
C
PLBLIC TIO.-
Four new publication are now available from the s oci tion of Commonwealth niversities. The 1988 Commonwealth Yearbook (64th edition)
niver itie
Contain a register of I 0,000 academic and administrative staff, detailed profiles of all recogni ed universities in 29 countries or region and a comprehen ive guide to degree offerings.
Price £91 urface post free (£ 72.80 to staff of member institutions of ACU). What Can We Do For Our Countrie ? The Contribution of Universitie to National Development.
A design, development and data ervice to assist your research projects is availa ble from the Electronics Unit. Whether your requirements involve measurement control, radio frequen ies, data acqui ition, low level power or pulse techniques, the unit can as ist you. Phone Reg Webb on K306 to discuss your requirement or to ask for a pro pectu .
OLD T MP ,LIFEBO T D RTMOOR PRl 0
D
An enterprising cheme to turn used stamps into money for the Royal ational Lifeboat Institu lion has been started by two officers at Dartmoor Prison. Les Blake and Doug Will, together with prisoner volunteers, sort and package the stamps for sale and to date have rai ed £37,500 for the R LI. And it's not only stamps that are wanted: cigarette cards, Greenshield and Co-op stamps, badges - almost anything small and
Pri<.oe.£ .2- po t Iree by surf ~e over"ea~). B} printed paper airm il (including pri... o booklet) 5.25. Scholar hip Guide for Commonwealth Po tgraduate Student 19 9·91.
The fine calligraphy of our Deputy Academic Registrar, Alastair Pettigrew, has The directory cover all the countries of provided the de ign for this year's College the ommonwealth that have universitiesChristma card. Cards will be on sale from the end of 10vember at as many out- from A ia to u trala ia. Thoroughly updated each year it is according to SeriJIls lets as possible throughout all campuses. The main Porters Lodge at the Strand will [or Librarians: 'indispensable for institutions with foreign students or for tho e \' hold a large upply and cards can always be obtained from the College Information who e faculty have international interests or contact'. Office.
ELECTRa IC FOR KI G
The boo let i a ompanion to. or Commonwealth University demiStall (.£ I 2.': 0). S holarshio Guide or Commonwealth Po tgradu e Student ( 13 -0/ and Financial AId for Fu t Degree St dy a Common\\ eaIth Urn\'ersi iesl£3.-0).
The Report of Proceedings of the 14th Congress of the Univer ities of the Commonwealth held in Perth, Western ustralia, in February 19 8, containing - the papers presented (some in hortened form), summaries of the discu ions and a report by each of the 7 Topic Chairmen on the week's work of his group. PIu the Keynote Address on the ConJ!re s theme - The Contribution of Universities to l ational Development and the names of the 475 participants.
Detail 01 scholar hips grants, loans, a si tant hip, etc open to graduate of Commonwealth universities who wish to undertake postgraduate (including postdoctoral) study or re earch at a Commonwealth university out ide their own country. Appendi es over award tenable at non-university institutions and awards tenable in UK by UK graduates. Price.£ 13.50 po t free (by urface overseas). All the above publications available from: The A ociation of Commonwealth niver ities, John Fa ter House, 36 Gordon Square, London WCIH OPF.
For Sale: Two Tin Trunks Grey L - 2' 8", W - I' 1)1 ", D - I' 7". Excellent condition, lockable and key available. Black L - 2' 8", W - I' 6", D - l' 4". Good condition. Offers invited. Contact the Archive, Strand, ext 2187. Golfer! Free green fees for six. 29 Decem ber - 4 January. Luxury elf-catering bungalow in Kent. Sleep ix, two bedrooms, two bathroom. £275 excluding electricity. Conta t Ann Knock on K49 .
Price £9.80 post free (by surface overseas). Grant for Study Vi it by Univer ity Adminsitrator and Librarian 1989-91. Awards open to the administrative and library staff of univer ities in Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth countries are listed in the 5 th edition of this ACU guide. For travel from one Commonwealth country to another and either way, between Commonwealth and foreign countries. Also include appendix listing courses and conference for adminstrators.
Comment is produced by the Information Office on the Strand campus. Copy date for the next edition is Friday 2 December for publication in the week of 12 Decem be .