news &views THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE
December 2009
In this issue:
Royal opening for worldclass facilities Grand opening for Charles Darwin building p.2
Annual graduation splendour 2,346 graduates receive their awards at Worcester Cathedral p.6
Double environmental success
University scoops two national awards p.5 & p.10
New chaplain licensed
New chaplain licensed by the Bishop of Worcester p.5
FEATURE
ROYALOPENING FOR
state of the art new facilities
T
he University’s new world-class science teaching and research facilities at the University of Worcester have been officially opened by HRH The Duke of Gloucester.
The Charles Darwin building houses the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU), which produces all of the UK’s pollen forecasts and assists police through its forensic services, on the ground floor; and the first floor includes state-of-the-art teaching laboratories. The building also includes a high-tech environmental test chamber, which is capable of replicating almost any climate in the world. HRH the Duke of Gloucester, the University’s Chancellor, toured the £7.5 million new facility on Wednesday, December 2 before unveiling a plaque in front of a host of guests. Professor David Green said: “We were delighted to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester to open this wonderful new facility. “This is an excellent addition to the University’s leading edge research and teaching facilities. It opens up important new areas including for example microbiology and research into eye allergies. I have no doubt that the outcome of the research conducted here will practically benefit many people in the region and beyond as well as provide an excellent training for our students. West Midlands firms will benefit as we are able to test their products independently and help them eliminate allergens.”
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The Duke met forensic biology students and lecturers, as well as staff from NPARU. He also witnessed much of the unit’s on-going work, including research into house dust-mites. The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit is dedicated to tackling environmental aspects of asthma, hayfever, and airborne allergens such as pollen and house dust mite both indoors and outdoors. The Unit also carries out work on behalf of the police, analysing pollen and airborne particles to gather evidence in serious crime cases. This specialist unit will now expand its work within the new facility. Professor Jean Emberlin, Director of the Unit, said: “The NPARU team is excited about the new building’s world class facilities for research and commercial activity in Aerobiology and Allergy, microbiology, forensic palynology and related topics. In particular the controlled environment room, which can replicate most climatic conditions and has unique features, can be used for a wide range of work, such as aerosol and pollution research, testing materials and appliances, pathogen viability and allergens, and will enable NPARU to be a centre of excellence at the European level.” The £7.5 million building and research labs have benefited from £2.25 million financial support from Advantage West Midlands and the Central Technology Belt. The rest has been paid for by the University through a Barclays loan and from reserves.
COVER STORY wELCOME
welcome W
elcome to the December 2009 edition of News & Views.
Once again there’s been so much going on at the University of Worcester over the last four weeks that it’s been an impossible task to stay within our allotted eight pages so this is another bumper edition. This issue’s cover story was always going to be the annual graduation ceremonies, but in any other month that honour would surely have been granted to the opening of the new Charles Darwin
building by HRH the Duke of Gloucester. Many people across multiple university departments were involved in the planning for this complicated event and it was gratifying to see the day go off without a hitch, despite a late running train! Elsewhere in this issue you’ll find the usual mix of achievements, launches and milestones, including two highly exciting pieces of environmental sustainability news. As always, we need your news, so please keep us informed via: newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
WORCESTER LEADS THE WAY IN
NEW FRAMEWORK FOR H.E. The University of Worcester is leading the way when it comes to many of the proposals set out in the Government’s new Framework for Higher Education, launched in November. Lord Mandelson has called for universities to engage more with the business community. The University of Worcester is currently the only university to offer a salaried graduate internship scheme, supported by the DirectorGeneral of the CBI and the General Secretary of the TUC. University Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, said: “This scheme, the first of its kind in the country, has achieved national recognition and is a testament to the positive work between many progressive businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and the West Midlands CBI with the University.”
The framework will focus on: improving social mobility; giving students more information; and an attempt to trigger economic growth. The University of Worcester boasts one of the highest recruitment rates for students from lower socio economic groups in the country and is engaged in a high number of widening participation activities. The new framework seeks to set out a 10 to 15 year strategy affecting every aspect of university life, from the quality of teaching to ways of funding research. It will lay the foundations for a review of the fees system. Professor Green said: “We enjoy a reputation for careful financial management and securing value for money. We have used our additional fee income to improve direct financial support to our students while further improving educational opportunities and quality.”
contents COVER STORY Annual graduation splendour
6
features Royal opening for state of the art new facilities Consultation continues over new enterprise, science and sport park
2 5
news Worcester leads the way in new framework for H.E. Professors deliver presentation on vital wound care research Artists’ work on display at cathedral Graduate Lisa secures dream job in Australia Recycling scheme receives top international green award University’s new chaplain licensed Students learn about personal safety Professor of Dementia Studies calls for more training and research to tackle failings Mentors celebrated at awards ceremony Worcester first to strike gold New writer in residence appointed University raises cash for national charities Festive celebrations Students urged to borrow from university rather than sharks Farmers should advise African governments says Worcester academic Bringing Infirmary history back to life Hoops for health
3 4 4 4 5 5 5 8 8 10 10 10 11 11 11 12 12
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / DECEMBER 2009 / 3
news
PROFESSORS DELIVER
PRESENTATION ON VITAL WOUND CARE
RESEARCH Two Worcester professors recently delivered presentations at a national conference. Professor Richard White, the UK’s first and only professor of tissue viability, and Professor Dominic Upton, Professor of Health Psychology, presented their work at the Wounds UK 2009 conference in Harrogate. The pair delivered on a piece of research they are conducting into the physiological and psychological effects of stress on healing. “The research looks at the physiological and psychological effects that people experience when they have a wound,” Professor Upton said. This is a key issue for thousands of people, according to Professor White, who added: “We are bringing together the work that I do in wound care with those of Professor Upton and the psychology department to try to improve conditions for people with chronic and acute wounds.” He added: “Across the UK there are thousands of people suffering from leg ulcers and other pressure wounds, who, as a result of this, are confined to their homes or severely impaired in their day to day lives. They may also be in a lot of pain. This all has a huge effect on their psychological health and is something that goes largely unreported.” The pair’s research explores how health practitioners can play more of a part in improving health and the patients’ psychological health, along with how different kinds of dressings and equipment can help patients. The professors took part in the conference on November 10, along with Clare Morris, Tissue Viability Advisor with Betsi Cadwaladr University Board.
Artists’ work on display at cathedral Members of the public recently had the opportunity to view and contribute to the work of two Worcester academics who have been appointed as Artists in Residence at the Cathedral. Pippa Galpin and Maureen Gamble are half way through a two-year project creating pieces of art inspired by the historic surroundings of the Cathedral. They opened up their studio at the Cathedral on Friday, December 4 for people to see what they have achieved so far. “We want the public to also contribute to our work in progress, either by interacting directly with it or through discussion,” Maureen said. Maureen has kept a visual weekly diary throughout the year and has made entries at the same time each week based on what she has observed in various parts of the building. She has also created a number of sculptural installations that explore the place of the individual within the space using height and scale. Pippa is interested in how the space has been used throughout the centuries and she has taken ceramic impressions of the floor which evidence where people have walked, knelt and touched. “Both pieces of work are in response to the architecture of the space in its spiritual, social, historical and cultural aspects,” Pippa said. “I wanted to capture the space through the sense of touch, looking at where the building was worn.” The University of Worcester Artist in Residency at Worcester Cathedral scheme was first set up in 2004, as a partnership between the University and Cathedral.
graduate Lisa secures dream job in australia
A mature student from Hereford is to emigrate to Australia in the New Year to begin her working life as a nurse.
Lisa Davies has secured a job at the Royal Adelaide Hospital after graduating from the University of Worcester. She begins her new career on February 1 2010, when she and her family will make the life-changing move to the other side of the world. The 40-year-old mother-of-three said: “Once all my children were at school I realised that I wanted a career that was more fulfilling so I decided to go back into full time education. I really enjoyed my time at Worcester. I made lots of new friends and found that going back into education gave me a new confidence in myself.“ Lisa’s sister lives in Adelaide and so she was able to combine an opportunity to work at the Royal Adelaide Hospital with visiting her. “I had considered the possibility of going out there in the short term but this helped me make up my mind to apply and consider moving there permanently.”
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NEWS
Recycling scheme receives
r top international green award
UNIVERSITY’S
NEW CHAPLAIN
LICENSED A licensing ceremony peformed by the Bishop of Worcester has marked the official start of the Revd Dr Fiona Haworth’s role as University Chaplain.
There has not been a full time chaplain based at the University for some years, so Fiona’s arrival is a very welcome addition for students and staff of any faith or none. Dr Haworth said, “I would like to thank everyone for their support at my licensing service, especially everyone who contributed from the University and the community. Building a multifaith chaplaincy will take time, I am grateful for all the encouragement I have received so far from local ministers and faith leaders. The University is in an exciting stage of its life and it is good to be part of a dynamic institution creating great opportunities for people to flourish and grow.” The Bishop of Worcester said, “I am delighted to license Fiona today as the first full-time Chaplain at the University of Worcester. This is an exciting and significant development for the churches and for the University.”
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A scheme to encourage Worcester students to recycle their waste has won a Gold award at this year’s Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practise.
epresentatives from both Worcester City Council and the University attended the awards ceremony at the House of Commons on November 17, to find out that they had scooped the top award.
Katy Boom, Head of Sustainability and Development, said: “This award is recognition of all the hard work undertaken by both the University and Worcester City Council to improve recycling rates and engage with students. We were absolutely thrilled to win gold.”
The University and City Council have now been invited to join the National Green Heroes, an elite group of environmental achievers who use their experience to help thousands of others – and the environment – around the world. Councillor Roger Knight, Deputy Leader, and portfolio holder for Cleaner and Greener City, said: “It’s a great pleasure to work in partnership with such an influential body as the University to manage issues regarding waste in our City. “Projects like this are hard work and it’s difficult to get the message across, but if we can convince our students to lead the way and set an example, it can encourage the rest of us to go that little bit further and ensure all our waste goes in the appropriate bin.” Organised the the Green Organisaton, the Green Apple Awards are now in their sixteenth year and attracted more than 500 nominations this year. Turn to page 10 for more environmental sustainability news.
STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT
PERSONAL SAFETY
Students have benefited from an event which encouraged them to keep both themselves and their belongings safe. The Personal Safety Day was part of a personal safety campaign held in association with Student Services at the University, Worcester City Council, West Mercia Police and the local Neighbourhood Watch. Jude Langton, Community Safety Manager for Worcester City Council, said: “We’re trying to make students more aware of their personal safety by giving out advice on how to stay safe. We have given away lots of goodies such as mugs, personal alarms and USB memory sticks with personal safety information loaded on to them.” Jenny King, Student Wellbeing Assistant, said: “It’s good to be strengthening our partnerships with the city council and the police. Personal safety is important for everybody who attends the University. The students were very receptive and positive about the day.”
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COVER STORY
Library and history centre gets green light
Annual graduation splendour This year’s graduation ceremonies saw a record number of students City planners havepresented given the go their degrees in the with ahead to Worcester’s innovative magnificent Worcester Cathedral.
new library and history centre.
Over three days at the beginning of November, a total of 2,346 Worcester students received their awards. As is traditional, each ceremony was preceded by a colourful and impressive procession of academic staff in their robes, making their way from Worcester’s Guildhall to the Cathedral. The University’s Chancellor, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, was also in attendance at one of the ceremonies. “a building that in its own way is as significant as the cathedral down he £60 million joint project between Worcestershire Vice Chancellor David Green said: “This has been a most exciting year for the road”. County Council and the University of Worcester is set to Professor the university University of Worcester with a record number of graduates achieving high quality house Europe’s first fully integrated public and Peter Parkes, Head of Strategic Projects at Worcestershire degrees in a range of subjects. Worcester Cathedral is a fitting venue to celebrate the library, the Worcestershire Record Office, Worcestershire County Council, said: “This is an important day for the people achievements and dedication of our graduates, and to honour new university fellows Historic Environment and Archaeology Service and the of Worcestershire and the West Midlands region as a whole. The Worcestershire Hub Customer Service Centre, which and will honorary be open toMAs. planning approval reflects the overwhelming public support we members of the public and students. “Looking to the future, know that ourproject graduates an construction invaluable of a havewe received for the andwill willmake see the contribution growth and development wider society, and we class facility to houseofa the wideregion rangeand of new and innovative The centre is expected to attract around one million visitors a year,to theworld are very proud of them.” services, providing opportunity and access for all. The whole project from across the globe. will help to regenerate this area of the City Centre and bring new Developer Galliford Try, the firm appointed to deliverThe thegraduates project were joined by 11 people who were awarded honorary masters degrees jobs and economic benefit to the region.” or fellowships through a Private Finance Initiative, lodged the detailed planning for their major contributions to society. application with Worcester City Council, whose planning committee Anne Hannaford, Director of Information and Learning Services University fellowships were awarded: to David Blakey CBE, former Chief Constable of at the University, added: “We are absolutely delighted with the unanimously gave it the green light. West Mercia Police; Anthony Glossop, Chairman and former Chief Executive of one decision. This joint library and history centre will provide something of the UK’s leading regeneration companies; Colin Kinnear, Chairman of a successful Members of the committee described the development as “iconic” for everyone, whether it’s a quiet space to work or read, or a place Worcester business; John Leftwich, the first Englishman to become an Executive and “revolutionary” with one councillor suggesting it could become to meet friends and socialise.
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COVER STORY
Officer of Microsoft; Muff and Ginny Murfin, a couple who trained as teachers at Worcester before becoming entrepreneurs in the radio industry; The Hon Marigold Webb, a distinguished garden writer and designer of three Chelsea Gold medal gardens in 1990, 1992 and 1996; and Peter Williams CBE, the former Chief Executive of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. "We can now look forward to getting it built and to start using are awarded to those who either already have a close association with thisFellowships amazing facility.” the University or have indicated that they wish to develop one. Fellows join the Stephen Lamont, Project Director for Galliford Try Investments, University’s College of Fellows, which provides opportunities for the individual to added: “The approval from the city planners gives the green support the University in ways that reflect their particular areas of expertise and light for this significant community project to go ahead and, experience. while a great deal of work still remains to be done, I welcome masters degrees were also awarded to: Kevin Connolly, ex-Worcester thisHonorary announcement.” schoolboy and now an award-winning journalist; Janet Paraskeva, former University The Worcester Library and History Centre will not just provide of Worcester student and now Chair of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement first-rate learning and heritage facilities, it also plays a role in Commission; and Henry Sandon MBE, one of the antique world’s best loved figures the regeneration of the City Centre and will create a significant and notable Worcester resident. number of jobs. It will be open to members of the public, as well are awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves as Honorary students atdegrees the University. in their chosen field. Normally, these individuals will have an association with the Work will begin on the site later this year and the Library and University or the local region. History Centre is scheduled to open in January 2012.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / DECEMBER 2009 / 7
news
Professor of
Dementia Studies calls for more training and research to tackle care failings Many hospital staff are in urgent need of more training to make them more aware of the needs of patients with dementia and to help them provide appropriate care, according to Dawn Brooker, the University’s Professor of Dementia Studies. Professor Brooker believes that patients with dementia admitted to general hospitals for a variety of reasons often do not receive the right level of care because dementia is seen as “nobody’s core business”. A lack of training among all hospital staff on understanding the special needs of patients with dementia, can lead to a situation where dementia patients fail to take medication, miss meals, or give misleading information to medical staff. Professor Brooker, who has been appointed as an expert adviser to a new programme for improving care for patients with dementia in Wolverhampton hospitals, called for urgent action as the Alzheimer’s Society published a report on research that has found that most people with dementia leave hospital worse than when they arrive. She said: “The Alzheimer’s Society report shows that the level of care in general hospitals for many people with dementia is appalling. The problem is that while being in hospital is extremely disorientating for dementia patients, many staff may be unaware that patients have
the condition or will not have been trained to know how to deal with it. “It is very difficult for NHS staff to provide good quality care for dementia patients. They want to provide it, but are hampered by lack of training and resources and by competing priorities.” Professor Brooker has helped establish an Association for Dementia Studies at the University, in collaboration with Worcestershire NHS Primary Care Trust, Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, and the charity ‘for Dementia’. “The key to tackling many problems in hospitals and care homes is training and developing leaders in the various health and care professions so that they have a sound knowledge of dementia, backed by research,” Professor Brooker added. “Unless we can develop those movers and shakers, then the state of play will remain the same and we will continue to get it wrong for people with dementia.”
Mentors N
urses and midwives who mentor students from the University of Worcester have been celebrated during an awards ceremony.
The University’s Mentor Awards evening saw 11 awards handed out to recognise the outstanding contribution to the student practice learning experience by those professionals acting as mentors.
celebrated at awards ceremony if the clinical placement is their first taste of nursing/ midwifery in practice.
“We wanted to recognise and celebrate the nurses and midwives who make an outstanding contribution to the student practice learning experience
Robert Dudley, Head of Pre-Registration Nursing at the University, said: “Mentors are the key to successful practice learning for many students, particularly
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by building successful mentoring relationships with students from the University of Worcester and beyond.”
He added: “The Mentor Awards Steering Committee found the task of selecting the winners a demanding one as it was clear that all the nominations demonstrated excellence in mentorship.” The event took place at Worcester Warriors Rugby Club and the opening address was given by Professor Tamar Thompson OBE, a governor at the University and Lead Nurse for the National NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement.
FEATURE
CONSULTATION CONTINUES OVER NEW
enterprise, science and sport
park
M
aster planners, developing a vision for the University of Worcester’s Grove Farm site, have met with residents to discuss their ideas.
Representatives from the University and master planners ADP addressed residents at a meeting last week about some of the current options for the layout of the site. The University is looking to develop new enterprise, science, sport and environmental facilities on the 47 acre site, which will create hundreds of jobs in Worcester, as well as increasing the education and employment opportunities for students. The new University Park could incorporate research laboratories, an indoor sports complex and playing fields, plus a business/ sciences park, incorporating offices and commercial premises connected to the University’s work in enterprise and science. It could also be the site of a new Park and Ride run by Worcestershire County Council. The meeting, which is part of an on-going consultation, gave residents an update of
current ideas for the layout of the site and a chance to ask questions and input into the plans. Dr Martin Doughty, Pro Vice Chancellor (Resources), said: “It was a successful meeting. We want to involve residents throughout this process, and although we are still in the very early stages of planning what to do with the site we wanted to keep residents informed and get their views.” The development of the site is a long-term project for the University and is expected to plough millions of pounds into the regional economy over the next 15-20 years. This is in addition to the 1,000plus jobs that will be generated by the University’s new City Campus. The University currently injects over £200 million a year into the regional economy and this development will increase this further. The University has been seeking to purchase a major site to enable the long term development of science and sports related enterprises in particular for some years.
This site, which is just over one mile from the University’s St John’s campus, offers excellent long term potential for development for business, sport, science and the environment. Professor David Green said: “This site will give Worcester the opportunity to participate more fully in the fruits of the modern knowledge economy. Over a number of years, there is every prospect of creating an excellent facility with many new high quality job opportunities in business, sport, science and the environment.” The University will work with a number of partners to make full use of the land, while using its scientific expertise to enhance the excellent environmental potential of the site. The land already has outline planning permission for a business park. The University has been consulting with members of the University, local residents and others on the long term, sustainable development of this site.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / DECEMBER 2009 / 9
news
Worcester
gold
first to strike
Worcester has become the first university in England to achieve a Gold EcoCampus Award for the whole organisation. The University has been recognised for its commitment to continually improving its environmental performance through a range of initiatives and in a structured way. The EcoCampus scheme was launched by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, in 2005, when the University of Worcester was selected as one of 10 pilot universities to take part. The University achieved a Bronze award in early 2008 and later that year secured Silver. Professor David Green said: “This award shows that the University is truly committed to managing its environmental impact and reducing its CO2 emissions. I am delighted by the positive approach taken by staff, students and partners in achieving this accolade.” Head of Sustainability and Development, Katy Boom, said: “We have developed targets in many areas for example energy waste, transport and construction, and have developed action plans for communications, procurement, biodiversity and have a number of behaviour change projects for students and staff. These are all designed to mitigate the University’s significant environmental impacts.” Earlier this year, the University was also presented with the coveted Carbon Trust Standard. Fewer than 10 universities have received the certification, which is awarded to institutions in the UK for measuring and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.
New
Writer in Residence A
appointed
Presteigne author has been appointed as the University’s new Writer in Residence. Helena Attlee is a non-fiction author who specialises in gardens, writing specifically about the cultural history of gardens and the lives of the people connected with them. Helena has written eight books about the gardens of many different countries, including Italy, Portugal and Japan. She is a fellow of the Royal Literary Fund, which has organised and paid for her one-year post at the University.
“I’m really delighted to be at the University of Worcester,” Helena said. “I didn’t realise how much my experience as a writer could help others with their work, no matter what the subject. It’s a huge pleasure to be able to help students, whether it’s by looking at the structure of their writing, or assisting with research methods.” Helena is on hand to help anyone at the University with academic or general writing skills including offering students practical advice on essays, dissertations and theses. Helena also lectures on a broad spectrum of subjects within garden history. She is a visiting lecturer on the garden history MA course at Birkbeck and lectures regularly to a number of professional and non-professional groups. 10 / DECEMBER 2009 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
UNIVERSITY RAISES CASH FOR
NATIONAL CHARITIES The final totals of two charity events at the University have now been announced.
This year’s cake stall and raffle in aid of Children in Need raised £1164.50 – comfortably beating last year’s total of £1050. As always, colleagues in the Finance Office worked tirelessly for the appeal. Honourable mentions are also due to Unitots for their contribution, the Students’ Union for selling the remaining cakes, English Mutual and their Wealth of Happiness fund for their donation of £100.00, and everyone who sold spots on the scratch cards and donated cakes and raffle prizes. The total amount raised by October’s Wear It Pink Day in aid of Breast Cancer Campaign was £394. Colleagues from Student Services, Registry Services and Finance made a host of cakes, which were sold throughout the day, plus there was a raffle and Bra Banks around campus for staff and students to donate unwanted items to women in poorer countries. Organiser Joseph Bayley, Admissions Assistant, said: “So many of us have been touched by breast cancer, either by knowing family, friends or colleagues who have been affected, or personally suffering, so we wanted to support this important cause. “I’m really pleased with the support we received from both staff and students who all got in the spirit of the event.”
COVER STORY news
Festive
Celebrations Mulled Wine and Mince Pies, Main Reception, December 17, 4pm A traditional part of the University Christmas for many years, this year’s mulled wine and mince pies celebration will take place on Thursday 17 December from 4pm in main reception. This event is an informal opportunity to celebrate the festive season and toast the successes of the year with fellow colleagues and members of the Board of Governors. If possible, please reply to rsvp@worc.ac.uk by 10 December or write to Annabel Kray in Communication and Development if you are able to join us.
P
rofessor David Green has called for a national campaign to encourage students facing STUDENTS a severe cash crisis to contact their university finance office immediately for advice financial support. URGED TO His calland follows a BBC investigation that has found some students have fallen prey to text BORROW FROM advertising from loan sharks offering ‘easy money’ with sky high interest rates. problem has been exacerbated by severe hold-ups in the processing of student loans that UNIVERSITY The has left thousands of students with no funds to cover their living and study costs. RATHER THAN The University of Worcester has already lent £20,000 this term to students in need of assistance. SHARKS Professor Green said: “With so many students facing genuine hardship there needs to be a
national campaign to encourage them to turn to their university for help rather than loan sharks Students in dire financial straits have offering money with interest rates as high as 2,689 % APR. Every university in the country has been urged to shun loan sharks and turn staff that are there to provide advice and support to students in real difficulty.” instead to their own university for help. Roger Prout, Head of Student Services, said: “We have been very proactive in encouraging students to come to us first. Our staff are able to offer very good advice and there may be the chance to offer a short term loan.”
Farmers should advise
African governments says Worcester academic
Governments in African nations affected by drought should take advice from their farming communities in order to increase food production, according to a senior Worcester academic. Dr Alan Dixon believes that governments in countries such as Ethiopia and Malawi were often more concerned about finding quick fixes. “Governments are often just interested in short term food production targets rather than the long term sustainability,” he said. Alan has been carrying out research into community-based wetland management for food security in western Ethiopia. Many villages are increasingly struggling to grow enough produce to survive through the African dry season, but wetland areas can support agriculture all year round. “We have found that the indigenous communities are very good at working through the problems of droughts and utilising their land,” he said. “Communities will share their experiences and will experiment to find the best solution. But too often governments will interfere and impose unsustainable systems. They need to listen to the people on the ground if the country is to have any chance of over-coming and adapting to the problems caused by drought and climate change.”
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / DECEMBER 2009 / 11
news
Bringing Infirmary history
back to life
H
PS
FOR HEALTH
An exhibition and education space could be created inside the new City Campus.
T
he University and the George Marshall Medical Museum have secured funding to develop plans for an interactive, educational museum and gallery space within the former Infirmary buildings.
The Museum@WRI would include collections of artefacts from the Infirmary and across Worcestershire, as well as exhibitions celebrating the history of the site.The project has secured almost £15,000 in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to pay for the initial development. It is hoped that a bid for further funding, totalling £550,000, to implement the scheme, will be successful in the future, allowing the museum space to open in mid 2011. Anne Hannaford, Director of Information and Learning Services, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the history of this site, where the British Medical Association was founded in 1832, and to engage the community in the history and future of medicine. It will enable curriculum development for schools and Higher Education, offer work placement and volunteering opportunities, and engage further community engagement and outreach.” Catriona Smellie, Curator at the George Marshall Medical Museum based at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, added: “Stories of local healthcare, as well as Powick Hospital and community memories of the WRI, will be celebrated using collections currently in storage.”
Our next Open Evening takes place on Tuesday 12 January and we want you to help ensure it’s our best ever. If you would be interested in helping out on the Welcome Desk, or just generally making the event as successful as possible then we want to hear from you. Contact Annabel Kray on a.kray@worc.ac.uk to find out more, including rates of pay.
OPEN EVENING 12 January 2010, 5pm-7pm 12 / DECEMBER 2009 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
Y
oungsters at schools across Worcester have been taking part in an innovative programme with the Worcester Wolves basketball team and the University of Worcester.
The Hoops for Health project is a national programme delivered by a number of professional basketball clubs. Over seven weeks Worcester Wolves players and University students visited 10 primary schools in Worcestershire to convey a range of positive health messages including the importance of keeping physically active and eating healthily. Dines Green Primary School in Worcester was among those to take part. Headteacher Steve Gough said: “Schemes like this are vital to emphasise to children the importance of a healthy lifestyle. We are delighted to have worked with the University and the Wolves.” The programme was designed with the input and support of Sports Development Officers, the Primary Care Trust, Aim Higher and the Specialist Sports Colleges Officers network. Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “The youngsters and the schools that we have visited so far have really responded positively to the sessions and when we re-visit it is encouraging to see that many claim to be implementing good practice from the sessions.”