Campus News
Nottingham Research and Anne McLaren Fellowships — showcase event
October 4th, 2017
The University of Nottingham is committed to attracting and retaining the next generation of outstanding research leaders to help us to transform lives through our world-leading research.
Our competitive Nottingham Research and Anne McLaren Fellowships offer three years’ independent research funding and are linked to a permanent academic post.
We are keen to promote the excellent research undertaken by our Nottingham Research and Anne McLaren Fellows, and are delighted to announce that a Research Fellowships Showcase, hosted by the Faculty of Science, will take place on Wednesday 11 October. This event will be held from 9.45am to 4pm at Orchard Hotel, University Park.
Speakers will include Nottingham Research and Anne McLaren fellows from the Faculty of Science alongside presentations from key facilities and Beacons of Excellence. The event will showcase some of the excellent research undertaken by our fellows, highlight opportunities for potential collaborations, and also promote the fellowship scheme to those thinking of applying.
Please register to secure your place at the event.
Find our more about our Fellowship schemes.
Tags: Faculty of Science, Nottingham Research and Anne McLaren Fellowships, Research Fellowships
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Tuition fees
October 3rd, 2017
This weekend, ahead of the annual Conservative Party conference, the Prime Minister Theresa May announced changes to tuition fees for 2018/19:
- the maximum level of tuition fees for Home/EU undergraduates will be frozen at £9,250 for 2018/19;
- the repayment threshold for post-2012 student loans will rise from £21,000 to £25,000.
Speaking at the conference on Wednesday 4 October, the Prime Minister confirmed the government’s intention to conduct a “major review of university funding and student financing.”
The formal government announcement is available here, and WonkHE will continue to provide analysis and insight — sign up for its Monday Morning Briefing here.
Tags: tuition fees
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Black History Month 2017
October 2nd, 2017
Black History Month 2017 is now underway — it’s the fifth year that we have celebrated this event at the University of Nottingham.
During the last half-decade, Black History Month has become a powerful and thought-provoking tradition at the university — helping us to celebrate black history and black culture whilst encouraging thought and challenging perceptions.
What is Black History Month, and why do we celebrate it?
2017 marks the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in the UK. The first ever BHM UK event took place in London on 1 October 1987.
Akyaaba Addai Sebbo is widely regarded as having set up Black History Month in the UK while working at the Greater London Council as co-ordinator of Special Projects — creating a programme to recognise the contributions of black people to British culture, economy and politics. Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who worked with Sebbo, has commented, “Despite the significant role that Africa and its Diaspora have played in the world civilization since the beginning of time, Africa’s contribution has been omitted or distorted in most history books.”
Black History Month gives us an opportunity to highlight the value of black participation and lived experience throughout history, and this is valuable for both staff and students.
For the University of Nottingham, as a higher education institution, it is particularly notable that Black History Month in the UK is held in October. Some sources suggest that this time of year was chosen in response to ongoing concern about the experience of black students in the UK — held at the beginning of the academic calendar, Black History Month is an opportunity for universities to engage with our black communities. As the Higher Education sector works to address the attainment gap between black and white students, Black History Month is also an opportunity to challenge assumptions and provide a counterpoint to largely Eurocentric curricula.
Speaking about this year’s Black History Month celebrations, Val Watson, Chair of the University’s BME Staff Network, says:
“It is important to celebrate Black History Month because it provides a spotlight on the achievements of black people everywhere. However, black people achieve and make ‘history’ and positive contributions every day of the year. We have seen how quickly this can be forgotten, hidden or denied. So let’s stand proud and celebrate. To quote from others: Let us remember the past and continue to work at shaping the future.”
Vice Chair of the BME Staff Network, Lenford Vassell, added:
“The contributions of black people is self-evident throughout our society, from the humble traffic lights to the first heart surgery. Black History Month is and was supposed to act as a catalyst for year-round debate and recognition.”
Schedule of events
This year, highlights from our Black History Month programme include:
- Historians Against Slavery Conference
Saturday 7 October – Sunday 8 October
Join Historians Against Slavery (HAS) as it holds its biennial conference outside of the United States for the first time, at the International Slavery Museum (ISM) in Liverpool. This two-day conference will mark the 10th Anniversary of the ISM as well as Black History Month 2017. - Dreadlocks Story: Film screening and discussion
7:30pm, Monday 9 October
Dreadlocks Story director Linda Aïnouche holds a film screening and discussion about the bonds of the survival of African and Indian culture in Jamaica in view of upfront anti-slavery and anti-imperialist struggles. - ‘How the south won the American Civil War…. and why the United States is still fighting it’
6:00pm, Tuesday 10 October
Professor John Stauffer, Harvard University, presents the Distinguished Annual American Studies lecture from the University of Nottingham’s Department of American and Canadian Studies during Black History Month 2017. This lecture outlines how the effects of the American civil war continued beyond 1865 – and still continue to affect race relations today. - Black History Month Celebration: A live music performance
8:00pm, Saturday 14 October
Live music and performances from three singer/songwriters — plus music from a DJ. - Digging deeper: unearthing narratives of black British coal miners
12:00pm – 1.30pm, Tuesday 17 October
Historian and author Norma Gregory presents an illustrated narrative on the struggles and experiences of African Caribbean coal miners from across the UK. A buffet lunch will be provided. - The Tempest (a Bilimankhwe International Theatre production)
7:30pm, Friday 27 October
A powerful, passionate production featuring stunning contemporary African choreography and an original soundtrack which samples traditional Malawian music. Taking place at Lakeside Arts. Tickets for this event are £15.00.
There will also be several other events taking place at the University as part of Black History Month 2017. For full listings, please visit the University’s Events page.
In addition to our Black History Month events we will also be hosting a Race Equality Conference in partnership with the University of Birmingham. Race Equality in Higher Education — what’s it got to do with you? aims to increase understanding about race inequality in Higher Education, spark debate and conversation about the impact on staff and students, and set out how the ECU’s Race Equality Charter can provide a framework for addressing these issues.
Don’t miss out
We hope that you enjoy Black History Month 2017 and continue to find it interesting, informative and stimulating.
To find out more about the University’s Black History Month programme and Race Equality Conference please email the People and Culture team.
For updates throughout October, please subscribe to the People and Culture blog and for further details of events taking place this month, please visit the University’s Event listings.
Tags: bhm, bhm17, Black History Month, BME Staff Network, people and culture, Val Watson
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A message from the new Vice-Chancellor
October 2nd, 2017
Dear colleagues,
I am delighted and honoured to be joining you today as your seventh Vice-Chancellor. I feel privileged to have been chosen to build on the outstanding legacy of Professor Sir David Greenaway and to be part of a University known for its global outlook, world-leading research and the exceptional education experienced by our students.
I am a strong believer in the value of a comprehensive university like Nottingham. We produce research that provides new discoveries across the full disciplinary spectrum, fosters different ways of thinking and benefits society, the economy and our quality of life; and we offer an education that promotes globally aware, responsible citizens who are prepared for a changing world of work. Nottingham has nurtured Nobel laureates, world leaders, opinion formers and prize-winning authors. This would not be possible without the collective talent, dedication and creativity of staff and students from all our campuses.
These are tough times for those of us who work and study in universities. We are facing multiple pressures that show no signs of abating, and we labour under intense public, political and media scrutiny. The public and our political leaders rightly have high expectations of us, but the tone of public debate has become increasingly heated. It is important that we do not ignore these strongly held views and more important than ever to keep our charitable missions in the forefront of all we do. I have every confidence that we can work together to ensure that Nottingham adapts, thrives and retains its reputation for an entrepreneurial spirit and world-changing work, building on Jesse Boot’s foundational principles.
As a newcomer to Nottingham, I want to learn about the University as quickly as I can. In order to engage with as many as you as possible, I have created a special email account that will be live until the end of December. Please send your thoughts to vc-engagement@nottingham.ac.uk. Let me know what you are most proud of, what worries you and where you see possibilities for growth, change or innovation. This is a private account, so only I will have access to your ideas. I promise I will acknowledge all emails, and they will inform my thinking in the coming months.
I will also be undertaking a series of visits to academic schools and departments, and teams across administrative and professional services in all campuses over the next few months, after which an ongoing programme of engagement will enable me to keep in touch with all parts of the University on a regular basis.
Finally, I will be delivering my vision for the University in an inaugural lecture on Thursday 7 December, which we will aim to live stream across our campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia. Please join me there either in person or virtually. More information will be sent out in due course.
I look forward to working with you in this great University over the coming years.
Best wishes,
Shearer
Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor
You can view Professor West’s video message to staff below:
Tags: Professor Shearer West, Vice Chancellor
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Freeman of the City honour for Professor Sir David Greenaway
September 29th, 2017
The City Council is proposing to install Professor Sir David Greenaway as an Honorary Freeman of the City in recognition of the huge contribution he has made to Nottingham.
The decision will be formally taken at a special meeting of the Council in November, and will see Sir David become the 39th Honorary Freeman of the City, joining Rev William Booth, Brian Clough and Sir Paul Smith for the special title bestowed on those who have given ‘eminent service’ to Nottingham.
City Council Leader, Councillor Jon Collins, said: “Sir David’s contribution and commitment to Nottingham makes him a worthy recipient of the Freeman of the City title. As well as playing a key role in forging connections between Nottingham and other parts of the world, he has helped to steer Nottingham through turbulent economic waters and shaped some significant developments in the city.
“He has also been unstinting in his belief that improving life chances for Nottingham’s children, young people and families can best be achieved through ensuring access to the highest quality education. He has taken an active role in charitable work, raising significant funds for stroke and cancer charities.”
Sir David commented: “This is a deeply meaningful honour, and I am both thrilled and humbled to be recognised in this way. The vitality of our City and its future development is very close to my heart and I will continue to support the many initiatives in place to help make it an ever more supportive and attractive place to be, and to ensure the world knows what a great city we have, and what great people we have”.
The University congratulates Sir David on this exceptional honour.
Tags: city of nottingham, Council, David Greenaway, freeman of the city
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What an Impact! Celebrating £242m for University projects
September 29th, 2017
We are proud to report the official closing of Impact: The Nottingham Campaign — with a huge thank you to all our 18,500 donors who have helped raise a phenomenal £242,140,000 for the University, and to our 1,678 volunteers who have shared their time, skills and expertise with our global University community.
This has been the most successful fundraising campaign in the University’s history, and we have smashed our ambitious targets not once, but twice! Together we have progressed life-changing research for children with brain tumours, discovered new insights into diseases like breast cancer and dementia, and helped thousands of students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
A transformational campaign
A few highlights include:
- 3,228 talented students from all backgrounds said ‘yes’ to their University place, thanks to donations to our scholarship programmes.
- 13,298 students have boosted their skills and employability by getting involved in volunteer community projects in the UK and around the world — thanks to donations to our Cascade fund.
- Over 1,000 students have discovered new career paths, insights and opportunities, by spending time with our inspirational volunteers and mentors.
- Pupils at 160 schools in the East Midlands, living in areas under-represented within higher education, have participated in educational activities to raise aspirations and help them prepare for university.
- Over 50 talented Research Fellows and PhD studentships have joined our University community — plus 7 new Chairs, including a Chair of Jewish Studies.
- The time taken to diagnose a childhood brain tumour has halved in the UK. Today, 7 out of 10 children survive a brain tumour — more than ever before.
- Pilot results for our blood test to detect breast cancer early are looking very positive — with this innovative technology set to progress to the next stage.
- Our award-winning campuses have been transformed with state-of-the-art new facilities, including the innovative SABMiller Brewing Facility at Sutton Bonington and the GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry at Jubilee Campus.
- Over 21,500 students are now participating in our sport and physical activity programmes, thanks to a transformational gift from Law alumnus David Ross, whose generosity supported our impressive new sports village at University Park
- More than 4,000 students in the UK, Malaysia and China have taken modules at the Haydn Green Institute for Innovation and Enterprise. The Ingenuity Lab within the institute currently supports more than 2,500 members and 162 active businesses.
We thank all staff who support our work through payroll giving — Small Change, Big Impact — and to everyone who has taken part in Nottingham Life Cycle down the years, held a fundraising event or help support and manage our amazing volunteers. We also thank our students — everyone who works so hard to make the most of a scholarship, takes part in a Cascade project or participates in our mentoring programmes and career talks. Our donors, volunteers and alumni love to hear from you, and you never fail to impress and inspire our broader University community.
Though the Impact Campaign is coming to a close, our work is not done. Talent needs a catalyst. We will build on these strong foundations in the coming years, ensuring that our University remains a place where merit — not background — defines a Nottingham student, and where world-class research continues to tackle the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
Discover more about how the Impact Campaign is changing lives.
Tags: CBTRC, charity, Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre (CBTRC), funding, fundraising, Impact, Impact Campaign
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Portland Building redevelopment — update
September 27th, 2017
Back in March we shared plans for the redevelopment of the Portland Building. Work on this redevelopment is now well underway, with a number of new facilities and services being introduced.
Here’s what’s new:
- A new café — Portland Coffee Co — has opened on B Floor. This café is located at the end of the corridor on your left, as you enter the building from the steps at the front.
- Blackwell’s bookshop has relocated to B Floor — again, this is located on your left as you enter from the front of the building.
Please note that the area opposite Blackwell’s on B Floor is still under construction. Once finished, this space will house Jobzone, Portland Clothing Co and Heads Up. Click here to view a map of the area.
The Welcome Zone — located in the area formerly occupied by Blackwell’s — is also still under construction.
The landscaping at the back of Portland Building is well underway and is due to be completed this semester. Here, we’re introducing a number of new features:
- a terraced garden with a cascade water feature, linking the rear entrance of Portland to Cut-Through Lane and the bus stops
- a large pool with fountains linked to the cascade
- a large canopy by the bus stops, which will have dividing screens and a power supply so that we can create closed spaces for events
- improved landscaping, including trees, paths, cycle racks and connections with other routes
For more information on changes around campus, visit the Estates current developments webpage.
Tags: Blackwell's, Estates, heads up, Jobzone, Portland Building, Portland Coffee, redevelopment, welcome zone
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Success for Robin Hood runners as fundraising passes £30,000
September 25th, 2017
Congratulations to all of the runners who took part in this year’s series of Robin Hood Marathons; their efforts have helped raise over £30,000 for the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre.
More than 250 individuals from the University of Nottingham took part in the mini, half and full marathons through Nottingham on Sunday 24 September
The amount raised by the UoN runners — including staff, students, alumni, friends and members of the community — had reached over £29,000 by the day of the race. However, with fundraising channels still open, the team is now hoping to boost the funds beyond £35,000.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Science, Professor Kevin Shakesheff, who organised the team and the Robin Hood Marathon fundraising campaign, said:
“What a brilliant effort by everyone on the road and in their fundraising! Thank you to all who got involved and lent support.
“Congratulations need to be given to all who trained hard for this event over recent months — including Sonka Reimers, who won the overall Women’s marathon. All of the runners did a truly fantastic job.
“The amount raised is phenomenal and it will help research to improve lives of children with brain tumours.”
The UoN runners participated in the event as part of the university’s fundraising efforts for the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre — this year’s chosen Impact Campaign charity — under LifeCycle 7.
This year, Life Cycle 7 marks the 20th year that the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre has been at the forefront of leading research. The University wants to raise £500,000 to celebrate this momentous milestone.
Anybody who wishes to sponsor this weekend’s runners can do so via the ‘UoN 500 Runs the Robin Hood’ JustGiving pages.
If you would like to support Nottingham Life Cycle 7 at a slightly slower pace, it’s not too late to sign up for the family friendly Superhero Walk on University Park on Sunday 1 October.
Tags: charity, Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, fundraising, Impact Campaign, Kevin Shakesheff, Life Cycle, Life Cycle 7, robin hood marathon, UoN 500
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On-campus emergency contact
September 24th, 2017
In case of on-campus emergencies, we ask that all staff make a note of the appropriate emergency contact number.
In the event of an emergency on any of our UK campuses, please call 8888 from a networked phone or 0115 951 8888 from a mobile device.
This number will take you through to the Security Office and they will be able to meet and liaise with emergency services, escorting them to the correct location.
Please save this number to your contacts.
For more information on contacting emergency services, visit the University website.
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