Campus News
Student Services staff briefing sessions for July
July 11th, 2016
A second round of Student Services briefing sessions will be taking place from Tuesday 12 July until Friday 29 July. These events will be open to all staff – academic and administrative in both schools/faculties/departments and Professional Services – and will be a valuable opportunity to find out more about the new Student Services team.
The sessions have been arranged per faculty and will be delivered by the Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor (or a representative) and senior colleagues in Student Services. However, if you can’t make one of your Faculty’s events, or are a member of Professional Services staff, you are welcome to attend any event of your convenience.
These sessions will be an hour long with a half hour presentation and a half hour of questions. The presentation will include updates on welfare support, the Task Alignment Matrix, transition plans and how specific processes (coursework submission, module enrollment, timetabling) will work under the new Student Services organisation. The times and locations of these events can be found below:
- Tuesday 12 July – 9.30am-10.30am, LT4, Medical School, hosted by Prof John Atherton
- Tuesday 12 July – 11.30am-12.30pm, B62, Law and Social Sciences Building, University Park, hosted by Prof Todd Landman
- Wednesday 13 July – 10am-11am, A48, Sir Clive Granger Building, University Park, hosted by Prof Jeremy Gregory
- Thursday 14 July – 2pm-3pm, LR2, Lecture Block, Sutton Bonington, Prof hosted by Kevin Shakesheff
- Friday 15 July – 2pm-3pm, B3, Life Sciences Building, University Park, hosted by Prof Kevin Shakesheff
- Monday 18 July – 10am-11am, B1 Physics Building, University Park, hosted by Prof Kevin Shakesheff
- Monday 18 July – 11am-12pm, A30, Vet School, Sutton Bonington, hosted by Prof John Atherton
- Tuesday 19 July – 2pm-3pm, B3, Life Sciences Building, University Park, hosted by Andy Long
- Wednesday 20 July – 2pm-3pm, LT2, Exchange Building, Jubilee Campus, hosted by Todd Landman
- Thursday 21 July – 11.30am-12.30pm, LT1, Medical School, hosted by John Atherton
- Thursday 21 July – 2pm-3pm, B1, Law and Social Sciences Building, University Park, hosted by Jeremy Gregory
- Friday 22 July – 3pm-4pm, C14, Pope Building, University Park, hosted by Prof Andy Long
- Wednesday 27 July – 10am-11am, A50 Clinical Sciences Building, City Hospital, hosted by Prof John Atherton
- Friday 29 July – 10am-11am, 307, Derby School of Nursing, Royal Derby Hospital, hosted by Prof John Atherton
These events will be a useful opportunity for colleagues to remain up-to-date with progress in Student Services, and all colleagues are encouraged to attend an event of their choosing.
Tags: briefing events, briefing sessions, Project Transform, staff briefing, student services
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Masters students brew their own beer in the name of academic research
July 8th, 2016
In February this year three students taking an MSc in Brewing Science and Practice at The University of Nottingham, got the opportunity to brew and market their own beer as part of their project dissertation. Their task – to produce a 3,000 litre commercial batch of beer.
The postgraduate team behind the new German-style ‘Altbier’ are Stefano Occhi, responsible for PR, Quality and Timeline management; Will Brennand – Brewer; and Will Gelder – Sales and Marketing.
Now their work is done and the beer – ‘Alternate Universe’ – will be officially launched at 7.30pm on Tuesday 12 July at the Canalhouse pub in Nottingham. After that it will be available in Castle Rock pubs and selected bottle shops.
Stefano, who has a passion for brewing and dreams of running his own brewery one day, said: “Of course, this is a dissertation project so it had to be scientific but the project also involved marketing research, sensory analysis and product development. It was also very practical because the final production had to be on a commercial scale.”
“Our objective was to produce a craft beer that wasn’t too strong but reflected the old style German beers which are beginning to flourish once again. We think we’ve come up with just the right balance of flavours. ‘Alternate Universe’ is a pleasantly drinkable beer, well balanced with a malty, roasted caramel flavour which should have wide appeal.”
The project – now named zerogravity brewing – was introduced by Dr David Quain who brought the idea with him from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh where, not surprisingly, it increased in popularity year after year.
The team used the University’s state-of-the-art brewing facilities which include a micro brewery and the SAB Miller pilot plant.
You can hear more about the project via this BeerSmith Podcast.
A series of postgraduate courses are run by the The International Centre for Brewing Science, in the School of Biosciences which is home to a team of scientists working with the brewing industry to meet the challenges of the 21st century. They are researching new process developments targeted towards increased sustainability, efficient resource usage and minimising waste or effluents. This multi-disciplinary approach provides new solutions bringing together expertise in crop science, malting, brewing, sensory science, engineering, materials and environmental science.
Stefano said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of ‘Alternate Universe’, in collaboration with our friends at Castle Rock Brewery in Nottingham. We would also like to thank Cristiano Ferrari, a Nottingham based graphic designer for designing the new logo.”
The launch will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 12 July 2016 at the Canalhouse, 48-52 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7EH.
You can keep up with developments on Twitter @zerogravitybrew.
Tags: alternate universe, beer, brewery, Canalhouse pub, Castle Rock Brewery
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Firbeck Academy’s Build a Future day helps to celebrate new school
July 8th, 2016
Teachers and pupils at Firbeck Academy are getting ready to move into their new classrooms with a specially themed building day.
Youngsters at the school, in Firbeck Road, Wollaton took part in building themed activities such as painting involving building perspectives inspired by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, computer-aided building design and a Stomp-style dance.
The events were planned to help children at the school prepare for changes to the school due to building work which has taken place over the last year and is due to complete at the end of this month.
Renovation work began after the Nottingham University Samworth Academy (NUSA) Trust, which supports the school, contributed the money along with funding from the Education Funding Agency.
Work includes new insulated roofs and walls for many of the school buildings — providing warmer classrooms, better ventilation and a better learning environment for Firbeck’s 200 pupils.
Repairs have also been made to the nursery block roof and new boundary fencing, to allow greater use of the school grounds.
Jason Osprey, Headteacher of Firbeck Academy, said: “There is an incredible sense of excitement as the building work evolves and we look forward to welcoming our pupils back to their new school in September. Firbeck has and is undergoing a period of change and improvement at the moment and this is perfectly symbolised by the regeneration work of the new building.”
Firbeck Primary School became an academy in July 2013 when it joined the NUSA Trust.
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- Rhys Stevens (left) and Stephen Shaw (right) well on their way to creating the ‘tallest tower’
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- Frankie Boulton-Bear (left) and Romana Brooke-Dasilva deep in concentration during the Firbeck Academy ‘Build a Future’ day.
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- Roya Albasri pictured supporting two of her young friends during the Firbeck Academy ‘Build a Future’ day.
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- Daisy Kharel (left), Mrs Adams and Amelia Church (right) proving how strong their structure was – Firbeck Academy ‘Build a Future’ day.
Tags: community, local, Nottingham, Nottingham University Samworth Academies Trust, Nottingham University Samworth Academy, NUSA, Ofsted, school, teaching
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Could your expertise help our coverage of the Olympics?
July 8th, 2016
The External Relations team is compiling a list of experts to maximise coverage opportunities around the Rio Olympics.
We are looking for experts across a range of disciplines – not just sport related – who can provide interesting angles, blogs, analysis and tips. The media will be covering the Games 24/7 and looking for new angles and interesting research to talk about in between the headline events. Perhaps you could write a blog, give your expertise in an interview, provide top 10 tips for athletes or have a unique angle on the games and/or Brazil.
The following list, although not exhaustive, gives an idea of some of the angles media outlets are looking for.
- Sports historians
- Political scientists
- Economists
- Infectious diseases researchers with expertise in Zika, and various STIs
- Architecture + design researchers
- Data analysts/visualisation experts
- International relations scholars who study Brazil/South America
- Biomechanics experts
- Sports scientists
- Sports psychologists
- Nutrition experts who study elite athletes
- Researchers or research students in Rio who can blog from the ground
- Researchers who can provide images/videos of either the Games themselves, or of bodies in motion during sports performance, which I hope to use to create a series explaining optimal biomechanics for success in various sports
- Technology experts who can talk about the changing nature of the Games (with electronic judging etc.) as well as advances in areas such as the perfect fabric for swimwear
A webpage has been launched for alumni competitors and we intend to build on this with academic expertise and news.
If you can contribute then contact Liz Cass or your Faculty Media Relations Manager.
Tags: expertise, External Relations, media, media relations, Olympics, sport
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The Great Life Cycle Bake Off
July 8th, 2016
Victoria sponge? Cupcakes? Cookies?
Whatever your go-to recipe is, we’re encouraging you to bake, eat cake and raise funds for Life Cycle 6 – the University’s annual fundraising campaign, which this year is raising money and awareness for breast cancer research.
Go head to head with other schools and departments in our Great Life Cycle Bake Off – the team that raises the most money before Friday 29 July will be crowned Bake Off Champions. Although, where cake is involved, everyone’s a winner!
For more information or to request your fundraising pack please email impactcampaign@nottingham.ac.uk or see our Workspace page.
Tags: Bake Off, breast cancer, cake, Cancer, community, cycle, David Greenaway, get involved, health, Life Cycle, Life Cycle 6, research
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New book charts history of The University of Nottingham
July 7th, 2016
The first full-length history of The University of Nottingham has been penned by one of our academics, charting its origins as a technical college in the late Victorian era to its modern day success as a university with more than 40,000 students from more than 140 nations around the world.
Nottingham: a history of Britain’s global university, written by Professor John Beckett, traces the story of the University from those early days to the present time, exploring life on campus for generations of students.
Find out more about the book in a blog post from Professor Beckett, or order your copy today.
Tags: book, community, history, John Beckett, local
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Students complete English Channel swim for charity
July 7th, 2016
A relay team of six Nottingham swimmers, along with with one support swimmer, set out on Friday 24 June for the challenge of a life time as they attempted a two way English Channel swim.
The University of Nottingham students swam a total of 72 miles, in an attempt to raise £10,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust after one of their team members friend’s was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at a young age.
The team was made up of Joshua Harridine, 21, Alex Thurston, 35, James Bull, 20, Alex Kirtley, 20, Mary Heartshorne, 22, Hayden Ball, 20 and Rebecca Dutfield, 19 (reserve swimmer).
After the swim Josh Harridine said: “The opening eight to nine hours were unbelievably choppy with waves as big as 2 meters. All but one member of the team was ill, we were all exhausted and unable to recover after our swims. Those first few hours could have broken us, but it’s a testament to the strength of character and tenacity of the squad that they didn’t.
“Without the support crew I doubt we’d have made it half way to Calais. It was definitely a challenge but I’m so proud of the team for what we have achieved. From the whole squad it goes without saying that we are beyond proud to represent our friend and Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Despite two meter swells and rough weather conditions, the team beat their estimated time, completing the swim in 24 hours and 15 minutes.
They have raised over £3,000 so far, and Santander have agreed to match their total sum.
Tags: charity, English Channel, swimmers, Teenage Cancer Trust
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Nottingham reaches Green Gown Awards finals
July 6th, 2016
The Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) has announced the finalists for the Green Gown Awards 2016. The Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the UK.
Following success in 2015, the University has been nominated for two awards in the Community and the Continuous Improvement categories. In addition, Enactus Nottingham, who have worked closely with the University’s Sustainability Team have also been shortlisted for an award.
The Community nomination is based on our Diamond Wood project at Sutton Bonington. The creation of a new woodland environment on the edge of the village provides an educational and recreational resource for both staff and students as well as the local communities in the area. The project supports the University’s commitment to biodiversity and sustainability in woodland practice, which will provide education, enjoyment and interest to future generations.
Our entry for the Continuous Improvement Award was based on our commitment to sustainable travel and transport over the past 10 years with investment in walking, cycling and public transport, including the roll out of the University’s Ucycle bike hire scheme and the new tram network serving the Medical School, University Park and Highfields Sports Grounds.
The winners will be announced at the prestigious Awards Ceremony, which will take place on Thursday 10 November in Leicester. You can see the full list of nominees on the Green Gown Awards website.
Tags: Diamond Wood, EAUC, Enactus Nottingham, Green Gown Awards, sustainability
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New Chief Financial Officer appointed
July 5th, 2016
The University of Nottingham has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer.
Margaret Monckton will bring experience of financial management in private and public sectors as well as higher education when she takes charge of the University’s finances later this year.
Margaret will be responsible for the overall management of finances, investments, research support, procurement, Business Engagement and Innovation Services, IT services, internal audit and corporate systems. She replaces Andrew Unitt, who is set to leave the University at the end of July 2016.
Margaret Monckton
A Chartered Accountant, Margaret was most recently Director of Finance and Infrastructure and Deputy Chief Executive at Staffordshire University. In this role she led the financial management and sustainability of the institution. She has also held key roles at Nottinghamshire-based Boots, the National College for School Leadership and as Assistant Chief Officer (Resources) at Nottinghamshire Police where she was the only non-police officer member of the executive team.
She will join the University on Monday 28 November 2016.
Margaret said: “I am extremely excited to be joining The University of Nottingham. I am passionate about Higher Education because of the difference that it makes to lives locally, nationally and internationally – the changes to the sector bring opportunities for Nottingham and I look forward to helping to take these forward. The University of Nottingham is a fantastic organisation with a great reputation and people – I am really pleased that I will soon be part of the team. I have lived and worked in Nottinghamshire for over 20 years.”
Welcoming her to the University the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Greenaway, said: “I am absolutely delighted Margaret Monckton is joining Nottingham as our new Chief Financial Officer. Margaret brings with her a rich array of experience; from the commercial sector, public sector and higher education. In addition to her specialist skills and fine leadership qualities, she is also someone who is values driven and thrives when collaborating as part of a team. Margaret will be a huge asset to our community and I look forward to working with her.”
Tags: Andrew Unitt, Chief Financial Officer, David Greenaway, finance, Margaret Monckton, staff, structure, UEB, University Coucil, University Executive Board
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