News archive – March 2011

Archbishops give Uni lecture
(01 Mar 2011)
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Drs Rowan Williams and John Sentamu are to deliver a lecture at The University of Manchester today ( March 1).

Microscope could ‘solve the cause of viral diseases’
(01 Mar 2011)
University of Manchester scientists have produced the world’s most powerful optical microscope, which could help understand the causes of many viruses and diseases.

Map sheds light on English Civil War
(02 Mar 2011)
A geographical map depicting landowners’ loyalties to the restored King Charles II after the English Civil War has shown that contrary to popular opinion, peace was not assured in the 1660s, long after the war had ended in 1651.

MUP publishes essays in memory of Manchester mediaevalist
(02 Mar 2011)
Book launch on Tuesday 8 March (6pm) at The International Anthony Burgess Foundation

Thought For Food: Competition to tackle the world's food crisis
(02 Mar 2011)
Encourage talented students (UG and PG) to apply for cross-disciplinary challenge by 9 March * Apply to be a competition judge

Supporting students with mental ill-health
(02 Mar 2011)
Join colleagues in a focus group on 9 March (2pm) or 10 March (3.30pm)

Get Walking Keep Walking in Manchester
(02 Mar 2011)
Join our walk to Hulme Park on 8 March

At The Manchester Museum next week
(02 Mar 2011)
International Women’s Day skills swap shop (8 March) * Arguments and umbrella stands: Victorian Manchester’s natural history collections talk (17 March)

MUGSS marks 60th anniversary with contemporary "Yeomen of the Guard"
(02 Mar 2011)
From 2 to 5 March (7.30pm, plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee) at Royal Northern College of Music, Oxford Road

Wood Street Mission Lottery
(02 Mar 2011)
Announcing the winner of March's draw

"Ghost The Musical": UMSA ticket offer
(02 Mar 2011)
On 31 March at The Opera House, Manchester

Events at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama
(02 Mar 2011)
Celebrate World Book Night (4 March) * MANTIS Sonic Meta-ontology (5-6 March) * Free lunchtime concert by Quatuor Danel (10 March)

Student Showcase - free recital featuring star performers
(02 Mar 2011)
On 3 March in the Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall, Martin Harris Centre

Streetwise Opera Open Mic Night - free admission
(02 Mar 2011)
On Wednesday 30 March (7-9pm) at The Manchester Museum

Sexual freedoms of long ago tamed by modern times
(02 Mar 2011)
A study by a University of Manchester historian has cast doubt on the widespread belief that the Victorians and Edwardians were prudes who had few sexual freedoms.

Director of Research and Business Engagement Support Services
(02 Mar 2011)
Dr Andrew Walsh has been appointed to this new post from 1 March 2011

Manchester one of country’s best for teacher training, finds report
(03 Mar 2011)
An Ofsted report has described The University of Manchester as one of country’s best teacher training institutions.

Staff benefits and discounts: your suggestions invited
(03 Mar 2011)
Do you know of any benefits or discounts that already exist or could be negotiated for staff?

Feel the benefit of childcare vouchers
(03 Mar 2011)
Sign up by 10 March to avoid effect of tax changes

Possible last chance to join USS Final Salary section
(03 Mar 2011)
Applications must be received in the Pensions Office by 11 March 2011

Composers, writers and artists celebrate World Book Night
(04 Mar 2011)
The School of Arts, Histories and Cultures at The University of Manchester is to celebrate World Book Night with a special event at the Martin Harris centre today (4 March)

New take on Tennessee Williams play hits the stage
(04 Mar 2011)
A radical interpretation of the Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece The Glass Menagerie is being performed at Liverpool's Capstone Theatre.

Diary of Witchfinder General trials published online
(04 Mar 2011)
A 350-year-old notebook which describes the execution of innocent women for consorting with the Devil, has been published online by The University of Manchester’s John Rylands Library.

Infrastructure at Google: Talk by Dr Peter Dickman, Google Zurich
(07 Mar 2011)
On Tuesday 15 March (Lecture: 12.30pm, Q&A: 1.30pm - 2pm) in Theatre A, University Place

Talk by Professor Sir Robin Murray: Change of venue
(08 Mar 2011)
On 14 March (12.30-2pm) in the John Casken Lecture Theatre, Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

VAGANZA - The University's New Music Ensemble and RNCM New Ensemble
(08 Mar 2011)
On Tuesday 8 March 2011 (7.30pm) at the Martin Harris (part of the Judith Weir Festival)

SPORT News
(08 Mar 2011)
Three-month fitness offer * Sugden Centre news * Great Athletic Union progress

Romanian Ambassador to visit University
(08 Mar 2011)
Lecture on Monday 14 March (6pm) in University Place, Lecture Theatre A

New technology awareness workshop
(08 Mar 2011)
On Tuesday 22 March (12-2pm) in Flexible teaching space, Room 4.2, Roscoe Building

Computer viruses: Don’t allow your Staff PC to be an easy target
(08 Mar 2011)
Follow a few simple steps to security

Tutor posts at Dalton Ellis Hall, Oak House and Weston Hall
(08 Mar 2011)
Applications invited by 14 March

Watching Dance | Moving Audiences
(08 Mar 2011)
Free public events from the Watching Dance Project: 10-25 March

Diary of Witchfinder General trials goes online at The John Rylands Library
(08 Mar 2011)
350 year-old notebook captured on camera by John Rylands' Centre for Heritage Imaging and Collection Care

Scholarly Reading and the Value of Library Resources: A Survey
(08 Mar 2011)
Academic staff are encouraged to complete this short online survey

Co-production Roadshow on a new approach to the delivery of public services
(08 Mar 2011)
Full-day event on 7 April hosted by Humanities PhD students

Appointment of next Registrar and Secretary
(09 Mar 2011)
Mr Will Spinks will formally take up his role on 1 August 2011 following the retirement of Mr Albert McMenemy

The Manchester Museum’s Eco-invention competition
(09 Mar 2011)
Win an encounter with Deadly 60s Steve Backshall

Places available on Teaching Excellence Seminar on 6 April
(09 Mar 2011)
Using Mobile Phones for Interactive Teaching

Calling the world’s best engineers and scientists
(09 Mar 2011)
The University of Manchester is offering 10 fully funded PhD Studentships to the most outstanding engineers and physical scientists.

Engineering enthusiasts wanted for new TV show
(09 Mar 2011)
Maverick Television is looking for groups of friends to take part in three-day challenge

Free public engagement events in March
(09 Mar 2011)
National Sience and Engineering Week (11-20 March) * Didsbury SciBar (21 March) * Cafe Scientifique (30 March)

Free Quatuor Danel lunchtime concert with Oliver Triendl (piano)
(09 Mar 2011)
On Thursday 10 March 2011 (1.10pm) at The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Pensions tax changes and USS
(09 Mar 2011)
Annual Allowance * Pension Input Period (PIP) * Lifetime Allowance

ILM Level 3 Award (MS31) - places available
(09 Mar 2011)
New cohort 3.11 commencing 25 March 2011

Surveys for research staff
(09 Mar 2011)
Help to shape your career development

P60: Peer support group for women returning from maternity leave
(09 Mar 2011)
Next meeting on 23 March 2011 (1pm-2.30pm)

SPORT News
(09 Mar 2011)
Staff 5-a-side * Wellbeing Week

Summer Graduation catering packages now available!
(09 Mar 2011)
View the full menu from Taste Manchester

UniLife/Staff Update: March 2011
(10 Mar 2011)
Access latest issues online

Manchester student’s artwork is top draw
(10 Mar 2011)
An architecture student from The University of Manchester has been chosen as a finalist in Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance’s national Art of Nurture competition.

Offers and discounts for staff
(10 Mar 2011)
Free Subway 6" sandwich when you buy regular drink (10-11 March) * 10% discount on AMT coffee

USS Final Salary Section
(10 Mar 2011)
Latest information and advice

Interested in teaching Science, Mathematics or Languages?
(10 Mar 2011)
Visit the Train to Teach event in Manchester on 18 and 19 March

Crime reduction events, including free overt bike marking
(14 Mar 2011)
During March and April at various University locations

Community Service and Volunteer of the Year Awards 2011
(14 Mar 2011)
Nominations invited in staff, student and alumnus categories by 1 April (extended deadline)

Cake and crisps on sale for Comic Relief
(14 Mar 2011)
Occupational Health and FoodOnCampus fundraisers on 18 March

Live discussion with author Neil Gaiman by transatlantic voice link
(14 Mar 2011)
On Monday 21 March 2011 (5pm-6pm) in Main Arts Lecture Theatre, Samuel Alexander Building

Nanoscale whiskers from sea creatures could grow human muscle tissue
(14 Mar 2011)
Minute whiskers of nanoscale dimensions taken from sea creatures could hold the key to creating working human muscle tissue, University of Manchester researchers have discovered.

Exclusive Goon Squad extract published
(14 Mar 2011)
Online Arts Journal the Manchester Review is this afternoon publishing an exclusive extract from Jennifer Egan's award-winning novel ‘A Visit from the Goon Squad’.

Travel Within China: Talk by Helen Machin, Wai Yin Chinese Women Society
(14 Mar 2011)
On Monday 21 March (12.30 -1.30pm) in The Kanaris Theatre, The Manchester Museum

Changes to Paternity Leave
(14 Mar 2011)
In accordance with new legislation, from 3 April 2011 additional paternity leave of up to six months will be available to eligible staff

UMSA events for 2011
(14 Mar 2011)
GHOST The Musical * Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium * Day trip to York * Mamma Mia * Gulliver's World * Chester Races * The Sound of Music * Sister Act * Dirty Dancing * and much more

Team briefing training
(14 Mar 2011)
There are still a few places left of a Team Briefing Workshop being held at the Staff Training and Development Unit (STDU) on 31 March.

PASS (Peer Assisted Study Scheme) Demystified
(14 Mar 2011)
Places still available on 30 March 2011

Free lunchtime concert by Trio Atem
(14 Mar 2011)
On Thursday 17 March 2011 (1.10pm) at The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

New York gets down to British Bhangra beat
(15 Mar 2011)
New Yorkers are to be treated to the sounds and sights of British Bhangra music in an exhibition co-curated by a Senior Lecturer in Drama from The University of Manchester.

University Language Centre named as Centre of Excellence
(15 Mar 2011)
The University of Manchester’s Language Centre and English Language Teaching programme has been named as a Centre of Excellence by the English Language Gazette for the second year running.

Sir Partha wins top environmental prize
(15 Mar 2011)
A University of Manchester economist has won one of the world’s top environmental awards.

BBC Radio 3 Hungarian Chamber Music Series: CHROMA
(15 Mar 2011)
On Friday 25 March 2011 (7.30pm) at The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Issue 6 of online arts journal The Manchester Review goes live
(15 Mar 2011)
The Manchester Review has just launched its sixth issue with an exclusive extract from Jennifer Egan's award-winning novel ‘A Visit from the Goon Squad’

Women in IT event
(15 Mar 2011)
On Friday 25 March (12-2pm) in 3.204 University Place

New £1.2m hybrid bus fleet hits Oxford Road
(15 Mar 2011)
The University-subsidised Oxford Road Link service is upgrading its whole fleet, thanks to a government grant and investment from the operator Bullocks.

Events at The Manchester Museum
(16 Mar 2011)
The Body Experience Big Saturday * Confucius Institute Travel within China talk * Showcase Lecture with Timothy Taylor

Wellbeing Week (28 March - 1 April)
(16 Mar 2011)
Book early for all activities * Last chance to enter staff 5-a-side tournament

FoodOnCampus news
(16 Mar 2011)
Treat your Mum on Mother’s Day * Summer graduation catering packages

Jorum widgets - bringing learning and teaching resources direct to your desktop
(16 Mar 2011)
The Jorum team has been developing a set of free embeddable widgets which will allow you to view and find relevant learning and teaching resources, and receive updates when new resources are added to Jorum.

Insurance advice for staff or students affected by emergencies abroad
(16 Mar 2011)
This information is provided in response to the current situation in Japan, but it is relevant to anyone who encounters an emergency whilst abroad on University business.

Students and staff celebrate International Women’s Day
(17 Mar 2011)
Among The University of Manchester’s week-long festivities in celebrating the 100th International Women’s Day last week, WiSET (Women in Science and Engineering) hosted an inspirational networking event, reaching students and staff throughout the Faculty.

Student Support Forum on supporting Postgraduate Research students
(17 Mar 2011)
On Wednesday 23 March at the usual time of 12.30 - 1.30pm (max), in Room 4.210, University Place

Wood ‘Tweet’ Mission – in Festival spirit
(17 Mar 2011)
The Wood Street Mission charity (which the University already supports with its Easter and Christmas projects) has been chosen as the beneficiary for Manchester Twestival 2011

Manchester Museum Wedding Fayre
(17 Mar 2011)
The Manchester Museum is now licensed for civil ceremonies and will celebrate by holding its first Wedding Fayre on Sunday 15 May

Groundbreaking research of politics lecturer praised
(17 Mar 2011)
The work of a Senior Lecturer in Politics from The University of Manchester has been recognised by the UK‘s leading professional body in political science.

Bioinformatics for cytogeneticists and molecular geneticists
(18 Mar 2011)
Two-day course (with additional free half-day session) on 11-13 May 2011 at The Nowgen Centre

Students get virtual treat from comic book supremo
(21 Mar 2011)
One of the world’s most renowned comic book writers and graphic novelists is to give a virtual lecture to University of Manchester students on Monday (21 march)

Festival shows variety is the spice of life
(21 Mar 2011)
A theatre festival which celebrates the languages taught and spoken at The University of Manchester is entering it’s fifth year with a week of performances in March.

Manchester delegates take part in student UN assembly
(21 Mar 2011)
Manchester politics students are returning home today from Singapore where they took part in WorldMUN – a student version of the United Nations.

Sunday lunch at Chancellors Hotel - 10% discount for staff
(21 Mar 2011)
The perfect place for Graduation events: Chancellors at Christie’s Bistro

CLASS Conference on 20 April
(22 Mar 2011)
The CLASS Network and the Staff Training and Development Unit would like to invite all professional support staff to a one-day University-wide event

Jodrell Bank shortlisted as a World Heritage site
(22 Mar 2011)
The University of Manchester’s world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory has been put on the UK shortlist as a potential UNESCO World Heritage site.

Erasmus funding to undertake teaching/training in Europe 2010/2011
(22 Mar 2011)
The Study Abroad Unit has a limited amount of remaining Erasmus funding for staff mobility

Events at the Martin Harris Centre
(22 Mar 2011)
Ad Solem - The University of Manchester Choir (26 March) * Free lunchtime concert - Gamelan Degung (1 April)

SPORT News
(22 Mar 2011)
Zumbathon III (14 May) * New Health and Fitness courses

Make a difference to your life during Wellbeing Week!
(23 Mar 2011)
Including free lacross beginners' clinic (31 March)

Magic Carpet at The Manchester Museum this Friday lunchtime
(23 Mar 2011)
Storytelling and activity session for under fives

Helping your graduating students get jobs ...
(23 Mar 2011)
Please promote the Graduate Recruitment Fair to your students: On Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 June 2011 (10.30am-4pm) at The Armitage Centre, Fallowfield, Manchester

First image of protein residue in 50 million year old reptile skin
(23 Mar 2011)
The organic compounds surviving in fifty million year old fossilized reptile skin can be seen for the first time today, thanks to a stunning infra-red image produced by University of Manchester palaeontologists and geochemists.

Free lunchtime concert: Richard Whalley piano recital 'Child’s Play'
(23 Mar 2011)
Thursday 24 March 2011 (1.10pm) at The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Symposium on the Benefits of eLearning Technologies
(23 Mar 2011)
On 13 April 2011 in the Sackville Street Building - book now!

Mother’s Day treats at Cafe at the Rylands – 10% staff discount
(23 Mar 2011)
Choc-tastic Easter Chick Surprise * Summer Graduation packages from Taste Manchester

Statement on tuition fees and student funding
(23 Mar 2011)
The University of Manchester has announced plans to charge a headline fee of £9,000 per year to UK and EU undergraduates from 2012.

Professor Colin Stirling appointed Deputy VC, Academic, at Curtin University
(24 Mar 2011)
Professor Stirling, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students, is to leave the University in May to take up a new appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, at Curtin University in Perth, Australia.

Announcing an African Reading Group
(25 Mar 2011)
Explore new fiction out of Africa

University Chorus and Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert
(25 Mar 2011)
All-American programme featuring works by John Adams and Aaron Copland on Saturday 2 April (7.30pm) in Whitworth Hall, The University of Manchester

Sustainable futures - Tyndall Centre researchers' international conference
(28 Mar 2011)
An international conference assessing future sustainability has been organised by doctoral students at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and the Sustainable Consumption Institute at the University of Manchester.

Whitworth Gallery scoops two top awards
(28 Mar 2011)
University of Manchester’s Whitworth Art Gallery has been awarded £250,000 by the Clore Duffield Foundation, to fund an educational art studio.

Make a child eggstra happy this Easter!
(29 Mar 2011)
Wood Street Mission Easter Egg Project 2011 - donations invited by 6 April

Red Nose Day thank you
(29 Mar 2011)
Occupational Health Services raised £150 for Comic Relief on 18 March

Multiculturalism ‘not to blame’ for failed sense of community
(29 Mar 2011)
Multiculturalism is associated with strengthening the ties between different ethnic groups, according to an extensive study of English data.

BII Respiratory Symposium on Wednesday 30 March
(29 Mar 2011)
From 1 to 4pm (with lunch at 12 noon) in Room 1.006, A V Hill Building

Wellbeing Week Walks on 29, 30 and 31 March
(29 Mar 2011)
The Get Walking Keep Walking group will be running three walks setting off from the Dover Street building at 12.30pm.

National well-being debate moves to Manchester
(29 Mar 2011)
On Monday 4 April (5-6.30pm) in the Alexander Theatre, Samuel Alexander Building

School of Law Mediation Competition Finals
(29 Mar 2011)
On Friday 1 April (2pm to 6pm) in University Place - all welcome

Draft Principles for New Taught Degree Regulations
(29 Mar 2011)
Feedback on this draft document is invited by 21 April

SPORT News
(29 Mar 2011)
Zumbathon III * Parkrun * New Health and Fitness courses

Wellbeing at the Martin Harris Centre
(29 Mar 2011)
Relax, unwind and de-stress with a free lunchtime concert by Gamelan Degung on 1 April (1.10pm)

New Library bags for sale
(29 Mar 2011)
Get yours today for £2.50

Managing in the Round: 360° Feedback and Middle Manager Development
(29 Mar 2011)
Applications invited for new cohort starting 12 April 2011

April Cycle to Work rides
(29 Mar 2011)
Spring has sprung and our monthly rides continue on Wednesday 6 April, 8.20am to 9am at University Place (Eats Refectory)

PensionChoice
(30 Mar 2011)
1 April is the renewal date for PensionChoice, which was introduced in June 2009 as an alternative way of funding benefits in USS and UMSS.

Stagecoach and System One bus price increase
(30 Mar 2011)
Information on ticket price changes from 3 April

The Manchester Museum Ice Bear comes to Piccadilly Gardens on Thursday 31 March
(30 Mar 2011)
Ice sculptor Mark Coreth and his team of three sculptors will spend six hours carving a four metre long, 2.2 metre high, 10 tonne block of ice into the shape of a life-size polar bear.

Relaxing Sundays at Chancellors ... perfect for this Mother's Day
(30 Mar 2011)
Come and try the delicious Express Menu at Chancellors at Christie’s Bistro

Pansophix - new topics available to University staff
(30 Mar 2011)
The STDU has secured an Unlimited User Licence (UUL) for Pansophix, which is an online professional and personal development training resource, for self study.

Tell us what you think about your Library!
(30 Mar 2011)
Complete the JRUL 2011 Survey online

Confucius Institute Open Day
(30 Mar 2011)
On Thursday 31 March and Friday 1 April (12 noon-2pm) in University Place, Oxford Road

FoodOnCampus News
(30 Mar 2011)
Comic Relief collection * Treat your mum on Mother's Day * Summer graduation packages

Pay and Grading Agreement - implementation update
(31 Mar 2011)
Information for staff on Grades 2 and 3

Invitation to the Sackville Street Campus events team open day
(31 Mar 2011)
On Wednesday 13 April for University staff organising meeting and events

Staff benefits and discounts
(31 Mar 2011)
Whether it's discounts on Apple products, money off holiday cottages or information about family friendly policies - you'll find it all in one place, thanks to a brand new part of StaffNet dedicated to staff benefits and discounts.

Jodrell Bank to open new Discovery Centre
(31 Mar 2011)
The world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory will usher in a new era next week with the opening of its spectacular live science Discovery Centre.