News archive – January 2013

University College of Interdisciplinary Learning: Course Commissioning 2013-14
(02 Jan 2013)
Colleagues interested in teaching undergraduate units in the College are invited to submit full course proposals for 2013-14 or expressions of interest for 2014-15.

FoodOnCampus Christmas opening hours
(02 Jan 2013)
The opening hours of FoodOnCampus outlets will vary slightly over the Christmas period.

Recycle your Christmas cards
(02 Jan 2013)
Pop your Christmas cards in your office's blue recycling bag - and then watch the Environmental Sustainability Team's short video to see what will happen to them.

Record-breaking Christmas Project for Wood Street Mission
(02 Jan 2013)
Jan O'Connor, Manager of Wood Street Mission, writes to thank everyone at the University who has contributed to this year's Christmas Project.

How did ancient Egyptian statues work?
(02 Jan 2013)
On Saturday, 19 January (10am-4pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Take part in the Manchester Day Parade 2013
(02 Jan 2013)
Look out for application forms and apply before 10 February.

Welcome to 2013!
(02 Jan 2013)
The University reopens on 2 January after the Christmas and New Year break

Stargazing returns
(02 Jan 2013)
Dara and the BBC team back to broadcast live from Jodrell Bank

Manchester students show bags of support
(02 Jan 2013)
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Shops' partnership with the University and MMU encouraging students to donate unwanted things has proved to be a huge success, raising over an estimated £50,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

Part-time English exam preparation courses
(02 Jan 2013)
Study part-time to prepare for IELTS or Cambridge ESOL exams with the University Language Centre

Oracle Financials update for Discoverer users
(03 Jan 2013)
A list of 300 key Discoverer reports which are to be migrated to the R12 environment has been published on StaffNet.

Whitworth breaks ground on 21st century development
(03 Jan 2013)
Whitworth Art Gallery broke ground on a new development project which will transform the 120-year-old gallery, creating a new experience for visitors.

How to make an ACTIVE start to 2013!
(03 Jan 2013)
Tips to motivate you to exercise and active things to do on campus.

Recycle your Christmas trees
(04 Jan 2013)
The Environmental Services Unit (ESU) offers a collection and recyclng service for campus Christmas trees.

Updated health & safety policy and arrangements
(04 Jan 2013)
Arrangements to implement the University’s Health & Safety Policy have now been published online.

Cryptography Competition goes nationwide in honour of Alan Turing
(04 Jan 2013)
GSRH XLNKVGRGRLM RH GLL SZIW ULI ZWFOGH. RU BLF XZM IVZW GSRH GSVM BLF HSLFOW GZPV KZIG RM LFI XIBKGLTIZKSB XLNKVGRGRLM GL KILEV BLF'IV GSV MVCG ZOZM GFIRMT ZMW DRM Z KIRAV. *See answer below.

The Confucius Institute Chinese Language & Cultural Classes
(07 Jan 2013)
The Confucius Institute 2013 Chinese Language Course Programme is now available online with all course fees frozen at 2012 prices.

Training skills for occasional trainers
(07 Jan 2013)
The Staff Training and Development Unit have a last few places available on this course.

In-sessional English Language Support for International Students
(07 Jan 2013)
Confirmed dates and times for semester 2 in-sessional language support classes in the University Language Centre.

Dame Nancy visits South East Asia
(07 Jan 2013)
The President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, has begun a five-day visit to Singapore and Malaysia.

Venture Out student ideas competition winners revealed
(07 Jan 2013)
With more than 112 entries from schools across the University, judges selected 18 finalists to battle it out for the nine cash prizes in Manchester Enterprise Centre’s Venture Out 2012.

2013 Diversity Calendar
(07 Jan 2013)
The Equality and Diversity Team are delighted to announce the launch of their 2013 Diversity Calendar.

Great value Winter Warmer
(07 Jan 2013)
Freshly made soup is available in all FoodOnCampus outlets daily for only 99p.

Manchester Gold - the University's staff mentoring programme
(08 Jan 2013)
Sign up to attend an information session in February or place your name on the waiting list as a mentor or mentee.

Stargazing LIVE starts tonight!
(08 Jan 2013)
Jodrell Bank Observatory hosts the third series of this popular astronomy show

Teaching and Learning Showcase today in the Martin Harris Centre
(08 Jan 2013)
The Faculty of Humanities is hosting the Teaching and Learning Showcase event today from 1pm - 4.45pm

Policy website launches at The University of Manchester
(08 Jan 2013)
A new website has been launched to showcase the contribution of academics from The University of Manchester to public policy development in the UK.

The Martin Harris Centre spring/summer 2013 season is now on sale
(08 Jan 2013)
Welcome to an exciting new season of inspirational performances.

EATS Restaurant one day closure
(08 Jan 2013)
EATS Restaurant in University Place will be closed on Friday 11 January while a conference takes place.

Keeping to your New Year resolutions with PiFace
(08 Jan 2013)
University scientists have come up with a unique deterrent for dieters who are tempted to break their New Year resolution – a talking, tweeting chicken guarding your cupboards to shame them into abstaining.

Teaching Excellence Awards: 2012/13 scheme
(09 Jan 2013)
Submissions are invited from academic and related staff who can demonstrate a significant and sustained commitment to excellence in teaching or in supporting teaching.

Alan Gilbert Learning Commons has re-opened
(09 Jan 2013)
Following the completion of remedial works, the Learning Commons is open 9am-5pm from Monday, 7 January until Sunday, 13 January, and 24/7 from Monday, 14 January.

Weight Watchers on campus
(09 Jan 2013)
On Tuesdays (12.30 to 13.30pm) in UMSA Staff Lounge, 1st Floor, Dover Street Building.

Catch up on BBC's Stargazing show
(09 Jan 2013)
Jodrell Bank is hosting the popular astronomy series, presented by Professor Brian Cox and comedian Dara O'Briain, for the third time.

Curator Tour: A Clockwork Orange
(09 Jan 2013)
On Saturday, 19 January (1-2pm) at The John Rylands Library.

IT Know-How: Get connected to Eduroam
(09 Jan 2013)
Tips to help you get the most out of IT Services.

Great deal for 2013 at campus gyms
(09 Jan 2013)
The University sports centres have launched a six-month membership deal to help you achieve those New Year goals.

Feeling stressed? Try an alternative approach to stress management
(09 Jan 2013)
If you're feeling stressed or your productivity levels are low, then try this one-off Kundalini Yoga workshop and see if it gives you the boost you need.

Cassie Barlow is making a difference
(09 Jan 2013)
I run a local playgroup for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers

BBC Stargazing finale tonight
(10 Jan 2013)
Jodrell Bank hosts last installment in this year's popular astronomy show.

Conference on impact of film and media on crisis of multiculturalism in Europe
(10 Jan 2013)
'Ethnicity, Race and Nationalism in European Media and Film: Rights, Responsibilities, Representations' will take place at the University on 23-25 May 2013.

Engagement@Manchester looks at working with young people
(10 Jan 2013)
The next meeting will take place on 16 January (1-2pm), Kanaris Lecture Theatre, The Manchester Museum.

Rutherford Building Inquest
(10 Jan 2013)
The Coroner has announced his conclusions on the cause of deaths of two former members of staff.

Conference on Intersex, Theology and the Bible
(11 Jan 2013)
One-day conference on 12 March 2013 brings together scholars and activists from Britain, the USA, Australia and South Africa.

Sign up for the management development programme for 'middle managers'
(11 Jan 2013)
The Staff Training and Development Unit is delighted to invite applications for the Manchester Middle Managers development programme: Managing in the Round.

Take up a new Sport in 2013 with INTO Sport sessions
(11 Jan 2013)
Playing sport is a great way to get the exercise you need every week – it also helps you develop coordination, tactical thinking and other personal skills.

Meeting for women returning from maternity leave
(14 Jan 2013)
Get together for the next session on 16 January (12.30 to 2pm).

Populate your Blackboard for Semester 2 courses by 21 January
(14 Jan 2013)
Courses being delivered from the start of Semester 2 should have a Bb9 space available to students one week before the start of Semester: for Semester 2 this is Monday, 21 January 2013.

Astronomical award for Manchester scientist
(14 Jan 2013)
A University of Manchester scientist has been awarded a prize for outstanding merit in observational astrophysics.

First look at world-leading graphene Institute
(14 Jan 2013)
This is the first glimpse of the new £61 million research institute into wonder material graphene, which is to be built at our University.

Alan Gilbert Learning Commons re-opens 24/7
(14 Jan 2013)
Following the completion of remedial works, the Learning Commons is now open 24/7 from Monday, 14 January.

Wood Street Mission Lottery winner for January 2013
(14 Jan 2013)
Find out how you could be a winner too by joining the lottery for as little as £1 a month.

Cycle crime figures down by 38%
(14 Jan 2013)
The University is cracking down further on cycle crime in 2013 with discounted 'D' locks, a lock swap scheme and cycle registration.

UniValet's New Year special
(14 Jan 2013)
Have your car cleaned for only £5.00 for a limited period.

Campus gyms offer great deals for 2013
(14 Jan 2013)
The University sports centres have launched a six-month membership deal to help you achieve those New Year goals.

Have you got strong bones?
(15 Jan 2013)
To find out, book an appointment for osteoporosis testing on 22 January in the Wellbeing Room, Dover Street Buiilding.

Got a great idea and need some funding? EVENT POSTPONED
(15 Jan 2013)
Individuals or teams from the Science Faculties are invited to apply to pitch and present their ideas on Friday 18 January.

National Science and Engineering Week at the University
(15 Jan 2013)
Building on last year's success, the University will host a four-day programme of activities (18-22 March) for schools in the North West: if you'd like to take part, register your interest by 25 January.

Withdrawal of Wimba Classroom and Bb Instant Messaging services
(15 Jan 2013)
Wimba Classroom and Bb Instant Messaging (formerly known as Pronto) will be withdrawn after the licence expires on 31 January 2013.

Grab a bite to eat on campus in the evenings
(15 Jan 2013)
A number of catering outlets on campus stay open after 5pm to serve food and drink.

Developing the offshore renewable energy supply chain
(15 Jan 2013)
Targeted call for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).

Free eye examination at University Teaching Clinic
(16 Jan 2013)
Book now for a free eye examination (eye test): offer open to all students, staff and general public.

Think personal training is too expensive? SPORT Manchester has a solution!
(16 Jan 2013)
UniFit is a new approach to personal training with the same results but costs much less.

Cafe Muse under new management
(16 Jan 2013)
A new year sees some exciting changes at the Museum’s popular cafe.

Briefing for staff involved in promoting forthcoming Student Surveys
(16 Jan 2013)
Covering the National Student Survey (NSS), Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) and Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES).

Staff identity cards – carrying more than just your ID
(16 Jan 2013)
Since new staff ID cards with an inbuilt chip were introduced just over a year ago, they have paved the way for the development of proximity readers for doorway access, which are gradually replacing the older swipe card readers across campus.

An evening social event with all things canine
(16 Jan 2013)
Free drop-in session for adults at The Manchester Museum on Thursday, 24 January (6.30-9.30pm)

Rock Drop: Geology identification drop-in session
(16 Jan 2013)
Free, drop-in session at The Manchester Museum on Thursday, 24 January (2-3pm)

Free legal advice by appointment
(16 Jan 2013)
The University of Manchester School of Law Legal Advice Centre (LAC) has reopened and is currently taking enquiries in readiness for the next round of appointments.

Escape from winter at the Martin Harris Centre's free lunchtime concert
(16 Jan 2013)
Resident string quartet Quatuor Danel will give the first free lunchtime concert of 2013 at 1.10pm on Thursday 24 January 2013.

Great value coffee on campus
(16 Jan 2013)
Grab an Americano from any FoodOnCampus outlet for only 99p all day every day.

Collection Encounters: Sticking with the Needle
(16 Jan 2013)
On Wednesday 23 and Sunday 27 January (1-3pm) at The John Rylands Library.

Intellectual Property Awareness Resource
(16 Jan 2013)
UMIP – the University’s agent for intellectual property (IP) commercialisation would like to make you aware of its IP Awareness Resource, co-developed with Eversheds LLP.

¡Ay caramba! Yes!, I can do Spanish at the Language Centre
(16 Jan 2013)
And French, and German, or Chinese - with over 80 courses in more than 17 languages, the University Language Centre offers a wide range of part-time language modules.

New ‘Be Active’ courses starting in January
(17 Jan 2013)
Whatever your goal there is a ‘Be Active’ course for you! Burn, tone, stretch or relax with a choice of more than 25 classes on campus every week.

Christian lunchtime social for members of staff and PG students
(17 Jan 2013)
On Wednesday 30 January 2013 (12.45pm to 1.30pm) in The Foyer, St Peter’s Chaplaincy.

Fellowship opportunities at the Museum
(17 Jan 2013)
Gain experience in public engagement with our popular cultural partner.

"What are we hiding?": first National Conference of the UK's Disabled Workforce
(21 Jan 2013)
Organised and hosted by the University's Disabled Staff Network and featuring a workshop with Ruby Wax.

FoodInAdvance is a great way to save
(21 Jan 2013)
FoodInAdvance allows you to top up your University ID card with money to spend on food and drink in the FoodOnCampus cafes, restaurant and coffee shops across campus.

Manchester ranks high in school governor registrations
(21 Jan 2013)
A new league table shows that Manchester is fourth in the country for school governor registrations via School Governors’ One-Stop Shop (SGOSS), ranking higher than many famous names in the private and public sector.

Blake etchings discovered at John Rylands Library
(21 Jan 2013)
A team at The University of Manchester’s John Rylands Library have discovered designs and engravings by one of Britain’s greatest poets and artists - William Blake.

Manchester World Cup tournament for hospital charity
(21 Jan 2013)
The third annual Manchester World Cup 5-a-side charity tournament will raise funds for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.

After Hours: Breed - An evening social event with all things canine.
(21 Jan 2013)
Fre drop-in session for adults at The Manchester Museum on Thursday 24 January (6.30-9.30pm)

Populate your Blackboard spaces for students by 28 January
(22 Jan 2013)
All Bb9 courses that have been activated are now visible to students: please make sure your Bb9 space has the appropriate content for the start of semester.

Last chance to sign up to ‘Be Active’ courses starting 28 January
(22 Jan 2013)
Whatever your goal there is a ‘Be Active’ course for you! Burn, tone, stretch or relax with a choice of more than 25 classes on campus every week.

Magic Carpet: Rainforest - free storytelling and activity session
(22 Jan 2013)
On Friday 25 January (10.30-11.30am & 11.30am-12.30pm) at The Manchester Museum

Student Support Forum
(23 Jan 2013)
The next Student Support Forum session will be presented by Katie Urnevitch, Student Money Adviser and will cover all aspects of the work carried out by the Student Financial Support Team at the Student Services Centre.

Look out for the new Martin Harris Centre events brochure
(23 Jan 2013)
The new Martin Harris Centre What's On brochure for events from January to July 2013 is now available!

Jacket potato with cheese and baked beans for just £1.99
(23 Jan 2013)
Warm up in the cold weather at lunchtime with this great value deal from FoodOnCampus.

When is a day not a day? Discussion about Genesis 1 and geological time
(23 Jan 2013)
CiS Manchester: The Manchester Science and Philosophy Group meets on 13 February (6 pm) at Aardvark Café, St. Peter’s House, Oxford Road.

Lecture takes a new look at Terence Rattigan's The Browning Version
(23 Jan 2013)
This year's Stachniewski Memorial Lecture will take place on 6 February (5pm) in A115, Samuel Alexander Building.

Free public talk on Chinese History and the Politics of Charity
(23 Jan 2013)
Dr Pierre Fuller, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, speaks at The Kanaris Theatre, The Manchester Museum, on Wednesday 30 January (1pm - 2pm).

Learn Chinese calligraphy with the Confucius Institute
(23 Jan 2013)
Eight-week course begins on Tuesday, 29 January (5.30–7pm).

Campus gyms offer great deals for 2013
(23 Jan 2013)
The University sports centres have launched a six-month membership deal to help you achieve those New Year goals.

Amazonian Rainforest Big Saturday
(23 Jan 2013)
Free drop-in craft and art activities day for all ages on Saturday, 26 January, 11am-4pm) at The Manchester Museum.

The Manchester Science Festival/MOSI Josh Award
(23 Jan 2013)
Submit your nominations for up-and-coming science communicators for the 6th Josh Award by 28 January.

Meat Free Monday
(24 Jan 2013)
Help to promote the campaign in your school or department.

Manchester leads the way with its Extended Access Scheme for research staff
(24 Jan 2013)
The Research Staff Association and the University are launching a pilot scheme for prolonging access to email accounts and e-resources beyond the termination of research employment contracts – the first such scheme in the UK!

Alan Gilbert Learning Commons closure
(24 Jan 2013)
The Learning Commons has had to close due to a fault with the drainage system.

Special offers on conferences and accommodation at Chancellors Hotel
(24 Jan 2013)
Free conference upgrade for January and February and room-only accommodation rates from £30

What they didn't teach me: building a technology company and taking it to market
(24 Jan 2013)
The University of Manchester, in partnership with the BCS, IET and Oxford University Press, is delighted to announce Suranga Chandratillake FREng as the speaker for the 9th annual Turing Lecture on 19 February 2013.

Public engagement with the British Science Association
(24 Jan 2013)
On Thursday, 31 January 2013 (5.15 – 7pm), in The Manchester Museum, Discovery Centre, ground floor.

Suffer from back pain? Try the Pilates way to good posture
(24 Jan 2013)
If you suffer from recurring back pain due to bad posture then try this one-off ‘Good Posture the Pilates Way’ workshop for ideas that can be incorporated into your daily routine.

Work placements wanted for English language students
(24 Jan 2013)
The University Language Centre (ULC) is looking for teams or departments to host Japanese English language students for four-week periods.

Urban Naturalist: Garden birds
(24 Jan 2013)
On Saturday, 26 January (2-4pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Update on open access publishing
(24 Jan 2013)
Following the report of the committee chaired by Dame Janet Finch, the Research Councils and the Higher Education Funding Council are in the process of implementing a transition to open access publishing of research outputs.

Alan Gilbert Learning Commons re-opens
(25 Jan 2013)
24/7 opening resumes at 11am today (Friday, 25 January).

Royal Society science communication awards
(25 Jan 2013)
Nominations are invited for the Michael Faraday Prize and the Kohn Award by 8 February

Add a touch of humour to your repertoire of speaking skills
(25 Jan 2013)
A new course gives you tools and perspectives drawn from stand-up comedy on Friday, 22 February (11am-6pm) at MadLab, Manchester.

Standing up for Science media workshop
(25 Jan 2013)
Sense About Science is holding this free, full-day event at the University on 15 March - apply for your place by 1 March.

Blake etchings discovered at John Rylands Library
(25 Jan 2013)
Designs on display in exhibition from 7 February.

Save with Greater Manchester's energy switching scheme
(25 Jan 2013)
Sign up by 28 January to join Greater Manchester's energy-switching auction for UK energy providers to bid for your custom.

Recognising and Rewarding Exceptional Performance
(28 Jan 2013)
Deadline for academic-related and support staff is Friday 1 February

Nominations to Senate
(28 Jan 2013)
Nominations invited from academic and research staff by Monday, 4 February.

School pupils write and illustrate new children's book
(28 Jan 2013)
The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust's latest book-making project took place at Manley Park Primary School in the summer term of 2012.

Manchester leads the way in 1bn euro research projects
(28 Jan 2013)
The University of Manchester is involved in two exciting flagship research projects today given funding of 1bn euros by the European Commission.

School of Mathematics Postgraduate Open Day
(28 Jan 2013)
On Wednesday 13 February (from 1.30pm) in Alan Turing Building.

Power electronics – enabling a resilient energy system
(28 Jan 2013)
Targeted call for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).

The Rogue Cell: free workshop open to the public
(28 Jan 2013)
On Monday, 4 February (6-8pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Be a winner with the Biggest Loser Wellbeing Week challenge!
(28 Jan 2013)
Fed up of the same old diets? Why not try the Wellbeing Week Biggest Loser Challenge? You could win a year's worth of free Be Active classes or four UniFit personal training sessions.

Nominate individuals or teams for the 2013 Distinguished Achievement Awards
(29 Jan 2013)
Members of staff are invited to submit nominations for this year's awards by Friday, 8 February 2013.

I’m a Scientist, get me out of here!
(29 Jan 2013)
Scientists are invited to take part in this online competition judged by school students.

Workplace equality is on the rise
(29 Jan 2013)
The University has risen by 74 places in the annual Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

Copyright Guidance Service
(29 Jan 2013)
The Library’s Copyright Guidance Service supports academic staff, students and researchers with regards to copyright issues affecting their day-to-day work.

Be enchanted by performance poet John Hegley
(29 Jan 2013)
The English performance poet, comedian, musician and songwriter will appear on Saturday, 9 February 2013 (8pm) at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama.

Collection Bites: free lunchtime events for adults at The Manchester Museum
(29 Jan 2013)
Wednesdays 6 February, 6 March, 3 April, 1 May, 5 June (1.15-2pm).

It’s not too late to sign up to a ‘Be Active’ course
(29 Jan 2013)
The cost is reduced to reflect the number of weeks remaining and there's a second Cardioblast class on Mondays.

Your starter for 10: Manchester returns in University Challenge
(30 Jan 2013)
Our University’s team will make its next appearance in the current series of University Challenge on BBC2 at 8pm this Monday, February 4.

Welcome an international student into your home
(30 Jan 2013)
HOST UK is looking for individuals or families who could offer just one or two invitations a year to international students.

Winning recipes on the menu
(30 Jan 2013)
Recipes dreamt up by staff and students will be on the menu at the University in the coming months, after winning a recipe competition.

Christie’s Bistro closed on 4 February
(30 Jan 2013)
The Bistro will be closed all day on Monday, 4 February while essential maintenance work is carried out,

Royal honour for School of Physics and Astronomy
(30 Jan 2013)
The University of Manchester’s School of Physics and Astronomy has been awarded a prestigious Regius professorship by the Queen, the government has announced.

Celebrate 40 years of sweet music
(30 Jan 2013)
Free concert at The John Rylands Library to mark anniversary of Royal Northern College of Music

New look website for Dalton Nuclear Institute
(30 Jan 2013)
The new website focuses on the Institute's research, engagement activities, programmes of study and information about its facilities, people and background.

Dermatologist listed in Tatler Doctors Guide
(30 Jan 2013)
A University of Manchester skin expert has been selected by an independent panel of GPs, surgeons and physicians to be included in a guide of Britain’s top 250 consultants.

Baby Explorers: free play and story sessions at The Manchester Museum
(30 Jan 2013)
On Tuesday 5 February (every other Tuesday, except school holidays) (10.30-11.15am, 12.30-1.15pm, 1.30-2.15pm)

February is LGBT History Month
(31 Jan 2013)
The University is marking LGBT History Month with events for everyone to enjoy!

Manchester World Cup tournament for children’s hospital charity
(31 Jan 2013)
The third annual Manchester World Cup 5-a-side charity tournament will raise funds for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.

Making music, reaching out: free concert
(31 Jan 2013)
On Saturday, 9 February (1.30-2.30pm) at The John Rylands Library.

Chancellors Hotel 2013 Wedding Package
(31 Jan 2013)
The magnificent setting of Chancellors Hotel, surrounded by five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, is the perfect venue for your wedding day.

Benefits update
(31 Jan 2013)
Fitness and beauty * On-campus offers * Home services * Prize draw.

EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account: 2nd Call for Proposals
(31 Jan 2013)
Applications are invited by 27 March at 12 noon.

February Cycle to Work and GM Police cycle safety event
(31 Jan 2013)
February’s Cycle to Work is back on home turf, with the routes converging on Eats Refectory, University Place, for the free breakfast (£3 voucher) from 8.15am to 9am on Wednesday, 6 February.