News archive – April 2013

Anyone for golf?
(02 Apr 2013)
The University of Manchester Staff Golfing Society (UMSGS) is looking for more members.

Third Staff Survey iPad winner announced
(02 Apr 2013)
Craig Edwards wins iPad thanks to the Staff Survey 2013

UniLife and Staff Update out now
(02 Apr 2013)
Read the April issues of the University newsletters online.

Wood Street Mission Lottery - announcing April's winner
(02 Apr 2013)
You could become a winner too by joining the lottery for as little as £1 a month.

Any questions on exercise and fitness for Ask the Expert?
(02 Apr 2013)
Here’s your chance to seek advice from the experts at SPORT Manchester.

Build up your skills in leading and developing teams
(02 Apr 2013)
A fantastic opportunity to develop your skills within this area at a training session on Monday, 8 April.

BBC Academy training in TV/radio for women academics
(03 Apr 2013)
Apply by Friday, 7 April if you're a female expert who wants to take part in television and radio programmes made in the North of England.

Discover Bangladesh
(03 Apr 2013)
Free drop-in event for all ages on Saturday, 6 April (12-3pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Wood Street Mission Easter Egg Project hatches a surplus
(04 Apr 2013)
The charity's 2013 project to provide Easter eggs, food and financial support for local families in need has received 30% more donations than last year's.

Graphene is theme for Festival’s science communicator
(04 Apr 2013)
A University of Manchester graphene researcher and lecturer who has encouraged more than 20,000 people to learn about the amazing potential of the wonder material has won this year’s Joshua Phillips Award for Innovation in Science Engagement (Josh Award) at MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester).

Students’ Union and University launch 2013 Manchester Teaching Awards
(04 Apr 2013)
Encourage students to nominate their favourite members of staff before Monday, 22 April.

Research opportunities in Myanmar (Burma)
(04 Apr 2013)
Information session for colleagues from all Faculties on Wednesday, 10 April (12.30 to 2pm) in the Hanson Room, Humanities Bridgeford Street.

Manchester wins through to University Challenge semi-finals
(04 Apr 2013)
The University team defeated the medics of St George's London by 220:135 in their last quarter-final on 1 April.

The University is looking for its Environmental Heroes
(08 Apr 2013)
The annual search is on for staff and students who have gone that extra mile to improve environmental sustainability on campus: send in your nominations by Monday, 15 April.

Do you need to be able to read music to play in an orchestra?
(08 Apr 2013)
That’s perhaps one of the strangest questions to be addressed by Piero Gasparini of the Hallé Orchestra at the next Friends of Tabley event on 9 April at Tabley House.

Wake up your wardrobe for charity at the Rutherford Swish
(08 Apr 2013)
The twice yearly clothes swap is happening next on Thursday, 11 April (12.30-1.30pm) in the Rutherford Room, Rutherford Building.

Fourth Staff Survey iPad winner announced!
(08 Apr 2013)
Julian Thomas wins iPad thanks to the Staff Survey 2013.

Swimming lessons for staff and students
(08 Apr 2013)
On Wednesday evenings from 17 April to 22 May at Manchester Grammar School in Fallowfield.

Intellectual Property Awareness Resource
(08 Apr 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.

Public engagement events in and around Manchester
(08 Apr 2013)
Just some of the (mostly) free activities to go along to in April.

Chinese language classes: April-June
(08 Apr 2013)
The Confucius Institute 2013 Chinese language course programme begins on 15 April: sign up today!

Engagement@Manchester: exploring different aspects of public engagement
(08 Apr 2013)
The next in this series of lunchtime meetings will focus on Working in Partnership with the Public and take place on Wednesday 17 April (1pm -2pm), Alan Turing Building, G.107.

It’s too early to book for a pantomime. Oh no it isn’t!
(08 Apr 2013)
Dick Whittington at the Opera House in December is just one of the many events in a year-long calendar of trips and shows being organised by the University of Manchester Staff Association.

Baby Explorers
(09 Apr 2013)
Free event for babies and their carers on Tuesday, 16 April (every other Tuesday, except school holidays) (10.30-11.15am, 12.30-1.15pm, 1.30-2.15pm).

'Nature and Me': local people explore nature and sustainability on film
(09 Apr 2013)
Free screening on Friday, 12 April (12-1pm) in the Kanaris Lecture Theatre, Manchester Museum.

Next Student Support Forum features the Student Services Centre
(09 Apr 2013)
The session will run twice on Wednesday, 1 May (1-2pm and 2-3pm) in University Place, Room 3.212.

Eggs-ellent way of getting together!
(10 Apr 2013)
Student volunteers have helped to organise a Spring Egg Hunt and Egg and Spoon Relay Race for the local community.

Manchester leads the way in graphene membrane research
(10 Apr 2013)
Our graphene researchers have been awarded a £3.5m funding boost that could bring desalination plants, safer food packaging and enhanced disease detection closer to reality.

The John Rylands Library: Tour and Treasures
(10 Apr 2013)
Free event on Thursday, 18 April (12-1pm).

Looping and Linking Herbarium tours
(10 Apr 2013)
Free events for adults on Wednesday, 17 April (11.30am-12.30pm) and Saturday, 11 May (1.30-2.30pm) at The Manchester Museum.

IT Know-How Tip: Who knew Excel could do that?
(10 Apr 2013)
This article forms part of a series of ongoing IT Know How Tips produced by The Directorate of IT Services. Keep an eye out for our tips every other week to find out relevant hints and facts.

Former UN chief debates genocide
(10 Apr 2013)
A former United Nations (UN) chief and University Professor, who let the world know about genocide in Darfur, is taking part in a public debate entitled: Getting away with murder: genocide and politics, in Manchester next week (15 April).

IT Services Research Lead appointed
(11 Apr 2013)
Ian Cottam has just been appointed to this new role within IT Services.

Help young people in care to meet their full potential
(11 Apr 2013)
Want to do something amazing in your spare time? Manchester Children’s Rights are recruiting Independent Visitors to volunteer in Manchester and throughout the North West.

Staff benefits update
(11 Apr 2013)
Perkz offers for April * PerkAlert * April prizes * March prizewinner

Heel Appeal – thanks for your support
(11 Apr 2013)
A big thank you to everyone who donated old shoes to The Living Room’s Heel Appeal, to help the Mustard Tree charity in Manchester.

Manchester Museum shortlisted for Museums + Heritage Awards
(11 Apr 2013)
The pioneering Virtual Object Handling project, which allows visitors to 'handle' ancient artefacts without actually touching them, has reached the shortlist in the Innovations category.

IT Services for Research group launches forums for academic/research staff
(12 Apr 2013)
The first forum will run on 24 April (1-2pm) in Roscoe Building, Room 3.3, with light refreshments available in the ground floor foyer from 12.30pm (please note change of venue).

Change of location for Pensions and Equality and Diversity
(12 Apr 2013)
The Pensions Office and Equality and Diversity Office are now based in Room G29, John Owens Building.

Corporate responsibility award for FoodOnCampus
(12 Apr 2013)
FoodOnCampus, along with FoodInResidences, has received the Cost Sector Catering Corporate Responsibility Award in recognition of its superb work in support of the University's social responsibility goal.

Blackboard 9 maintenance successful
(12 Apr 2013)
The maintenance undertaken from 4 to 7 April has resulted in new functionality for the Blackboard system.

Change to police contact details
(12 Apr 2013)
Staff should be aware that there has been a change in the campus contact details for police.

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey
(15 Apr 2013)
The Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) is now open – please encourage eligible students to complete it as soon as possible.

Spring into action with Active Manchester!
(15 Apr 2013)
Considering your workout regime for the holiday season?

Get involved in development and delivery of new NHS leadership programmes
(15 Apr 2013)
MBS will play a key role in the delivery of the new programmes and is running engagement events for staff from across the School and the University, led by Professor Naomi Chambers, on 11, 18 and 24 April.

Your chance to get involved with UMSS
(15 Apr 2013)
Current members of the University of Manchester Superannuation Scheme are invited to apply for two Director vacancies on the Trustee Board of UMSS Ltd.

Last chance to take part in the Staff Survey 2013
(15 Apr 2013)
Survey closes on Friday 19 April

Get ready: Christie Championships is coming to Manchester!
(16 Apr 2013)
The ultimate battle of the North since 1886 takes place on Wednesday, 24 April 2013!

Fifth winner of Staff Survey iPad announced
(16 Apr 2013)
There’s still time to take part – survey closes on Friday 19 April

Zumbathon 2013: join the dance party and raise money for charity
(17 Apr 2013)
On Saturday, 27 April 2013 (11am-1pm) in the Armitage Sports Centre, Fallowfield.

Quick fitness boost? Two- and three-month gym memberships now available
(17 Apr 2013)
Staff and students: pick up a short-term gym membership from the Sugden Sports Centre that will see you into the summer.

A look back at Wellbeing Week
(17 Apr 2013)
The biggest Wellbeing Week programme ever saw 1,938 University staff and students register for the free programme of wellbeing activities that took place over a two-week period in March.

Manchester Museum Book Club
(17 Apr 2013)
Free drop-in session for adults on Tuesday, 23 April (5.30-6.30pm) at The Manchester Museum

Museum Meets: A sustainable future for Manchester - Transport
(18 Apr 2013)
The first in a series of free discussion events for adults will take place on Tuesday, 30 April (6-8pm) at The Manchester Museum.

IT Know-How: Is your Anti-virus up to date?
(18 Apr 2013)
Tips to help you get the most out of IT Services.

STDU Pre-Retirement Course
(18 Apr 2013)
On Friday 7 June (full day) and Monday 10 June (half-day).

University Challenge team prepares for final push
(18 Apr 2013)
The University of Manchester is hoping to reach the final of University Challenge on Monday night as they chase a second successive title.

Cryptography competition goes nationwide in honour of Alan Turing
(19 Apr 2013)
Schools in the Wirral, Devon and Buckinghamshire have provided the winning teams of codebreakers in this year's Alan Turing Cryptography Competition.

Staff Survey closes today
(19 Apr 2013)
This is your last chance to get your voice heard

World Malaria Day event at The Living Room
(19 Apr 2013)
One of our staff discount providers, The Living Room, is encouraging you to attend its World Malaria Day event on Thursday 25, April (7pm).

Warning from IT Services: do not open junk 'fax' email message
(19 Apr 2013)
Many members of staff have received an email about a fax message, which contains a virus.

Sweet success!
(19 Apr 2013)
Kaffeination Ltd – the innovative energy sweet company founded by Manchester Business School graduates – has swept the board at the Rice University Business Plan Competition in Texas, the largest competition of its kind in the world.

The Confucius Institute Talks: Tibetan Buddhism in contemporary China
(19 Apr 2013)
Talk by Jane Caple (University of Leeds) on Wednesday, 24 April (1-2pm), in Kanaris Theatre, Manchester Museum.

Peer Support Group – retirement and working beyond retirement age
(22 Apr 2013)
Meeting on Wednesday, 24 April (1-2pm) in 2.220, University Place.

Lecture: Holding Back the Years: Living to 150 - Ethical and Social Challenges
(22 Apr 2013)
Free public lecture from Manchester Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Research on Ageing (MICRA) on Tuesday, 23 April 2013 (6.30 - 8pm) in University Place, Lecture Theatre A and B.

Workshop on governance of football featuring Andy Burnham MP
(22 Apr 2013)
Organised by the Centre for Research on Socio-Cultural Change (CRESC) on 17 May in the Kanaris Lecture Theatre, Manchester Museum.

Sign up for the MOSAIC Development Programme (TP52)
(22 Apr 2013)
Booking is now open for this innovative personal and career development programme which begins on 3 May.

Interested in volunteering as a school governor?
(22 Apr 2013)
Come along to the School Governor Initiative recruitment event on Thursday, 25 April (11am-2pm) in University Place Foyer.

Egencia Overviews for staff who travel for business purposes
(22 Apr 2013)
Information sessions on Wednesday, 17 April (2.30-4pm ) in the Arthur Lewis Building and Wednesday, 24 April (12pm – 1pm) in University Place.

Jeanette Winterson in Conversation with Kamila Shamsie
(22 Apr 2013)
Don’t miss the latest event from the Centre for New Writing on Monday 22 April 2013 (6.30pm) in University Place.

Cultural awareness training event for staff
(22 Apr 2013)
On Friday, 17 May 2013 at the International Society.

Staff Survey is now closed
(22 Apr 2013)
Thanks to all of you who have taken part.

Important changes to Crucial Guide for 2013
(22 Apr 2013)
Staff are asked to note that the format and distribution model for the Crucial Guide is changing this year.

Massage on Chill Out Thursday (COT)
(23 Apr 2013)
On 2 May and 6 June (12-4pm) in UMSA Lounge, 1st Floor, Dover Street Building.

Free lunchtime concert with Gamelan Degung
(23 Apr 2013)
On Thursday, 25 April 2013 (1.10pm) in The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama.

Is God interested in the human heart?
(23 Apr 2013)
CiS Manchester: The Manchester Science and Philosophy Group on Wednesday, 8 May (6pm) at Café Muse, The Manchester Museum.

Eureka! The Final!
(23 Apr 2013)
On Thursday, 2 May, the Library is hosting an event for University students and staff to watch eight finalists pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of judges.

Managing and improving team performance
(23 Apr 2013)
STDU course for line managers on Thursday, 16 and Friday, 17 May.

Black Minority and Ethnic (BME) staff network group welcomes new members
(24 Apr 2013)
The next meeting of the Black Minority and Ethnic (BME) staff network group takes place on Thursday, 25 April (12.30pm-1.30pm) in 3.204 University Place.

Thank you for your views!
(24 Apr 2013)
An amazing 71% of you took part in the Staff Survey 2013

University helps 1,000 local people find work
(24 Apr 2013)
The University has now helped 1,000 long-term unemployed people into work, as Chris Livingston from Whalley Range took the tally into four figures.

Monthly Cycle to Work event
(24 Apr 2013)
Next stop for our monthly cycle events is the MMU Business School on Wednesday, 1 May (8.20am – 9am).

Staff benefits update
(24 Apr 2013)
This week's bumper update features discounts on made-to-measure suits, books, outdoor gear, cycling to work, theatre visits, on-site facilities - and pampering.

Information about Zeus computer virus infections
(24 Apr 2013)
A number of University computers have been infected by the “Zeus” virus, and these are currently being cleaned up by IT Services.

Museum Arch closure
(25 Apr 2013)
Due to essential works that form part the ongoing Quad Conservation Project, the Museum Arch at the top of Coupland Street will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists every night from Tuesday 30 April to Friday 3 May, from 5pm to 6am.

Christine is sixth Staff Survey iPad winner
(25 Apr 2013)
Congratulations to Christine McCauley – the final lucky winner of a Staff Survey iPad!

Nature's Library opens to the public
(25 Apr 2013)
Museum throws open doors to new exhibition this weekend

Manchester bids for back-to-back titles in University Challenge
(25 Apr 2013)
Our team will attempt to retain its University Challenge crown in the final of the TV quiz on BBC2 this Monday.

Policy@Manchester Week 2013 - Call for Events
(25 Apr 2013)
Following the success of Policy@Manchester Week last year, preparations are now starting for Policy@Manchester Week 2013, which will take place from Monday, 28 October – Friday, 1 November 2013.

Tell us how you travel to work
(25 Apr 2013)
By completing a random online survey before 13 May, you can help the University to calculate the carbon emissions from commuting and build a more complete picture of our overall carbon impact.

John Rylands Library on top tourism list
(26 Apr 2013)
The University’s iconic library included on a list of Great British landmarks, published by Visit England.

An Evening of Fashion, Music, Art and Marcel Proust
(26 Apr 2013)
The University is working Manchester Art Gallery to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of Marcel Proust’s Swann’s Way.

Book now for management training
(26 Apr 2013)
Places available on the Managing and Developing Individual Performance course

Public engagement events in and around Manchester
(29 Apr 2013)
Just some of the (mostly) free activities to go along to in May.

Careers in Research Online Survey (CROS) is now open
(29 Apr 2013)
Have your say on your experience at the University as soon as possible.

Tonight’s the night for our University Challenge team!
(29 Apr 2013)
Manchester attempts to retain its crown in the final of the TV quiz at 8pm on BBC2

Call for Science Spectacular 2013 (part of Manchester Science Festival)
(29 Apr 2013)
Let us know what you have planned or register your interest to take part in the Science Spectacular by 10 May 2013.

Mapping Trafford for growing land
(29 Apr 2013)
Join The Kindling Trust for two mapping workshops in Trafford, looking for land suitable for growing fruit and vegetables.

Audition for Countdown on campus
(29 Apr 2013)
The ITV daytime words and numbers quiz show is holding auditions at the University on Wednesday, 1 May.

Kath's Marathon effort for MoodSwings
(29 Apr 2013)
In four hours, 13 minutes and 30 seconds, Kath Henderson, a Disability Advisor in Student Support and Services, achieved what would have seemed impossible three years ago: she started, ran in and finished the London Marathon!

Museum Meets: A sustainable future for Manchester - Clothing
(30 Apr 2013)
The latest in a series of free discussion events for adults will take place on Tuesday, 7 May (6-8pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Focus on feedback - How My Manchester is listening
(30 Apr 2013)
You can still register as a pilot user up until Tuesday, 7 May.

Manchester’s Fab Four win University Challenge
(30 Apr 2013)
Manchester retained its University Challenge title on 29 April, beating University College, London 190 – 140 in the televised final. It is the fourth victory for The University of Manchester in just eight years.

Examining tomorrow’s technologies for today’s research
(30 Apr 2013)
The University GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) Club will hold its next meeting on Thursday, 2 May (2-3.15pm), in Roscoe 1.001.

Energy vulnerability seminar
(30 Apr 2013)
The University will host a three-day seminar on 'Energy vulnerability conditions and pathways: Towards a research and policy agenda' on 21-23 May.

Common Ground Collective at 'A Sustainable Future for Manchester'
(30 Apr 2013)
On Tuesday, 30 April (7.45pm) at Manchester Museum.

Zeus computer virus still ongoing – important update
(30 Apr 2013)
As reported last week, a number of University computers have been infected by the “Zeus” virus. IT Services colleagues have been cleaning infected machines, however the problem is still ongoing.

In Place of War: The Stories of the Artists
(30 Apr 2013)
On Wednesday, 29 May (6pm – 9pm) in The John Thaw Studio, The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama.

UoM music alumnus and music academic in world première
(30 Apr 2013)
Free Walter Carroll Lunchtime Concert with Helen Tonge (violin) and Richard Whalley (piano) on Thursday, 2 May (1.10pm) in The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama.

Tenth issue of “The Manchester Review” now live
(30 Apr 2013)
The Manchester Review is the Centre for New Writing’s online literary journal and is edited by the Centre’s co-directors John McAuliffe and Ian McGuire, and Jodie Kim and Valerie O’Riordan.