KEELE SPIN OUT FIRMS IN FRAME FOR LORD STAFFORD AWARDS

Two trail-blazing companies spun out from Keele have been shortlisted for the prestigious Lord Stafford Awards for innovation. SciSite has developed a machine which can detect rusted metal in concrete and nanoTherics, at the Guy Hilton Research Centre, Hartshill, has developed technology that could be used to treat genetic diseases.

SciSite was founded in 2005 by Professor Peter Haycock and Dr Matthew Hocking. The company has developed a machine which uses an x-ray-style device which can detect rusted metal in structures such as roads and bridges without the need to open concrete.

nanoTherics was formed in 2007 to build on pioneering joint research into gene transfer by scientists at Keele and the University of Florida. Effectively, the technology uses a process known as transfection, whereby tiny particles and magnets are used to place DNA in living cells. These "transfection genes" could then be used to treat genetic problems such as cystic fibrosis.

nanoTherics is now producing a device used for the transfection process for academic research and commercial use and has secured funding from the Mercia Seed Fund, which provides venture capital to new technology businesses in the West Midlands.

Now in their 11th year, the Awards recognise and showcase the best of collaborations between West Midlands' universities and businesses. The finals take place at Worcester Cathedral next week.

BBC'S COUNTRYFILE PROGRAMME FOCUSES ON KEELE RESEARCH

BBC1's 'Countryfile' programme showed some collaborative forensic research conducted by Keele and Staffordshire universities last Sunday (See here). This research is developing and is being financially supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, commercial company sponsors and Police Service search teams. Michaela Strachan headed the BBC interview team and seemed impressed both by the research, Keele University as a whole and Le Cafe!

Ongoing research projects are focused on aiding the UK and global Police Services to solve crimes. Present projects include: 1) Improving the detection rates of murder victim burials through use of geophysical survey techniques (http://system.newzapp.co.uk/GLink.asp?LID=MTY2MTE2NSw5);
2) testing to see if 'grave-soil' can be recognised and detected and 3) determining if a 'time since burial' can be quantified using implant degradation, the last being the main focus of the programme.

KEELE CHEF RISES TO THE VEGAN  CHALLENGE

Keele's executive chef Peter Walters has been named one of the country's top chefs in a national competition to create the tastiest and most nutritious vegan meal.

Peter took on five other finalists from across Britain in the Vegan Society's first Catering Challenge and impressed judges with an innovative menu to win the £200 second place prize.

The contestants had four hours to produce four plated meals at the Tante Marie School of Cooking in Woking, for judges Chad Sarno, executive chef of Saf Restaurant, Christine Tilbury, head of the Cordon Vert Cookery School and Andrew Maxwell, managing director and principal of Tante Marie.

The official result was announced last week on World Vegan Day at the West Midlands Vegan Festival in Wolverhampton. Peter, who joined Keele in 2000 and has previously worked at The Dorchester Hotel under Anton Mosimann, said: "With vegan cookery it's about really understanding the ingredients for taste and texture and also the combination of nutrients necessary to have a balanced diet."

SCIENCE PARK COMPANY WINS TOP PRIZE IN BUSINESS COMPETITION

A Keele University Science and Business Park-based company, which specialises in assessing the safety of drugs and chemicals, has won first prize in a business competition.

Dermal Technology Laboratory (DTL) Ltd was awarded the first prize of £4,000 in the Business Boost contest, organised by the Knutton and Cross Heath Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder and Newcastle Borough Council.

The competition was open to businesses which have been trading for less than three years and are keen to develop their ventures. DTL was selected as the winner from 24 entries who submitted their business plans and trading performance to the panel of judges.

Professor Jon Heylings, Professor of Toxicology at Keele and Chairman of DTL, said: "We are delighted to have won this award as it will enable us to set up several dermatology-related projects with the University, including a PhD studentship with Pharmacy on MRSA infection and novel research on the dermal absorption of metals with Chemistry."

The ultimate university challenge

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Rama Thirunamachandran, delivered a University Assembly on Monday in the Westminster Theatre.  The event was an open lecture for staff and students entitled 'The Ultimate University Challenge' and was widely attended by members of the University.  Rama joined Keele in June 2008 after having spent the previous decade as a senior officer at HEFCE. 

Rama's lecture enabled him to share with the University community his reflections on the external environment within which universities are now operating and how Keele should address these. 

The lecture covered a wide range of topics, from levels of public sector funding to the underpinning values of universities, which generated a range of vigorous questions and discussion following the lecture.

International students welcomed by the Keele Society

Members of the University and the Keele Society Advisory Committee organised a special welcome to new international students last week.

The Keele Society represents the entire alumni body of Keele University going back to 1950 and alumni from every Keele era contributed to an illustrated talk about Keele's unique ethos and special educational experience. They conveyed how Keele generates and supports a lifelong connection and how the Keele Key Fund, launched in 2007 with alumni donations, is already enhancing the experience of current students.

The students also enjoyed a tour of Keele Hall enabling them to revel in the University's heritage and the history. The occasion closed with a range of traditional and local snacks – hot teacakes, oatcakes, crumpets and scones – which proved to be a new experience for many.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Phillipson, launched the occasion and paid tribute to the generosity and support of the many alumni who contributed their time and expertise to create the event.

Poetry Live! at Keele

Lavinia Greenlaw gave a reading of her prose and poetry to a large audience of over 65 people this week in the second event of this year's Poetry Live! series.  Her reading was followed by questions and book signing. Earlier in the day she ran a workshop for Creative Writing students.

Lavinia lives in London and currently teaches writing at UEA.  She commented on the warmth of her reception at Keele and how well prepared the students were for her workshop.

The next reading in the Poetry Live! Series will be Moniza Alvi on Tuesday, 27 January.