NEW HEAD OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

Pauline Walsh, Director of Pre-registration Programmes, has been appointed as Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, in the Faculty of Health.  In line with the University's internal appointment process, Pauline's term of office will be for three years in the first instance.

Pauline's determination and vision impressed the appointments panel, which was chaired by Keele's new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Foskett. The School, in common with the rest of the Faculty of Health and wider university sector, is facing a challenging few years as public sector funding is cut. Nursing and midwifery training is currently funded on a commissioned basis by the Strategic Health Authority, so will have to respond to workforce and management changes, as well as the move to an all degree profession.

In congratulating Pauline on her appointment and welcoming her to the Faculty of Health Senior Management Team, the Dean, Professor Andy Garner, also thanked Professor Rebecca Jester for leading the school over the past four years and wished her well in her new job in the Middle East.

UNDERSTANDING HALOGEN BONDS

Dr Richard Jones, Research Institute for the Environment, Physical Sciences and Applied Mathematics, pictured, in collaboration with Dr Joe Hriljac (Birmingham University) and Dr Bill Marshall (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory), has been awarded a series of grants at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory to carry out studies totalling 12 days (worth £168,000), to accurately determine the structures of systems containing halogen bonds, using neutron diffraction.  This is the most accurate technique that can be used to determine the dimensions and geometry of the individual atoms that make these bonds.  In order to build up a better understanding of halogen bonds, pressures of up to 60,000 times that of atmospheric pressure have been applied to see how they change under such extreme pressures.

Halogen bonds are attractive forces that occur between molecules. They have been known since the late 19th century, but their importance in biological processes, such as protein folding, has only recently been recognised. They can play an important role in such diverse fields as developing new drugs, designing new nanomaterials and crystal engineering.

KEELE KEY FUND AWARDS

The Keele Key Fund has announced funding for two projects. Campus Watch, an innovative new initiative launched with the help of £4,000 funding, arose from a Student Experience workshop. Students will be encouraged to report any suspicious activity to University Security or local police. Bright yellow stickers will be fixed in student accommodation windows, giving key telephone numbers, while the reverse will carry a recognisable logo, highlighting the existence of the scheme to any potential intruders and act as a deterrent. David Gray, Head of Security, said: "We are very grateful to Keele Key Fund for its support and hope this important initiative will be in place for the next semester."

The Key Fund has stepped in to support the Keele Community First Responders Project. The committee agreed to fill a funding gap, created by a downturn in corporate sponsorship, with an award of £3,100. KCFR have attended more than 200 calls in the last six months, including a three-car accident on Keele Road, cardiac arrests, several calls to anaphylactic shock, asthma attacks, strokes, heart attacks, broken hips, broken legs and spinal injuries. They are also heavily involved with teaching future community first responders, and have attended teddy bear hospital events with Keele medical students, making primary school children aware of how to avoid having an accident, how to contact emergency services and what happens if an ambulance is called.

KEELE REVS UP EXCITEMENT FOR ELECTRIC BIKES

Members of staff have been trialling a new power-assisted bicycle over the last two weeks to highlight one way to reduce car use and carbon emissions on campus.

Environmental manager, Huw Evans, pictured, is promoting cycling the easy way with the trial arranged by Lichfield-based electric bike specialist, PowaStation. Tackling steep hills with the touch of a button, the brand new Urban Mover UM36 U-Glider is a green alternative to the car, providing economical green transport with a boost of extra power to help staff around campus, as well as travelling to and from work.

Huw said: "Keele is committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. We're looking for ways to encourage staff and students to leave their cars at home, even if it is just for one day a week."

RECORD NUMBERS FOR OPEN DAY

The University hosted the second of its four open days for this year last weekend, with a record number of prospective students attending.

The good weather meant visitors were able to explore the campus in full, including viewing the halls of residence at Lindsay and Hawthorns.

A minibus shuttle was provided for students interested in the Nursing and Midwifery courses, so, in addition to the main campus, they could view the facilities at the Clinical Education Centre.

The School of Medicine, with support from MIS, introduced a new online booking system in SCIMS to manage the numbers attending their three subject talks, and prospective students are now able to see all details relating to their open day booking through e-vision.

Student guides helped in a number of areas, accompanying visitors on a minibus shuttle to Hawthorns, supporting the RMs and housekeeping staff at the halls of residence, taking tours of campus and being on hand to answer questions.

There was a considerable amount of 'behind the scenes' activity to ensure the day's programme went according to plan.

Thanks to everyone involved.

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENT

The following academic appointment commenced in post this week:

School of Medicine

Dr Charlotte Hart has been appointed Director of Masters in Medical Education (Lecturer) and was previously Lead Programme Director - West Midlands Workforce Deanery.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

27 August 2000

Researchers at the University will help in the development of the biggest telescope in the southern hemisphere, a £20 million multinational project known as the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT).

Professor Nye Evans, head of Astrophysics, pictured above, said the project was "extremely important" and a "fantastic opportunity for the university's astronomers and research students".