Portraits of (in)security
A multimedia exhibition that looks at the links between art, politics and concepts of (in)security opens in Bristol this weekend [30 May to 4 June].
News in 2009
Travels of a plantsman
Well-known plantsman, broadcaster and writer will give the 2009 Annals of Botany Lecture organised by the University of Bristol’s Botanic Garden tomorrow [Thursday 28 May].
Lib Dem leader launches green jobs scheme in Bristol
Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, visited the University’s SETsquared Business Acceleration Centre last week to launch a Green Bonds scheme and to talk to local environmental companies based in the Centre.
Churches to chime for Charter Day
At midday on Sunday 24 May, church bells across Bristol will ring to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the University, just as they did in May 1909 when King Edward VII granted the University its Royal Charter to grant degrees.
Centenary crossword: the four cornerstones (by ESROM)
The winner of the University's centenary crossword competition is Jonathan Crowther, who lives in Oxford. His prize is a £100 book token.
Green Impact Awards ― winners announced
The winners of the Green Impact Awards, a scheme launched by Bristol University to encourage its staff and students to improve the environmental performance of their departments, have been announced. The winners are the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Clinical Sciences at North Bristol, and the Faculty of Science Office.
Accolade from Academy of Social Sciences for Judith Squires
Judith Squires, Professor of Political Theory at the University of Bristol and incoming Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law (from 1 August 2009), has achieved the distinction of being elected Academician of the Academy of Social Sciences.
£1.57million for research into learning and memory
Research at the Universities of Bristol and Cardiff into learning and memory has been given a significant boost with a recent Programme Grant award of £1.57 million from the Wellcome Trust.
Duo embark on 874-mile charity bike ride from opposite ends of the country
Two members of Bristol University staff have uncovered quite a coincidence – they will be embarking on the same 874-mile cycle ride covering the length of mainland Britain but starting from opposite ends of the country.
Using “dominance” to explain dog behaviour is old hat
A new study shows how the behaviour of dogs has been misunderstood for generations: in fact using misplaced ideas about dog behaviour and training is likely to cause rather than cure unwanted behaviour.
New technology could transform how small particles are moved
The way cells and biomolecules are moved from one position to another could be transformed thanks to a grant of £4 million.
Steve Cram hosts workshop for Bristol Half Marathon runners
Olympic medalist, Steve Cram will be the guest speaker at a free ‘RunBristol Half Marathon’ workshop aimed at preparing people for the Bristol Half Marathon. The event takes place tonight [Tuesday 19 May] at the University's Coombe Dingle Sports Complex.
Double accolade from Royal Society
Mike Ashfold, Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Bristol, and Jon Keating, Professor of Mathematical Physics, have achieved the rare distinction of being elected Fellows of the Royal Society for scientific excellence.
Students discover delights of chemistry
Around 60 students from 15 schools in the region will enjoy a fun-filled day of chemistry at the Salters' Festival of Chemistry being held at the University of Bristol today [Monday 18 May].
Nanoscience at your fingertips
Dr David Carberry in the Department of Physics controls particles that are so tiny you cannot even see them under a microscope, with light.
Consuming Ireland
Susan Flavin, in the Department of Historical Studies, shows that dramatic changes in consumer consumption can occur in the most unlikely of societies
New book explores the search for spirituality
The diverse spiritual landscapes of the modern world and the reasons why individuals and societies continue to seek spiritual meaning and fulfilment are the focus of a new book, The Search for Spirituality, by Ursula King, Emeritus Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Bristol.
Threat from West Antarctica less than previously believed
The potential contribution to sea level rise from a collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) have been greatly overestimated, according to a new study published in the journal Science.
Obesity: Science to Practice
As one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, with increasing prevalence in adults and children, obesity is now viewed by medical experts as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century.
All that glitters: new capitalism and the crash of 2008
Kevin Doogan in the School for Policy Studies sheds some light on why we are in the current financial crisis.
Understanding the past to improve the future
Dr Derek Vance and Gavin Foster from the Earth Sciences Department are doing their best to try to understand what is causing climate change, in order to advise governments on how the current rise in global temperatures might be mitigated.
The privacy delusion
Nello Cristianini, Professor of Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Engineering Mathematics, suspects that most of us are blissfully unaware of just how much we are spied upon.
Bristol hosts the Young Life Scientists' Symposium 2009
A symposium bringing together the future generation of neuroscientists is being hosted by Bristol University today [14 May]. The ‘Young Life Scientists’ Symposium 2009’ will provide young neuroscientists from across the country with the opportunity to meet others in their field, showcase their work and interact with top-level scientists.
Diamond dust brings solar power down to Earth
Dr Neil Fox from the University’s School of Chemistry and the Department of Physics has been awarded EUR980,000 by the energy company E.ON for a project that plans to exploit solar heat to produce electricity. It will do so using devices called thermionic energy converters (TECs). Dr Fox is developing special electrodes for these converters using nanoparticles of industrial diamond powder, which is low-cost and readily available.
Summer programme of swimming lessons
A new programme of swimming lessons for both adults and children (aged five and over) wanting either to learn how to swim, gain confidence or improve their stroke begins from next month [Monday 1 June] at the University of Bristol swimming pool in Clifton.
Searching for community
A new book published today by The Policy Press at the University of Bristol tackles the question ‘What is community?’.
The Red Queen and the Court Jester
Professor Michael Benton in the Department of Earth Sciences reviews the history of modern diversity
The notion of rationality
Professor Samir Okasha in the Department of Philosophy has recently been awarded a major grant to study the philosophical implications of current developments in evolutionary biology.
Darwin 200: Biology meets Mathematics
James Marshall of the Department of Computer Science explains how mathematical modelling has both confirmed and improved Darwin’s ideas on evolution.
New Centre to target health and well being of children and young people
Children and young people in the UK are set to benefit from a new centre of excellence focused on tackling health issues of most concern to them. The new Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), which launches on Wednesday 13 May, is a joint venture by the Universities of Cardiff, Bristol and Swansea.
Walking, talking and memory
How easy is it to walk, talk and remember what was said? Dr Dee Way studied how actors learn a script and whether walking affects their memory performance.
Bristol student wins 2009 GHS Essay Prize
Bristol students have taken top honours in the 2009 Garden History Society (GHS) Essay Prize.
Bristol teams up with Kyoto to demonstrate ICT and creative media
Senior academics from Kyoto University, the second-oldest university in Japan, visited the University of Bristol earlier this month to co-host a pioneering workshop in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and creative media.
Reflections on internationalisation
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eric Thomas, explains why the University has sharpened its focus on internationalisation and invites comments on a new document that outlines Bristol's rationale and priorities in this area.
BUOTC paddles to victory in 125-mile canoe marathon
Two teams from the Bristol University Officers’ Training Corps (BUOTC) won trophies in the 125-mile Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race over the Easter weekend.
Computer Science awarded £1.2 million for biological research
Bioinformatics and biological research in the University of Bristol's department of Computer Science has been strengthened thanks to awards totalling £1.2million from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Michael Freeman 1942-2009
Michael Freeman, Emeritus Professor of French at the University of Bristol, died unexpectedly on 30 April.
Centenary composition sets the right tone
On Friday [8 May], the University enjoyed the first performance of The Sheltering Bell, a piece of music specially commissioned for the University’s centenary and composed by Geoffrey Poole, Professor of Composition in the Department of Music.
Centenary garden sows seeds of tranquility
Last Friday [8 May], Sir Roy Strong opened the University’s new centenary garden. Created by former Bristol student and garden designer Anne de Verteuil as part of the University’s 100th birthday celebrations this year, the garden, which is located next to the Wills Memorial Building, provides a peaceful, green retreat for the public, staff and students alike.
Would you wear a serial killer’s cardigan?
Most of us would shirk from wearing a serial killer's cardigan, but why? According to Professor Bruce Hood many believe that the garment is contaminated, as if that person's evil 'essence' would rub off on us. This is because we have what he calls a 'supersense', or a belief that there are energies, patterns, forces and entities operating in the world that are categorically denied by science.