Birmingham City University - Latest News

University’s knowledge transfer programmes with Morgan acknowledged as West Midlands’ ‘best’

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The value of a decade of knowledge transfer programmes between Malvern-based Morgan Motor Company and Birmingham City University has been recognised as a regional winner for ‘Best Partnership’, in this year’s national Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Awards.

The team, responsible for a recently concluded third KTP-programme, were invited by the KTP Programme Office to participate in a presentation of their project at a special event organised at the London Marriott, Grosvenor Square, on 10th March 2010. The accolade of being the best in the North West (which incorporates the West Midlands region), has come through the success of the latest of three KTP programmes completed with the Morgan Motor Company, by the University’s Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment (TEE), led by Dr Mike Daniels.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is a UK-wide programme enabling companies to improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance through a partnership with their local university. A KTP lasts between 10 weeks and 36 months and involves the forming of a partnership between a company and university.

The overall triple-KTP partnership between TEE and the UK’s legendary car manufacturer, now 100 years old, has already seen Morgan gain a Lord Stafford Award for Achievement in Innovation during 2007. The conclusion of their third Government-supported KTP saw the national panel recently award this programme its topmost ‘Outstanding’ grade, matching similar recognition given to their first KTP, concluded two years earlier. The second, longer KTP programme, which successfully increased the efficiency of Morgan’s manufacturing processes, had also been highly rated.

The result of the design-work of Matthew Humphries, TEE’s third KTP-associate, graduate, employed to transfer design-based technology into the company, included styling Morgan’s exclusive and highly-acclaimed AeroMax model. Matthew has since become the company’s Chief Designer and subsequently designed Morgan’s environmentally friendly performance LIFECar concept, unveiled at Geneva in Spring 2008.

Matthew Humphries comments: “The KTP provided an excellent foundation for my career in a hugely competitive industry. It has been particularly rewarding to work with Morgan to realise my designs in both concept and production vehicles.”

The launch of this unique sports car has now led to a fourth KTP which seeks to turn the concept into a road-going reality. This double graduate-associate KTP-programme is seeing Birmingham City University co-ordinate a multi-university* programme through collaboration with Oxford and Cranfield universities, to develop Morgan’s LIFECar over a three-year period.

Rebecca Garrod-Waters, Director of Innovation at Advantage West Midlands (AWM), said: “It’s fantastic news that the partnership between Morgan and Birmingham City University has received this regional award. Innovation is key to driving the West Midlands economy and Advantage West Midlands is supporting this by tripling the KTPs in the region.”

Birmingham City University is part of a consortium of all 12 of the West Midlands based Universities who are working in collaboration to increase the number of KTPs available in the region from 70 to 210 by 2013. The increase in KTPs is thanks to £24.3 million funding from Advantage West Midlands, the European Regional Development Fund and the Technology Strategy Board.

Birmingham City University’s long-term academic supervisor, Dr Mike Daniels, says: “We’re delighted our Morgan partnership has been identified as the West Midlands best among the many successful KTPs in this Region”.

Grandfather of Virtual Reality visits University

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The man dubbed the 'Grandfather of Virtual Reality' will be talking at Birmingham City University this month (March).

Professor Tom Furness earned the unofficial title due to his outstanding contribution to the advancement of the field. Professor Furness, who is a Research Scientist at the Human Interface Technology Lab at the University of Washington, Seattle will be giving a talk at the University’s regular Creative Networks event.

Professor Furness has lectured widely and written numerous articles associated with human interaction with complex machines and the use of virtual interfaces. He has made television appearances on CBS, BBC, CNN, ABC, NBC science programmes. His current research involves the development of affordable virtual interface technologies for industry and consumers with applications in medical imaging, virtual prototypin g, prostheses for the disabled, virtual classrooms and televirtuality.

The Professor’s research interests centre upon developing tools that engage, enlighten and entertain people. Dave Taylor who organised the talk in Birmingham said: “Fearing that technology may be causing more problems than it is solving, Tom’s work concentrates on making the world a better place by the enlightened use of technology, bringing minds together to solve problems.”

Birmingham City University is increasingly involved in the use of virtual environments for a number of applications. The University is currently working with a range of companies from the building sector to utilise virtual buildings for ‘intelligent construction’ which will help to allow for environmental and sustainable design of buildings and their usage. In these and other areas the University is heavily engaged with Digital Birmingham to expand Birmingham’s influence as a digital city and to be a leader in next generation services.

Professor Furness’ talk will form part of the next Creative Networks event which is being held on Thursday 25 March 2010, 6pm until 9.00pm at Birmingham City University, Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

The event is free and open to public; anyone who wants to attend should reserve a place by emailing creative.networks@bcu.ac.uk or by calling Dave Taylor on 0121 331 5400. Alternatively, you can register online at www.creativenetworksonline.com

University award takes jewellery to Beijing

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A group of academics from Birmingham City University are set to take a collection of contemporary studio jewellery to an international exhibition in Beijing later this year.

PARADIGMA 2 will showcase at the Fei Liu Gallery in Beijing during June and is the first UK exhibition of contemporary work to be mounted in the city. Fei Liu is himself a graduate of the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University.

Eight members of staff are involved in the exhibition which has only been made possible through the generous award from Birmingham Cultural Partnership’s International Partnership Programme, with additional support from Birmingham City Council’s Arts & Leisure department and a research grant from Birmingham Institute of Art & Design at Birmingham City University.

Professor Jack Cunningham, Head of the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University, said: “This exciting opportunity will not only profile the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University, but is an excellent vehicle for cultural exchange and to promote the rich heritage of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, the City, and its’ Creative Industries through initiatives such as Brilliantly Birmingham.”

For further information on the School of Jewellery please see www.schoolofjewellery.co.uk

University pledges to deliver vision for city centre campus

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Birmingham City University remains committed to delivering its vision for a flagship city centre campus.

The pledge is made by Professor David Tidmarsh, Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, following the Government’s announcement last week to create a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham.

The Government’s plans include the creation of a new rail station at Eastside, on the same plot earmarked for the University’s proposed city centre campus for which outline planning permission has already been granted.

The University had chosen Eastside because of its designation as the Learning and Leisure Zone for Birmingham. It was also adjacent to the University’s Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment (TEE) and Birmingham School of Acting, which are based in neighbouring Millennium Point.

“The proposed high-speed rail link between Birmingham and London is very good news for the city – and will be a major boost to the local economy,” said Professor Tidmarsh. “However, this announcement is a huge disappointment to our staff and students at Birmingham City University.

“As a University we are committed to supporting the city, its businesses and its people by providing facilities and a learning experience that are world-class.

“Right up to the last minute we have been working hard to deliver our ambitious plans at Eastside and have been in very detailed discussions with Birmingham City Council.

“We first entered negotiations to purchase the land at Eastside in 2006 and signed a Development Agreement with Birmingham City Council committing to purchase the land in December 2007.

“At this time, a first payment was made with two further payments made in December 2008 and December 2009 totalling £18m. These funds were released on March 3, 2010, upon confirmation that the conditions of the Development Agreement had been met by both parties.

"Our proposals have outline planning permission and an application for detailed planning approval is to be determined in the coming days.

“To date we have invested, in total, more than £30million, as well as a lot of hard work by many people across the institution and our partners. We will of course be seeking full restitution of our costs incurred to this point.

“This is a frustrating but a temporary set-back. Birmingham City University is still determined to deliver high quality education in the heart of the city.”

Defiant images portrayed in new book

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Apartheid South Africa is the focus of a book on photography by Birmingham City University academic Darren Newbury.

Defiant Images is the first book-length historical study of photography in apartheid South Africa and makes a significant contribution to research on documentary photography in the twentieth century. It tells the story of South African photography and its photographers during a critical period in the history of the country by recording the individual efforts of photographers to document the society around them, acknowledging both their courage and their creativity.

Darren Newbury explains: “2010 is a year of significant anniversaries for South Africa: in February the country celebrated 20 years since the release of Nelson Mandela and the beginning of the end of the apartheid era; this month (March) the country will commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, when 69 people were killed by police at an anti-pass protest. “Photography played an important role in bringing events in South Africa to the attention of the wider world. My intention of this book is to explore the complex histories that lay behind these images of a society in conflict.”

The chapter on Ernest Cole is the first major account of the life and work of one of Africa’s most important photographers, exiled from South Africa in 1967. Other chapters contribute to an understanding of the photographers Constance Stuart Larrabee and Leon Levson, the Drum magazine school of photography and the struggle photography of the 1980s. The book is based on interviews with photographers, editors and curators, and analysis of photographs held in collections and displayed in museums.

Former judge on the Constitutional Court of South Africa, Albie Sachs, wrote the foreword to the book. He said: “This book provides an inspiring record of what photography can achieve even in dire circumstances. In a compelling manner, it shows how the camera can make the world not only see itself, but be proud of itself. The struggle to liberate South Africa from apartheid was one of the great freedom struggles of the last century. This book honours the photographers who made special and creative contributions to that struggle.”

Defiant Images is published by University of South Africa Press, for further information www.unisa.ac.za/defiant-images

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Local MEP Michael Cashman visits University

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

West Midlands MEP, campaigner and actor, Michael Cashman, will be making a visit to Birmingham City University.

He will be marking the University’s Celebrating Diversity and Promoting Wellbeing Week by giving a talk on Friday 12 March at the City North Campus in Perry Barr.

Michael, who appeared in Eastenders during the 1990s, is a human rights activist and an advocate for equality and diversity. Michael has a long history of activism in the field of human rights and is a lifelong advocate for equality and diversity, both in the UK and, since 1999, as a member of the European Parliament. In addition he’s a founder member of Stonewall, the lesbian, gay and bisexual campaign group and is a substitute member of the European Parliament's Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice & Home Affairs Committee, head of the European Parliament’s South Africa delegation and is a member of the Petitions Committee. He is also a member of the Regional Development Committee and the Sub Committee on Human Rights. Michael is also He is Co- President of the Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights , a cross-party grouping of MEPs.

The talk at the University follows on from International Women’s Day, held on Monday 8 March, and will be the closing event of the University’s Diversity and Promoting Wellbeing Week. Jill Scott, who is one of the organisers said: “We are really pleased that Michael is visiting the University to give a talk. I’m sure his experiences as an MEP and gay rights campaigner will prove both interesting and informative.

“His visit will round off our week long programme of events which has been highlighting the University’s commitment to the well-being of staff and students and the rich diversity of cultures within Birmingham City University and Birmingham as a whole.”

Echolocation pioneer visits Birmingham

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A blind man who uses clicking noises to detect obstacles has been demonstrating his skills here in Birmingham.

Daniel Kish, who has been unable to see for most of his life, has spent two days at Birmingham City University demonstrating echolation, which is a form of sonar. Daniel makes a ‘click’ and he listens for an ‘echo’ which he uses to determine how near an object is. The technique is similar to that used by bats when they fly around in the dark.

Californian-based Daniel has been using echolocation since childhood and teaches it across the globe. He said: “Research has shown that, without teaching, around ten per cent of blind people develop the skills of echolocation to an advanced degree while around 50 per cent develop some rudimentary degree. That may be something like knowing they are in a corridor or enclosed space. But with teaching, echolocation can be developed and refined much further.”

Daniel’s workshops ran on Monday 1 and Wednesday 3 March and he was invited to the University by Johanna Hook, Senior Lecturer in Rehab work Rehabilitation (Visual Impairment). As part of the two day workshop Daniel taught echolocation to pupils from New College, Worcester, a residential school for young people with visual impairments. Jo Hook said: “It was a great opportunity for our Foundation Degree in Rehabilitation (Visual Impairment) students to experience first-hand how Daniel teaches echolocation.

“Daniel is in great demand globally and we are lucky he could fit a visit to Birmingham into his schedule. Daniel’s reputation is so high I’ve advised my students to mention on their CVs that they attended a workshop run by him.”

Your life starts here - Birmingham’s universities team up to attract students to the city

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:14:00 GMT

From world class arts provision to the Balti Triangle – Birmingham’s rich and exciting diversity is explored in a new guide to student life in the city.

The pocket-sized booklet has been published by the city’s five universities in partnership with global travel experts Lonely Planet.

The publication is the first of its kind in England, and has been launched as part of the Student Birmingham campaign which raises the profile of the city as a student destination.

Marketing Birmingham has joined forces with Birmingham City University, Aston University, Newman University College, the University of Birmingham and University College Birmingham to produce the guide in response to increased demand to study in the city - with all five institutions seeing an increase in applications this year.

‘Birmingham: Your Life Starts Here’ is a 96-page booklet published by Lonely Planet and contains everything students need to know about life in the city from where to bag a bargain, get a culture fix or bite to eat. It also has hints and tips from current students and graduates, including Jabbar Khan who studied at Birmingham City University and is now managing director of Lasan restaurant, the winner of Channel 4’s F-Word.

“Birmingham is definitely the place to be – a top destination for students,” said Kathryn Jones, Director of Marketing at Birmingham City University.

“Since 2008, Birmingham City University has received a massive 78 per cent increase in the number of UCAS applicants, way above the national average

“Like the city, the University has grown in profile and confidence. We are therefore very proud to be working with global travel experts Lonely Planet who are helping to tell Birmingham’s success story – making this an essential guide to students and those who want to work and live in the city.

“Many of our graduates, such as Assistant Architect Elizabeth Clayton, who is featured in the Lonely Planet guide, are working in the city and helping to shape its future.”

Emma Gray, Head of Marketing at Marketing Birmingham, added: “Our Student Birmingham campaign focuses on attracting more students to the city and encouraging them to stay and build their careers here as graduates.

“The new guide will be a valuable tool in promoting these aims and the partnership with leading travel publisher Lonely Planet lends authority to the publication.

“We’re pleased that Birmingham’s universities have worked in partnership to produce the guide and create a valuable response to the increased demand in applications. Targeting prospective students and their parents to encourage them to the city is crucial ,and encouraging current students to remain in Birmingham after graduating is a key factor in economic growth.”

Lonely Planet’s Senior B2B Product Manager, Matt James Gibbs, said: “We're extremely proud of our work with Marketing Birmingham in conjunction with Birmingham's higher education institutions. Birmingham: Your Life Starts Here demonstrates what fantastic opportunities await prospective students who choose to study in the city, and how Birmingham really can be a place to call home once students move into their careers.”

A total of 175,000 guides will be produced and copies distributed to the universities to send out to prospective candidates. Marketing Birmingham will be sending copies to sixth form students who are investigating university locations. Prospective students can also head to www.studentbirmingham.com to register to receive a copy.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

The Lonely Planet student and graduate guide is funded by Marketing Birmingham as part of their Student Birmingham campaign, and the city’s five universities – Aston University, Birmingham City University, Newman University College, The University of Birmingham and University College Birmingham. Student Birmingham campaign is funded by Marketing Birmingham with support from Advantage West Midlands.

Birmingham’s five universities Aston University, Birmingham City University, Newman College, The University of Birmingham and University College Birmingham have seen a total 16% increase in applications this year compared to 2009, according to figures from UCAS.

Birmingham Students FAB success

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A group of Birmingham City University students are playing a crucial role in promoting the City’s support for Fairtrade Fortnight.

The second year Visual Communication (Graphic Communication) students have created designs for a t-shirt, bus stop poster and a Fairtrade City guide that have been used by Fairtrade Association Birmingham (FAB) to promote this year’s campaign.

Lecturer Colette Jeffrey explains: “We worked with FAB to define the project and then the students designed some fantastic concepts aimed at helping to promote Fairtrade Fortnight to a younger target audience. FAB was so impressed with our students’ ideas that they asked a few of the students to work together to produce final solutions that FAB turned into reality. People living here, and people visiting the City, will see our students’ designs in roadside and bus stop poster frames throughout the city centre. They will be able to pick up one of 10,000 Fairtrade & Ethical City guides that have been printed for Fairtrade Fortnight and buy a limited edition t-shirt throughout the campaign.

“I am very proud of the students’ final outcomes. They really rose to the challenge of working for a real client and meeting FAB’s tight deadlines.

“Not only will the students’ designs be used for the Fairtrade Fortnight events, but an exhibition of some of the students’ work is currently on display at Birmingham Library.” Lucy Grove-Hemmings was one of the students who worked on the project.

She said: ”I really enjoyed the challenge of a live brief. We learnt a lot from the project, including how important it is to communicate well with your client. It was a fabulous opportunity to meet and work with some great people and I can’t wait to see everything come together for Fairtrade Fortnight.”

Lorraine Cookson from Birmingham City Council's Sustainability Team added: “I’m very impressed not just with the high standard and creativity of the students but with the enthusiasm and dedication to the Fairtrade Cities campaign. All students took part in a city wide audit to make sure no shop or cafe was left out. There has been so much hard work by students and their lecturer Colette to pull this together I cannot thank them enough.”

Fairtrade Fortnight runs until March 7th and is an annual event in which fair and ethical trading values are celebrated. Fairtrade in Birmingham is a voluntary organisation working to bring together campaigners for fairer trade in Birmingham.

Death penalty faces court trial

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A prominent Birmingham law academic will play a leading part in a mock court trial taking place in London this week.

Julian Killingley, a Professor of American Public Law at Birmingham City University, will be the first ‘witness’ for the prosecution in a show trial in Westminster which will see the Court charging the US Death Penalty with ‘perverting the course of justice’.

Presided over by Lord Woolf (Former Chief Justice of England and Wales) the trial will debate the highly controversial subject of the death penalty, with Professor Killingley being the first in three witnesses for the prosecution.

Witnesses for the defence include former federal judge Professor Paul Cassell from University of Utah, a well-known and controversial proponent of capital punishment.

Professor Killingley said: "This is going to be a lively debate and no walkover for either side. I look forward to engaging with what I know will be a staunch defence of the death penalty."

The trial is being arranged and hosted by Amicus, a charity set up in 1992 in memory of Andrew Lee Jones, who was executed in Louisiana in July 1991. Amicus aims to help provide legal representation for those awaiting capital trial and punishment in the US and raise awareness of potential abuses of their rights.

For further information, log on to www.amicus-alj.org

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