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Ziggurat - The e-Newsletter of the UEA Alumni Association April 2019 View in browser
Ziggurat
UEA campus at sunset
Featured Stories
Idles

UEA Gig History

"It was a long time since I'd done any gigs by then, so I think I was getting used to being back on stage but in a completely different capacity."

The UEA Gig History project was delighted to grab the opportunity for a brief Q&A with Tracey Thorn following the reschedule of her appearance in the Spring Literary Festival to Wednesday 8 May. Tracey has visited UEA on numerous occasions for work, play and even as a student applicant back in the '80s. The wide variety of topics included Let's Eat Grandma, music archives and her next book (lesbian punk bands anyone?).

The Nick Rayns LCR has undoubtedly enjoyed many cultural exchanges within its walls over the years. Guy Osborn – Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of Law, Society and Popular Culture at the University of Westminster – recently paid his first gig-related trip to Norwich to see Idles; a band he suspects to be the most important band in Britain today. "I had heard lots of positive things about the venues here but reading the wonderful work of UEA gigs had given me a fresh perspective. In many ways the people there felt like kindred spirits..." Read about Guy's 'trip to the east' in his guest blog on the website.

In other news, a marvellous #UEAgigs poster has been sent through by Fred Robinson, confirming the appearance of the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) supported by Sparks back in 1972. The poster is currently on display in the memorabilia room on the website.

Another fascinating discovery has been a YouTube channel called Policy Loop, showing gig footage from the '80s by UEA's NEXUS society. Photographer Mark Hodgson kindly gave some commentary, gathered in a special Twitter moment on the @UEAgighistory Twitter feed.

Read More  
UEA Stories quote

UEA Stories blog

Over on the UEA stories blog we feature Robynn, who graduated from the MA Medieval History programme in 2018, as she shares insight into her career in the heritage sector working for The National Trust.

Also on the blog, we hear from Suzanne, who studied BSc Accountancy at UEA in the late '80s and last year, was appointed to the position of Commissioner for Equality and Human Rights for Great Britain. Speaking of her new appointment Suzanne said, "The role is extremely wide-ranging, incredibly interesting and I consider it a real honour to hold it".

Read More  
Still of Mark Zeitoun in 'Water and war' lecture trailer

Final UEA London Lecture of 2019: Water and war

Book your place now to join us in London on Thursday 2 May with Prof Mark Zeitoun (School of International Development), who will explore the ways in which conflict robs water of its nourishing essence, and how the people who resist this theft could provide the vital inspiration we need to face the future.

This UEA London Lecture will be preceded by a screening of Merowe Dam: A Shattered Dream - a short film featuring Prof Zeitoun's research with Dr Nada Ali and Dr Mohammed Jalal. It will begin promptly at 6pm at the Regent Street Cinema.

We've filmed a short introduction featuring Prof Zeitoun in which he introduces the concept of water as a source of conflict, when it is used to displace communities and lubricate ethnic cleansing.

If you can't make it to London for the lecture, you can watch online via our Facebook page or catch up later on UEA's YouTube channel from the following week.

Read More and Book  
News in Brief
Children develop PTSD when they 'overthink' their trauma

Children are more likely to suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if they think their reaction to traumatic events is not 'normal', according to new research from Norwich Medical School.

UK gets new £5 million climate change research centre

UEA is a founding partner in a new £5 million research centre that will explore how we can live differently to achieve the rapid and far-reaching emissions cuts required to address climate change.

Lung disease patients needed for heart drug trial

UEA researchers are looking for people with lung disease for a new study into whether taking beta-blockers could help reduce 'flare ups'.

More Stories
Disruptive technologies event panel

Fulfilling the promise of artificial intelligence and disruptive technologies

On Thursday 28 March, UEA hosted the latest in a series of AI-themed events. The event featured a keynote from alumnus and visiting professor in the School of Computing Sciences, Dr Andy Stanford-Clark.

Dr Stanford-Clark is also Chief Technology Officer for IBM in the UK and Ireland. At the event, he spoke about the evolution of AI following the explosion of data, sophisticated algorithms for machine learning and reasoning, and powerful computer infrastructure. This was followed by a panel chaired by Tim Robinson – Chief Executive Officer of Tech East – discussing the practical applications of AI in a wide range of sectors.

To find out more about similar business-focused events, follow the UEA for Business Twitter and LinkedIn channels.

Radio microphone

UEA's Prof Corinne Le Quéré on BBC Radio 4

Prof Corinne Le Quéré (Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research) featured on BBC Radio 4's Life Scientific programme on Tuesday 19 March.

Prof Le Quéré is a climate scientist who keeps track of where the carbon comes from and where it goes – all on a truly global scale.

In a half-hour interview about her academic life and research, Prof Jim Al-Khalili talked to Prof Le Quéré about the relationship between the carbon cycle and the Earth's climate, and how it is changing. Prof Le Quéré expanded on her research into modelling how carbon moves around the earth and importantly, how human impact is affecting carbon storage.

Listen Now  
Economics seminar

Alumni volunteers needed to promote economics on Wednesday 3 July

The WinECO: Women in Economics event aims to encourage Year 10 female students to abandon stereotypes and think of economics as an exciting field open to all.

At the event there will be professional speakers and a panel discussion with current students, alumni and other guests, to be chaired by BBC Look East. There will also be exhibitions from current economics research students and employers.

If you are interested in participating in either an employer exhibition or a 'meet an economist' discussion, please email Laura Harvey.

West Japan spring reunion

West Japan spring reunion

On Thursday 21 March, Dr Maren Duvendack – Senior Lecturer in Development Economics in the School of International Development – and the UEA Alumni Association West Japan hosted a spring reunion in Osaka.

Seven alumni met at Teppanyaki & Wine KAI to network and reminisce. The group was made up of alumni from across the University, from the classes of 1975 to 2016. Discussions on the evening centred on how careers have evolved since leaving UEA and exchanging fond memories of campus life.

Bird

Females live longer when they have help raising offspring

Female birds age more slowly and live longer when they have help raising their offspring, according to new research from UEA.

Researchers studied the relationship between ageing and offspring rearing patterns in the Seychelles warbler, and found that females who had assistance from other female helpers benefitted from a longer, healthier lifespan.

The findings help explain why social species, such as humans, that live in groups and cooperate to raise offspring often have longer lifespans.

Find Out More  
Leafcutter ants

Natural History Museum Lates: Nature's Pharmacy

On Friday 26 April, UEA's Prof Matt Hutchings will be appearing after hours at the Natural History Museum.

Join the Museum as they explore nature's marvellous medicine cabinet. From penicillin and painkillers to cold remedies and anticancer drugs, a surprising number of the products we rely on to keep us healthy come from the natural world.

By 2050, drug-resistant infections are predicted to become the biggest cause of human death. Researchers at UEA, led by Prof Hutchings, are exploring an unusual environmental niche to try and find new antibiotics to tackle antimicrobial resistance while raising public awareness about this global health crisis.

The event takes place between 6pm and 10pm; entry is free and no ticket is required. Prof Hutchings will be speaking at 7pm and 8.15pm.

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The Reluctant Radical

Green Film Festival @UEA

Now in its fourth year, the Green Film Festival @UEA is focused around an exciting programme of free film screening events, presenting and bringing together intersecting interests in environmental issues and film.

This year's Festival will be opened with a special screening of Sharkwater: Extinction at the Norwich Castle Museum on Friday 10 May. The screening will be followed by a talk and Q&A with UEA alumna, shark expert, marine biochemist and zoologist Dr Sian Foch-Gatrell.

On Thursday 16 May, Hayley Pinto from Climate Hope Action in Norfolk will introduce a screening of The Reluctant Radical, which follows activist Ken Ward through a series of direct actions, culminating in his participation in the shutdown of US tar sands oil pipelines in 2016. After the screening at The Enterprise Centre, the audience will have the chance to ask questions of Ken Ward himself in a Skype Q&A.

The Festival continues on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May with screenings, talks, Q&A sessions and workshops at The Enterprise Centre, UEA. All are free of charge, but advance booking is recommended.

Read More and Book  
Workshop

Eisenhower Fellowship success for International Development alumnus

Alumnus Brendan Quail has received a prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship and will join other outstanding leaders on a six-week programme.

The Fellowship brings together 45-50 leaders from all over the world. The ethos is simple – that Fellows are committed to a singular aim: creating a more peaceful, prosperous, and just world.

As a regional manager for a Northern Ireland-based charity, Brendan promotes racial and ethnic integration with an emphasis on supporting Syrian refugees. He coordinates the Vulnerable Syrian Refugee Consortium, a partnership of seven community and voluntary organisations that assist refugees resettled under the UK Government's Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme.

As part of the Fellowship, Brendan plans to visit refugee resettlement agencies and advocates in the United States to learn about their strategies for integration and improving service delivery.

Find Out More  
Pulsars and our understanding of the Cosmos

Watch now: UEA London Lecture on pulsars and our understanding of the Cosmos

The video recording of last month's UEA London Lecture on pulsars is now available to watch online.

In his lecture, Dr Robert Ferdman explores the ways in which pulsars – the incredibly dense, rapidly rotating remnants of supernova explosions – can help us to understand some of the mysteries of our Universe.

Watch Online  
Person collecting water

Water security course for policy-makers and practitioners

Join us from Monday 24 to Friday 28 June for this annual short course, led by the School of International Development.

The course will provide policy-makers and professionals with comprehensive background knowledge relevant to the increasingly important policy challenge of water security.

Participants will explore how the multiple levels of water security – human, community, state and global – require broad but considered policy inputs. Emphasis will be placed on the inter-dependencies of different sectors, including drinking water security, climate security, food security and energy security.

The course leader is Bruce Lankford, Professor of Water and Irrigation Policy.

Find Out More  
Radio microphone

Hello Bright Spark

UEA offers a range of opportunities for young people to experience university and help them to think about what they will study.

Our free Taster Days show students how A level studies can lead to a wide range of university courses that they may not know exist. Students will get a real taste of what it's like to study at UEA, working with our academics and tutors, meeting current students and exploring our unique campus.

We also offer a sixth form conference and summer schools for Year 12 pupils.

Find Out More  
Nurturing Bright Futures

Teachers' conference: free event for education professionals

This CPD-certified free residential event on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 June is designed for education professionals who work with sixth form students as they apply for and progress to higher education.

The conference provides the latest information from HE experts, and the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the UK.

Delegates are invited to a networking dinner at the Sainsbury Centre, and to stay overnight on campus on Thursday 6 June. Both are offered free of charge.

Find Out More and Book  
Child wearing goggles

Primary level teaching information session

Could you inspire the next generation?

UEA welcomes anyone thinking of a career in teaching to register for this open event on Saturday 27 April.

The session will start with a general information talk, which will be followed by opportunity to speak directly to subject tutors, current students and newly-qualified teachers. Members of the admissions team will also be available to offer advice on all admissions-related questions, including subject requirements, grade requirements and fees, funding and bursary information.

Register Your Interest  
Fisherman in a boat

Annual Climate Change and Development short course

Join us from Monday 3 to Friday 7 June for our annual short course on climate change and development with the School of International Development.

The course is led by Dr Heike Schroeder and aims to equip non-specialists with a broad understanding of what climate change may mean for low-income populations. It will examine the scope and prospects for adapting to change and contributing to emissions reduction and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) implementation in the context of development issues and poverty reduction.

Dr Heike Schroeder is Senior Lecturer in Climate Change and International Development in the School of International Development, and a researcher with the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

Find Out More  
What's On

Maintaining an 'acceptable' self within and through social connections

Wednesday 17 April, 2 - 3pm
Room 3.02, Julian Study Centre, UEA

With speakers Prof Fiona Poland and Dr Linda Birt.

The bi-monthly series of free Dementia Open Forum events at UEA create an exchange of knowledge between researchers, clinicians, the general public, people with dementia and their carers. Anyone with an interest in dementia research is welcome.

The events are also live-streamed, with the video recordings available afterwards in our video archive. Please follow the live stream link at the time of the event to watch the presentation.

For more info and to book please email dementia.research@uea.ac.uk or telephone 01603 593540.

Innes Lecture 2019: From farm field to genebank; a short history of seedkeeping

Thursday 25 April, 6.30pm (tea and biscuits from 6pm)
John Innes Conference Centre, Norwich Research Park

It seems obvious: good seed is the foundation of a good harvest. But where does good seed come from, and why does it matter?

Keynote speaker Helen Anne Curry is Peter Lipton Senior Lecturer in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge.

A historian of recent science and technology, she is particularly interested in the entangled histories of modern biology and biotechnology, industrial agriculture and environmental change. She is currently writing a book on the history of efforts to conserve dignity in agricultural crops.

To book your free place, please visit the John Innes Centre website.

UEA Court 2019

Friday 7 June, 6pm
Lecture Theatre One, UEA

This year's meeting of Court will be held on Friday 7 June, from 6pm. This annual meeting is an opportunity for friends, partners and UEA supporters to learn more about University activities of current interest.

As well as receiving the Vice-Chancellor's annual report, this year we will be celebrating UEA's contribution to the Norwich Science Festival and the University of Sanctuary movement, with speakers Karen Jones CBE (Chancellor), Prof David Richardson (Vice-Chancellor), Mark Williams (Treasurer) and Prof Ben Garrod (School of Biological Sciences).

Further details, including booking information, will follow in the May edition of Ziggurat.

Obituary

In the past month the University has sadly been informed of the death of the following former staff:

Tribute to former Vice-Chancellor Prof Derek Burke

Prof Derek Burke, former Vice-Chancellor of UEA, died earlier this month aged 89. Prof Burke led UEA from 1987 to 1995 and was awarded a CBE in 1994. He was also appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk in 1992.

Kevin Coombes (SOC68)

Odile Poulsen

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Contact the Alumni office on 01603 591567 or email: alumni@uea.ac.uk