This is the monthly newsletter of Aston University, Birmingham, UK, where I did a communication internship together with other students from Belgium, Sweden and the UK. The goal was to inform potential students and their parents about the possibilities at Aston.

1. aspects MAY 2006
P2 Aston star shooter wins Bronze medal
P5 New partnership for ABS
P6 Research Council rewards Aston’s top expertise
EXPLORINGTHE
MYSTERIESOF
THE BRAIN
NEW research from the University’s scientists can study brain activity disciplinary teams of physicists,
Neuroimaging Research Group could without having to perform surgery. This mathematicians, psychologists, and
eventually help unlock the secrets of can be a distressing procedure if used paediatric neuro-physiologists, we’re
the human mind – a puzzle that has on patients in a clinical context, beginning to develop an understanding
captivated thinkers and scientists for particularly for children. about how the brain works and how it
centuries. The Aston team use a combination develops over time.
Members of the Group are of MEG and MRI (Magnetic Resonance ‘Our research is about mapping
employing new types of scanning Imagining) scanners to help build up a brain functions, but it’s also about
technology that could rapidly advance picture of the brain to see where and understanding how parts of the brain
our understanding of the brain. They when activity is taking place. work together to produce thoughts and
have just installed a new version of their Being able to tell what parts of the memories and all the precepts that we
MEG scanner brain are functioning has a range of have about our environment. We still
(Magnetoencephalography), which valuable clinical uses. The research struggle to understand how all these
enables the researchers to see what team works closely with hospitals to disparate parts of the brain work
parts of the brain produces which brain help in the study of areas such as together to produce an overall view of
waves. MEG measures the magnetism mental illness, depression, the world as we see it and understand
given off by brain cell activity at 275 schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. it, and we’ve got a long way to go, but
different locations simultaneously, Dr Paul Furlong, who is Convenor of these techniques are beginning to give
which means the team can see exactly the Neuroimaging Research Group said: us a window to see how these
which parts of the brain are producing ‘We have a particular expertise in functions are developed.’
which signals. neuro-development and we’re very A TV report about the Group’s work
MEG is a particularly good interested in how the brain changes was filmed by Research TV in April.
technology for research as it is over time from childhood through to Words by Sally Hoban
completely non-invasive, which means early adulthood. By working with inter- Photo by Edward Moss

2. couples’ attitudes towards the new Civil legal recognition actually means to
Pride and groom: Partnership Act that came into place in members of the lesbian and gay
Aston’s unique December 2005.
This research project is one of the
communities.
The impact of civil partnerships is
research on civil first of its kind and aims to interview continuing to send waves through
couples about their relationship, their society, which Adam found out about
partnerships views on the legal recognition of same through a separate unique study
sex relationships, and the impact the focusing on the media’s representations
UNIQUE new research surrounding the new Civil Partnership Act will have on of civil partnerships. Adam’s study was
attitudes towards the much discussed people in same sex relationships and subject to great praise and interest after
subject of civil partnerships is underway their families. By the end of the study, he presented his research at the British
at Aston. Headed by Dr Elizabeth Peel Adam hopes to gain a clearer insight of Psychological Society’s annual
and Psychology student Adam Jowett, how the partnerships are viewed, the conference in Cardiff.
the study aims to explore 30 same-sex ceremonies are carried out and what Adam has always had an interest in
lesbian and gay psychology and saw
embarking on this project as a perfect
opportunity to contribute to an area of
research which has always fascinated
him. It has also been a great
opportunity to make his mark on the
biggest political achievement the
lesbian and gay communities have
made to date.
Adam is still currently looking for
same-sex couples to contribute their
views to his research and would
welcome anyone who would be
available for an (approximately) one
hour interview. All interviews are highly
confidential and will appear
anonymously in published research.
For further information please
contact Adam via email on
jowettaj@aston.ac.uk.
Words by Hannah Brookes
Photo by Edward Moss
and out of 19 pairs the shooting duo
Aston star shooter
Credits wins Bronze medal
narrowly missed out on Gold and
Silver medals by just a few points.
Griff was extremely pleased with
Contact Hannah Brookes with your
story ideas for the June edition. GRIFF Morgan, his performance and excellent
Tel: 0121 204 4549 achievements at the Games. His next
Commonwealth
NEXT EDITION DEADLINE: 20 MAY Games 2006 step is to compete and come away
competitor and first with another medal in the next
Contributions are welcomed for the next
issue. Please note we do reserve the right to year Aston Logistics Commonwealth Games in Delhi,
edit material.
student, has India in 2010.
Editor, Hannah Brookes
University Communications triumphantly returned to the ‘If you are passionate about your
Tel: 0121 204 4549 sport, then the Commonwealth
Email: h.brookes@aston.ac.uk University with much more than a
beaming smile and four weeks of Games is the ultimate honour for
Editor in Chief, Sally Hoban
University Communications Australian sun! representing your country at this
Tel: 0121 204 4552
Email: s.l.hoban@aston.ac.uk The Team Wales shooter reached level. The training and competition
Photography by Edward Moss the pinnacle of his shooting career was tough, but unlike the Olympic
Tel: 07766 250970 Games you are able to lead a
www.edwardmoss.co.uk by winning a bronze medal for the
Men's 50m Rifle Prone Pairs event, as relatively normal life as well as being
Design by Andrew Blake
Tel: 0121 204 4548 well as coming in sixth position for a professional athlete,’ said Griff.
email: a.j.blake@aston.ac.uk
Printed by Manor Printing Services Ltd
the individual event. The Words by Hannah Brookes
Tel: 01453 843891 competition was extremely close, Photo by Edward Moss
2

3. (Back) Left to Right: Carl Senior, Gina Rippon and Mike Butler. (Front) Left to Right: Julia Badger, Karen Loss and Katie Atwell.
Research placements lead to international success
ASTON undergraduate Psychology The students have been involved in can not only enjoy the experience of
students Karly Thompson, Katie two projects. The first looked at the research, but also contribute to new
Athwell, Karen Loss and Julia Badger contagiousness of yawning, a project learning.’
have presented their work at this year’s which will help researchers learn more Given the students own enthusiastic
British Psychology Society’s Conference about pathological social contagion descriptions of their work it is clear that
in Cardiff. This is a huge achievement such as that which occurs with sufferers they have benefited greatly from the
and shows a growing trend for students of Tourettes Syndrome. The second experience.
choosing to take their placement year looked at the effects of physical Julia Badger said: ‘The conference
undertaking research work at the attractiveness on job negotiations. taught me a lot about how I can improve
University. Dr Carl Senior from LHS said: ‘By my presentation skills. It was an excellent
The students worked on the projects representing the University at the BPSC opportunity to speak to psychologists,
that led to their poster presentations Conference in Cardiff, these students who were able to provide me with plenty
during their placement research year in were the first undergraduates from of advice for future presentations.’
Psychology and Aston Business School. Psychology at Aston to present their Dr Gina Rippon, Deputy Head of LHS,
The research they have undertaken will placement work at this international who was also a co-supervisor for two of
be submitted for publication in the next conference. This is a great the students added: ‘They really took to
few months. This will help the students achievement.’ their work and it was great to see
when applying for graduate jobs and Dr Michael Butler from ABS, who co- undergraduates getting so excited about
also contribute to the research profile of supervised some of the projects, psychology research.’
both ABS and the School of Life & commented: ‘The placement initiative is
Words by Sally Hoban 3
Health Sciences. an ideal mechanism by which students Photo by Edward Moss

4. Rare distinction for UNIVERSITY LECTURES
Aston academic
RCO
News from The Research &
PROF David
Bainbridge
FADS AND FASHIONS IN
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT,
presented by Ted Marmor, Yale
University School of Management,
Commercialisation Office from the Wednesday 17th May,
Finance, 5.30 – 7.00 pm, Warwick Lecture
Accounting and
The Royal Society Law Group at
Theatre, admittance free.
This lecture explores why healthcare
DURING a recent presentation to a Aston Business
on both sides of the Atlantic has
packed Aston audience, The Royal School, has
been so susceptible to business
Society signalled that it is aiming to joined
notions of management and what
expand the number of universities it Hardwicke Building to strengthen its IT
such ideas can realistically be
currently supports. law capacity. This is a very rare
expected to do for long-standing
Dr Peter Collins, The Society’s distinction for an academic and an
policy and organisational problems.
Director of Science Policy gave the excellent recognition of David’s
To book your place please contact
presentation to Aston academics and specialist skills and knowledge. Jane Winder at
PhD students, in which he underlined David has joined the company as an j.a.winder@aston.ac.uk
the aims of the Society in fostering honorary tenant and will become a full
high-quality research and supporting tenant in due course. He becomes one ‘SKILLED’ ROBOTICS FROM
the understanding of scientific
of four specialist IP and IT practitioners RESEARCH TO PRACTICE,
research, whilst engaging with public
at Hardwicke, and will act as an presented by Professor Koorosh
demands and influencing national
academic adviser and undertake some Khadabandehloo, Managing
and international science policy.
advocacy work. His academic Director, Robotic Solutions Ltd,
He also detailed a number of
specialism is the relationship between Thursday 18th May,
different funding schemes available
law and emerging technologies. 5.30 – 7.00pm, Warwick Lecture
for PhD level and above which
Words Sally Hoban
Theatre, admittance free.
included research and conference
Photo by Hannah Brookes
grants, industry, research and This lecture will explore the theory
international fellowships, that one day, machines will have
professorships, and instrument and human-like reasoning and
equipment awards. New book for capability. This idea will be
The Royal Society is an presented through examples such
independent, charitable body and is ABS student as the Snooker Machine, which
the UK's National Academy of shows how skilled tasks can be
Science at the cutting edge of CONGRATULATIONS to Stephen Fletcher, automated given the constraints,
scientific progress. It has 1,400 FCIM, MBA, who is currently a PhD variable conditions and the rules of
Fellows and foreign members, student in Aston Business School, on the the game. Prof Khodabandehloo
supports many of the UK's top young recent publication of his milestone book will also discuss specific projects,
scientists, engineers and on the challenges faced by the industrial achievements, and the
technologists and influences science Commonwealth countries in achieving use of technology for efficient
policy. the United Nations Millennium Goals production in large and small
Head of Aston’s Research Support (UNMDGs). companies. To book your place
Unit, Sally Puzey said of the visit: World-renowned development please contact Susan Urwin at
‘This is a significant gesture from The economist Sir Richard Jolly (Honorary s.j.urwin@aston.ac.uk
Royal Society who are very keen to Professor at the University of Sussex and
strengthen links with more research- former Assistant Secretary General of the THE MARKETING
active institutions. They are United Nations 1996-2000) has praised PROFESSIONALS FORUM -
particularly interested in universities the book, saying: ‘Stephen has produced (RE)DEFINING MARKETING
like Aston, where the research is a handbook for poverty reducing PRACTICE,
extremely relevant to modern development in the Commonwealth. It is Thursday 18th May
business and industry, and will highly readable, full of case studies and Aston Business School Marketing
benefit society as a whole.’
statistics, presents challenges for policy Group and the Chartered Institute
If you would like to know more
and action, and is politically progressive of Marketing will bring together
about The Royal Society and the
and practical with a special focus on the academics and professionals in a
range of research grants and
Caribbean.’ unique one-day forum to address
fellowships they offer, please contact
Poor Commonwealth No Longer? how modern marketing practice
Sally on ext 4243 or email
Challenges facing the Commonwealth in needs to redefine itself. For
s.a.puzey@aston.ac.uk.
Achieving the UN Development Goals can additional information visit
Words by Paul Burkwood be viewed electronically at www.aston.ac.uk/professionalforum
4 www.technobizonline.net.

5. Standing (left to right): Tarik Chawdry (City Council Assistant HR Director), Helen Higson, Bill Fletcher - (City HR Assistant Director), Brian Porter. Sitting
(left to right): Alan Rudge (Birmingham City Councillor), John Saunders, Richard Billingham (City Council HR Business Director).
New partnership for ABS
ASTON Business School and Birmingham City Council have The Protocol will provide opportunities for the Council to
signed a formal Partnership Protocol agreement. This participate more in university life, for example by providing
Partnership Protocol, or understanding, provides mutual speakers for student programmes.
assistance in realising the vision and goals of each partner The initiative was set up by Brian Porter, Aston’s Direcor
and the means to co-ordinate and manage this relationship. of Advancement, and supported by Prof John Saunders,
Birmingham City Council and ABS share the same vision Head of Aston Business School. It will be jointly managed by
of striving for excellence through continuous improvement Brian and Mr Bill Fletcher, Director of Human Resources at
and the partnership should bring mutual benefits to each Birmingham City Council.
organisation. Brian commented: ‘The signing of the Protocol formalises
The Business School’s priorities for the Protocol include the recent efforts and discussions that have been underway
the engagement of the Council in research initiatives and to make this development possible and provides a
projects and increasing the number of work placements and framework for corporate relations at Aston University.’
graduate opportunities at the Council. Aston is justifiably The University has also signed a partnership with the
proud of the high employability of its graduates, its good Institute of Asian Businesses. There will be a report on this in
links with the professions and industry and its well the next issue.
established and highly regarded industry placement year Words by Sally Hoban
which heightens job prospects for graduates. Photo by Huw Meredith
ABS wins up to £90,000 in trust funding for scholarships
ASTON Business School’s MBA The scholarships, which were scholarship funding to additional Aston
programme has been awarded funding secured by the Office of Advancement programmes in the future. If you are
to establish a scholarship programme and Gareth Griffiths, MBA Director interested, please contact Brian Porter,
for outstanding African students. The (External), will provide an exceptional Director of Advancement, on ext 3026
Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable opportunity for five talented African or email b.w.porter@aston.ac.uk for
Trust has granted £30,000 for 2006/07 students each year and will greatly further information about making a
and if successful in the first year, the enrich the diversity of Aston's MBA. proposal.
scholarships and funding are expected The Ferguson Trust has also
Words by Sally Hoban
to continue for three years. expressed interest in expanding 5

6. Research Council rewards
Aston’s top expertise Words by Hannah Brookes
Photo by Edward Moss
THE University’s Psychology Masters implementing this course, as well as The next MRes in Neuroimaging
degree in Neuroimaging, which is also pioneering the research upon which it students will start in September 2006.
the first of its kind in the UK, has been is based. In particular, without the They will not only have access to MEG
selected by the Medical Research Wellcome Trust’s funding of the and MRI facilities, but they will also will
Council (MRC) to receive funding for Laboratory for MEG be able to gain invaluable experience in
student bursaries. The MRC’s Advanced (Magnetoencephalography) studies, other techniques such as TMS (Trans-
Course Studentship Scheme has Aston would never have been able to cranial magnetic stimulation) and dense
allocated the funds for six students over develop the essential research expertise array EEG.
a period of three years. The University in this area to enable the University to Dr Joel Talcott, Senior Lecturer in
will provide each student with a become a UK training centre in this Psychology said: ‘Our Master's degree
maintenance allowance in excess of technique. in Neuroimaging research methods is to
£12,000 as well as full funding for their An anonymous reviewer of Aston’s my knowledge the first of its kind in the
course fees. application said: ‘With the increase in UK. It capitalises on Aston's unique
Competition was extremely tough as Neuroimaging research centres there is resources for research using multi-
the MRC received more than double a high demand for skilled research modal neuroimaging, in which we are
their expected amount of applications personnel, of which there is a real considered a world leader. We are
and had only a limited amount of shortage at present. This course will go extremely pleased to have secured this
spaces. This national recognition and some way in addressing this by funding from the MRC and look
honour validates the hard work of providing basic training with the hope forward to working with the excellent
Psychology and other School of Life & that some students will progress students that this recognition will help
Health Sciences staff in designing and towards a research career in this area.’ us to recruit.’
6

7. The science of
attraction
GAYNOR Evans, a neuroscientist from
the School of Life & Health Sciences at
Aston, took her research to a wider
audience recently when she gave a talk
at Birmingham’s science museum
Thinktank at Millennium Point.
Her lecture looked at why we find
certain people attractive and not others
and how brain imaging has been used
to see if it is our brains or our hearts
that decide. It was part of a series of
free evening talks at Thinktank called
‘Meet the Scientist’, which gives
members of the public the opportunity
to discuss the science behind current appraise this attractiveness. She also If you are a member of academic
issues affecting our lives today. discussed how this knowledge could be staff and would like to take part in a
Gaynor’s talk also gave local people applied clinically in order to try and Meet the Scientist lecture please
the opportunity to hear about the understand more about body contact Sally Hoban in University
world class vocational and practical dysmorphia, which is a key symptom of Communications for more details on
research that is happening at Aston. eating disorders. ext 4552.
Gaynor discussed her work on facial Kenny Webster from Thinktank said: For further information about the
and body attractiveness which points to 'It is fantastic to have real scientists programme visit
specific areas of the brain being coming into the museum to talk about http://www.thinktank.ac
involved not only in the perception of their work in a way that everyone can Words by Sally Hoban
faces and bodies, but also how we follow, understand and enjoy.' Photo by Edward Moss
Combined Honours recruits an Aston
Work experience Business School student each year,
opportunities in Marketing student Thamali Wimalasena
was chosen for the role of Marketing
Combined Assistant this year. Her responsibilities
include competitor analysis, developing
Honours marketing materials and assisting with
promotional events as well as working
DURING the last three years, Combined on specific learning technology
Honours has created placement Photo: (Left to right) Christoffer Olavi, Thomas projects. Thamali said: ‘Through my
opportunities for Aston undergraduates Gullberg, Tine Vanhuyse, Frederik Debonné, placement I am encountering things
Thamali Wimalasena, Dean Gray, Steven Ellis
and also for students from universities that I would not learn just by
across Europe. Currently, there are an undergraduate Marketing student. completing my degree.’
seven placement students, four of Two students from Halmstad University, Dr. Jo Smedley, Assistant Director of
whom are Europeans from outside the Sweden, Christoffer Olavi and Thomas Combined Honours, said: ‘Each
UK. These placement opportunities Gullberg, are undertaking the placement student is different and they
involve working on innovative learning marketing placements as part of their are a pleasure to work with. Aston’s
technology projects as well as undergraduate degrees. placement concept is invaluable to
researching marketing communication ‘I have really enjoyed meeting new Combined Honours and these students
strategies, providing the students with people, improving my language skills provide a real insight into
an excellent opportunity to gain real- and gaining such valuable experience undergraduate life which helps all our
life work experience and valuable skills of working,’ said Thomas. student-centred initiatives.’
before entering the real world of work. As well as the European students, For further information about the
The placement students include two Aston Computer Science graduates placement opportunities available in
Belgians from Hogeschool Gent, who Steven Ellis and Dean Gray are working Combined Honours please contact Jo
are completing a three month at Aston as Information Systems Smedley on ext 4284 or email
placement at the University. Frederik Developers, gaining valuable j.k.smedley@aston.ac.uk.
Debonne is an undergraduate postgraduate work experience.
Language student and TineVanhuyse is Following the tradition that Words by Thamali Wimalasena
7

8. Aston University DVD Study and work
We are delighted to announce the launch of the Aston
University DVD produced by Aston Media in
in the UK
conjunction with the Marketing department. We
would like to thank the many staff across the
University who were involved in this complex
project and hope that you will be as
delighted with the end product as we are.
The DVD will be a valuable marketing tool for
undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment
in both home and international markets.
Copies can be obtained from Lisa Anderton in
Schools & Colleges Liaison, room SW 213.
Contact Lisa on ext 4771 or email
l.j.anderton@aston.ac.uk. STAFF should be aware that the Science
and Engineering Graduates Scheme
(SEGS) is being extended to
postgraduate international students
who successfully complete and obtain
Dawn of a new beginning for publications a UK recognised Master's degree or
UNIVERSITY Communications until the final product is complete. PhD in any subject. This means that the
recently welcomed Dawn White as Before embarking on a project, she area of study does not need to be on a
the latest edition to the team. The works with departments and schools list of approved subjects, nor does it
new role of Publications Officer, to find out their aims and target have to be related to science or
requires Dawn to manage a series of audience and reasons for the engineering. Qualified students will
publications, starting from the initial publication. therefore be able to work in the UK for
draft and raw text stage, right up The projects she undertakes are up to one year following successful
varied, ranging from the completion of their studies. This
undergraduate prospectus to leaflets extended scheme applies to
and brochures for individual schools. international students whose
Dawn’s position was created to programmes start on or after 1 May
expand the service that publications 2006, therefore all PG programmes
can provide, working closely with starting in the academic year 2006/7
Graphic Designer Andrew Blake. will apply. Academic staff may be asked
To contact Dawn White email for some advice or are likely to be asked
d.j.white@aston.ac.uk or telephone to write references.
ext 4553. Further details of the scheme can be
found on the UKCOSA website at
http://www.ukcosa.org.uk listed under
'Important News for students' or
contact Jill Wilson in the Student Advice
Centre on ext 4848 or email
sac@aston.ac.uk.
New appointment
in ABS
DR Michael Grojean has been
appointed Head of Executive Education
at Aston Business School. He is widely
regarded as an expert on leadership
development and in addition to an
2ND June academic career studying the
10.00pm – 3.00am psychology of business and
management he is an ex US Army
This is the 40th year of the Charter Ball, which celebrates and
commemorates the University receiving its charter. Commander and one-time head of a
Bomb Disposal School. He has been
For more information about purchasing tickets and the
entertainment available on the night visit with ABS for two-and-a-half years
www.aston.ac.uk/charterball where he is director of the Aston Centre
8 for Leadership Excellence.

9. Aston’s own bobby on the beat
ON the surface, 20 year old Aston Recognising the importance of having my communication skills and in
student Ashley Pepper is like any other both an education and work experience developing an excellent work ethic,’
full-time student juggling her studies in a competitive job market, Ashley said Ashley.
with an equally demanding social life! wanted to stay ahead and get a degree. With understanding work colleagues
However, those who know her also As a Community Support Officer, and staff at the University behind her,
know that Ashley leads two very Ashley’s main duty involves providing a Ashley is able to concentrate on her
different lives… uniformed and reassuring presence studies in term time and her career
As well as her full-time Combined within the community. Her professional throughout her holidays.
Honours degree in Business role is poles apart from the life she has ‘What stood out about Aston was
Administration and Psychology, Ashley at Aston, although her degree has the friendly atmosphere of the campus.
is an employee of the Metropolitan helped her in many ways with her The University’s great reputation and
Police Service in London. The budding profession. enthusiastic staff meant it was the best
policewoman and keen student has ‘I would definitely recommend university for me,’ said Ashley.
amazed her tutors through her hard going to university as well as working Upon leaving Aston Ashley hopes to
work and determination to hold down a full time. Getting a degree was join the police as a full-time officer.
job whilst still managing to complete something which I really wanted to do, Having a degree will provide her with
full-time university hours. but I was also passionate about starting opportunities for future career
Ashley joined the police service as a work as soon as possible with the development within the Metropolitan
Community Support Officer at 18 years police. My job has helped me a lot with Police Service.
old when she finished her A-levels. my studies, not only financially but in Words by Hannah Brookes
Photo by Edward Moss 9

10. 10

11. young children will have the
Latest hope for opportunity to commence their
children with intervention programme almost at
birth, using state-of-the-art technology.
hearing It is vital that these children and their
families have access to skilled
impairments professionals who maintain up to date
knowledge within a high standard of
THE School of Life & Health Sciences is clinical practice.
staging a one day conference to share The key topics of discussion at the
new developments and illustrate the conference include looking at the
Prof Colette McKay, Head of
importance of early intervention for long-term benefits of screening at birth
Audiology at Aston, said: ‘Never has the
children with hearing impairments. for young children with permanent
future for young hearing impaired
The event is being held at the hearing loss, the future that children
children been brighter than it is today.
Lakeside Conference Centre on 26 May with hearing impairments can aspire to,
Advances in technology, coupled with
and is entitled Auditory learning beyond and how support services can ensure
newborn hearing screening, means that
the newborn hearing screening that hearing impaired babies detected
we can now detect significant deafness
programme: What should the future look early can be on a par with their peers.
soon after birth. This provides the
like? It is being held in association with Several internationally acclaimed
opportunity for infants to receive
the NHS Birmingham Children’s speakers will lead the conference. This
special attention very early on, which is
Cochlear Implant Programme and includes Professor Carol Flexer, author
essential for the development of good
Auditory Verbal UK. of Facilitating hearing and listening in
language and speech skills.
Over the last ten years, there has young children, from the University of
This workshop will bring together
been tremendous progress in hearing Akron & N.E. Ohio, USA and Professor
habilitation experts who will enhance
technology. The national Newborn Adrian Davies, Director of the MRC
our knowledge of how best to facilitate
Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP) Hearing and Screening Programme, at
auditory learning in very young
has created a demand for professional the University of Manchester.
children, so that they can fulfil their
development in the field of early The conference will launch Aston’s
maximum potential.’
intervention for children who are new Postgraduate Diploma in Auditory
F REE
hearing impaired and their families. Verbal Therapy which will run from Words by Hannah Brookes
Consequently, a new generation of very October 2006. Photo by Edward Moss
COFFEE OR
DRINK
WHEN YOU
BUY A
SANDWICH
DELI OR
SALAD
ASTON STAFF
ID REQUIRED.
11

12. Highlights of Aston in the media
Competition
New Scientist Saunders comments on why Aston
8 April 2006 is embracing its multicultural By popular demand, the official Aston
Visiting reader, Robert Matthews community and why the venture is piggy bank is back! This month
writes the cover story for the so important. aspects will be giving away one of
prestigious science magazine on these handy money boxes which
his research and theory about the Birmingham Post are also available to purchase
hidden secrets of water. 15 April 2006
from the Aston gift range. If you
An Aston study is quoted in an
would like to give this little
Financial Times article about NHS staff being
15 April 2006
piggy a home, then please circle
attacked at work. The study
Article on Cancer Research UK the correct answers below and
showed that statistics indicated
mentions the popular brain cancer that attacks are more common return to Hannah Brookes in Room
drug Temodal, that was discovered when alcohol is involved. SW217 by May 31.
at Aston.
The Lawyer 1. Which police service is Ashley Pepper employed by?
Birmingham Post 17 April 2006 a. West Mercia
April 2006 The University’s Prof David b. Metropolitan
A large article reported on the new Bainbridge joins Harwicke c. West Midlands
partnership between Aston Building’s new IP team to
Business School and the Institute strengthen its law capacity. 2. How much has The Allan and Nesta Ferguson
of Asian Businesses. Prof John Charitable Trust granted Aston Business School’s
MBA programme so far for 2006/2007?
a. £30,000
b. £13,000
c. £300,000
3. In which city did Psychology undergraduates
present their work at this year’s British Psychology
Society Conference?
a. Birmingham
b. Edinburgh
c. Cardiff
Name:
School/dept:
Ext:
Obituary
Information about The University regrets to announce the recent death of
Margaret Newton. Dr Newton joined the University in 1965
July graduation ceremonies as Senior Lecturer in the Department of applied Psychology.
Dr Newton was co-author of the Aston Index, a screening
The dates and times for the ceremonies are: test for dyslexia. She retired in 1985.
The University also regrets to announce the death on
Friday 7th July Monday 17 April 2006, of Ann White, following a
11.00am & 2.00pm, School of Life & Health Sciences prolonged illness. Ann started working at the University on
26 May 1987, as a Housekeeper, later becoming a
Saturday 8th July
Residences Officer.
11.00am, Aston Business School
2.00pm, Combined Honours
Vision Sciences’ Tony Roberts will be running in the
Friday 14th July
Annual Sutton Fun Run in aid of his chosen charity
11.00am & 2.00pm, Aston Business School Birmingham Focus on Blindness on 4 June. To donate to
the charity or sponsor Tony, please visit the main entrance
Saturday 15th July of the Vision Sciences building.
11.00am & 2.00pm, School of Engineering &
Applied Science University Communications’ Hannah Brookes will
also be taking part in a light hearted fun run, in aid of
Deadline for library book return: Friday 26th May Cancer Research UK. The Race For Life event is a 5km run
Deadline for debt payment: Friday 9th May and will take place in Birmingham on 15 June. All
donations and sponsorship are welcome. Please visit room
SW217 or www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/hannahbrookes
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