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Day: 15 January 2018

Vikas Shah. Photo: Vikas Shah

Five Manchester professors make Queen’s New Year’s Honours List

Written by Amy Wei on . Posted in News, Science & Tech.

Five of the University of Manchester’s health researchers and economy experts have been honoured in the Queen’s 2018 New Year’s Honours List.

The royal accolades of  Commander of the Order (CBE), Officer of the Order (OBE), and Member of the Order (MBE) were awarded to three medical trailblazers, and two economics pioneers at the University.

Professor Caroline Dive of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, and Professor Diane Coyle of the School of Social Sciences both received CBEs. Dermatologist Professor Chris Griffiths was decorated with an OBE.

MBEs also honoured stroke researcher Professor Pippa Tyrell, and entrepreneur Professor Vikas Shah of the Alliance Manchester Business School.

Honorary Professor Vikas Shah told The Mancunion that he was “utterly floored” by the honour of being made an MBE. As a multi-award winning entrepreneur whose businesses span across numerous sectors, Shah was honoured for services to business and the economy.

Shah, the CEO of film company Fifty Degrees North, said that when he first received the letter, he thought it was his tax bill.

“When I finally read what it was… for a moment, it didn’t feel real, I assumed it was a mistake! When I realised it was real, it was just a wonderful feeling — I was really happy.”

Vikas Shah. Photo: Vikas Shah
Vikas Shah. Photo: Vikas Shah

Shah, who sits on both the government’s UK Industrial Development Board and the British Council Advisory Board, expressed that “seeing the other recipients humbles me, seeing the incredible work they’ve been doing in the community and their fields for such a long time.”

An MBE was also awarded to Philippa Tyrell, a Professor of Stroke Medicine at the University of Manchester. Tyrell is Vice Chair of the Stroke Association and was previously the Clinical Lead for Strokes in Greater Manchester.

Chris Griffiths, Foundation Professor of Dermatology at The University of Manchester, was made an OBE at the beginning of this year. Griffiths said that he is currently “leading on precision medicine for the University and Health Innovation Manchester — this could transform healthcare from disease care to disease prevention in the long-term.”

On receiving an OBE, Griffiths told The Mancunion: “I am surprised and absolutely delighted; it still hasn’t sunk in.”

Chris Griffiths. Photo: Chris Griffiths
Chris Griffiths. Photo: Chris Griffiths

Professor Griffiths revealed that the best career move he ever made was coming to Manchester from Michigan 24 years ago. “It was a risk but has undoubtedly been a success — we are now one of the leading dermatology research groups in the world.

“I have had many offers to leave Manchester and move to other cities and countries to set up dermatology departments but my heart is in Manchester with its people, the University and the city itself.

“Although a Southerner I believe I am now at least an honorary Northerner and a proud Mancunian.”

Professor Diane Coyle has been made CBE, the highest rank in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire before Knighthood. Coyle was previously the Economics Editor of the Independent and Vice Chair of the BBC Trust, as well as being a prolific author and professor at the School of Social Sciences.

Coyle said to The Mancunion that receiving the CBE “was a complete surprise and of course I feel incredibly honoured by it. I’m particularly pleased about the citation, which is services to economics and the public understanding of economics, because I so strongly believe it’s important for as many people as possible to engage with economic policy debate and be able to have informed opinions.”

Diane Coyle. Photo: cellanr @Wikimedia Commons
Diane Coyle. Photo: cellanr @Wikimedia Commons

Professor Caroline Dive also received a CBE for services to cancer research. Professor Dive is currently tackling lung cancer by developing ‘liquid biopsies’ that hunt cancer cells that have broken free from tumours and are circulating in the bloodstream.

Elsewhere in Manchester, the last living member of the Bee Gees, Chorlton-born Barry Gibb, received a Knighthood for services to music and charity.

Other famous Britons who made the cut into the Queen’s 2018 Honours List include former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg and Beatles legend Ringo Starr, who were both also made knights.

Artwork: Lizzie Morris

Review: Action Man

Written by Jess Johnstone on . Posted in Theatre.

Action Man, the final play in the Drama Society’s Autumn Season 2017 was an emotional whirlwind, leaving the audience unsure whether they should laugh or cry. It was performed by a stellar cast at The International Anthony Burgess Foundation. The original script by Lizzie Morris felt reminiscent of Bristol Old Vic’s Pink Mist, a feat which shouldn’t be taken lightly.

The action follows Corporal Liam Drury (Mike Moulton) as he struggles to deal with PTSD after retiring from an eight year career in the British Army. We were invited into Drury’s memories, both good and bad, by the charismatic Moulton who engages the audience from start to finish. He has us giggling at the antics taking place in the army barracks, full of eager young men just beginning their careers, then moves us right through to the emotional turmoil of losing members of his squadron. Moulton handles the complex character with ease, shifting seamlessly from joking with the audience into the dark descents of trauma.

A standout scene for me was one in which Drury has a meeting with a benefits officer (Alana Cook). The tension orse dramatically throughout the scene as Drury was told hat he is ineligible for benefits. It was created wonderfully by both Cook and Moulton who play off each other spectacularly. The seamless transition from Drury’s anger into his PTSD induced flashback was handled carefully by Moulton, Cook and the entire ensemble.

Particular praise has to be given to directors Lizzie Morris and Grace Johnstone for the way in which they handled a piece with such intense themes. They successfully maintained a balance between comedy and drama which allowed the audience moments to breathe after such high impact scenes. The stage design, especially the use of shadow to illustrate exactly what Drury was remembering, was brilliant and an unexpected twist. The writing itself absolutely blew me away; the bold choice to tackle such themes with complete sensitivity while still highlighting the issues, paid off completely. The sound design, for me, was a definite highlight. It only served to aid the intensity of Moulton’s portrayal of Drury during his flashbacks.

As an ensemble the entire cast were impeccable; every aspect of physical theatre was meticulously choreographed and they all bounced off each other giving the piece a real energy. Lolly Isaccs was also a standout as Drury’s wife Mandy, her raw emotion was hard hitting and she played off Moulton incredibly well.

The entire piece was virtually faultless; and if I could see it again, I without a doubt would.

I look forward to seeing more writing from Lizzie Morris in the future.

Photo: Aleksandra Besevic

Free plants for postgraduate students

Written by Cameron Broome on . Posted in News.

Postgraduate students at the University of Manchester can get free plants at an event on the 9th of February.

It is hoped that the house plants will improve students’ working spaces and wellbeing, and also provide an opportunity for postgraduate students to meet and discuss changes that they would like to see at the university and issues surrounding wellbeing.

The event is part of a project called Plant and Hope, started by Faculty Officer for Science and Engineering, Aleksandra Besevic, who organised five events in which free plants were given out in 2017.

Aleksandra Besevic said: “Nearly 500 plants have been handed out to postgraduate students. These have made the working spaces greener and encouraged students to think and talk about the environment they work in.

“The events have brought together a diverse group of postgraduate students and have genuinely made a difference to their daily lives. I have personally received emails from students thanking me for this initiative.”

The first event in 2017 on the 27th of February was supported by the Students’ Union, and the success of the first three events lead to the project receiving support and funding from the Manchester Doctoral College.

Postgraduate students will receive an email and see posters inviting them to sign up for the February ‘Plant and Hope ‘event via a link, and students can also follow the event on social media using the hashtag ‘#plantandhope.’

Photo: Victoria Warehouse

Preview: Life In Color, Manchester

Written by Yasmin Duggal on . Posted in Music.

Life In Color, “The World’s Largest Paint Party”, comes to Manchester on 3rd February at the iconic Victoria Warehouse. Originating in 2006 on university campuses in Florida, Life In Color is a production and promotions company that stages more than 200 concerts annually across the globe.

From a small university event to a world-renowned live concert, Life In Color transports fans into the ‘ultimate mind blowing, head bumping, and heart pumping experience’, featuring the worlds biggest DJs, aerial acts, stilt walkers, contortionists, and fire shows…

For the third Manchester installment, Life in Color have pulled out all the stops to secure their biggest UK line up to date. Topping the bill is Australian electronic music duo Knife Party, who have stormed the dance music scene with ease in the last few years. Since their inception in 2011, the duo have been on the top of huge festival line ups and sold out some of the hugest venues.

Joining Knife Party on the line up is California-based Ookay, who has worked with some of the greatest producers in electronic music while developing a signature style that weaves across genres.

South American born Chuckie is next, along with Kriss Kross Amsterdam, who explore genres from R&B, hip hop, funk, soul, house and trap music.

Last, but certainly not least, is special guest Vini Vici, the new project of Aviram Saharai & Matan Kadosh, both experienced electronic music producers. After the huge success of their debut EP ‘Divine Mode’, they have continued to produce outstanding tracks which have gained them increasing attention, set to further explode in 2018.

Join the event on 3rd February for the 3rd edition of Life In Color, Manchester for a night of live music, stunning performances, artistic experience and lots of paint. Tickets available here, but be quick; they’re selling out fast!