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COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH |
Thursday 18 October 2018 |
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$1 Million Grant
The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) has awarded a $1 million (approx. £760,000) research grant to Professor Jonathan Mill, who heads the Complex Disease Epigenomics Group at the University of Exeter Medical School.
The project, which will be undertaken in collaboration with researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore, aims to characterise changes in gene regulation across human brain development. The team will investigate different types of gene function in the developing brain, and use new methods to analyse changes in individual brain cells. Read more here.
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The Times Rankings
We hit the Top 10 in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide across most of our undergraduate programmes.
Medicine rose four places coming in at 9th with a significant increase in the student experience and teaching quality rankings.
Medical Sciences achieved a sharp rise in research quality, seeing a climb from 20th to12th place overall.
Radiography, which represents Medical Imaging, held 2nd place.
This news comes as the University was named best in the South West, rising two places to number 12 overall. Read more here.
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Alan Turing Fellowship
Dr David Llewellyn has been awarded the prestigious Turing Fellowship, which he will use to fund research into the potential of machine learning to promote new treatments and interventions, and the timely identification of dementia.
In addition to identifying existing cases of dementia, Dr Llewellyn anticipates that machine learning will be useful in predicting the onset and progression of dementia. Read more here.
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5th Annual Medical School Awards
The University of Exeter Medical School recognised just some of its excellent students and staff for their academic achievements during the 5th Annual awards evening.
Some of Exeter’s best and brightest from across the Medicine, Medical Science and Medical Imaging programmes were awarded for their academic and extracurricular achievements across a range of categories at an evening awards event in the Great Hall, Streatham Campus, on October 3.
Professor Clive Ballard said: “Congratulations to our staff, whose hard work this past year has helped our programmes move up the rankings. Their dedication has been recognised by students as an excellent indication to the high quality teaching they provide.” Read more here.
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Students raise £10,000 for water wells in Ethiopia
Twelve thousand people living in the Ethiopian town of Nekemte, now have access to free, clean water thanks to money raised by University of Exeter Medicine students.
The Truro-based students have been working with the University of Wollega in Nekemte, Western Ethiopia since 2014. 3rd, 4th and 5th year students have been visiting the area 1-2 times per year to work on a number of projects and shared teaching. Whilst visiting, students became motivated to help tackle the issue of a lack of clean water supplies in the area. A collaboration was then formed with the University of Wollega and the Nekemte branch of the International Red Cross.
The students are due to return to Ethiopia this November with approximately £2,500, enough to pay for another well. Read more here.
If you are interested in getting involved in the project, please email either Dr Ian Fussell (I.Fussell@exeter.ac.uk) or Julie Thacker (Julie.Thacker@exeter.ac.uk).
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Congratulations to...
Dr Chris Morris on his appointment as Director of Postgraduate Research. Chris, a Senior Research Fellow in Child Health, leads the Childhood Disability Research Group. He will start from October 1st with some initial support from Professor Paul Winyard who, with Professor Charles Abraham, has jointly undertaken the Director role for
the last 3 years. The two managed considerable change in the college and have ensured the highest level of support for students.
Dr Sarah Bailey and Professor Willie Hamilton for winning the Royal College for General Practitioners Paper of the Year award in the cancer category. Their ground-breaking research last year found that having a high blood platelet count is a strong indicator of cancer.
Catherine Talbot who was nominated for the Elsevier’s Early Career Researcher UK Awards Ceremony 2018 for the Researchers' Choice Communication Award.
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Academic Promotions
Congratulations to the following
Sarah Dean, promotion to Personal Chair
William Gaze, promotion to Personal Chair
Christopher Morris, promotion to Associate Professor
Crawford Winlove, promotion to Senior Lecturer
Irina Tikhonova, promotion to Senior Research Fellow
Cornelia Guell-Unwin, confirmation in post
Christopher Marshall, approval of Honorary Clinical Professor
Debra Lapthorne, approval of Honorary Clinical Professor
Virginia Pearson, approval of Honorary Clinical Professor
George Morris, renewal of Honorary Professor
Keven Elliston, renewal of Honorary Professor
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College Name Change
The University of Exeter Medical School has decided to change its name to reflect the continued successful expansion of its programmes and research portfolio, and acknowledge a major step change in its ambitions for medicine and health in Exeter.
Following a consultation, and agreement from the Vice Chancellor’s Executive Group and the University’s Senate and Council, the College changed its name to the College of Medicine and Health which took effect from 9 October 2018.
New templates for signatures, PowerPoint presentations, logos and letterheads will be going up on the intranet for download.
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Christmas party
Please remember to save the date for this year’s Christmas Party! Taking place in Reed Hall on the 12th December, the night will consist of a three course meal and music until late, costing £25 a head. More info will follow closer to the event. For more information contact James Hacker (jh790@exeter.ac.uk).
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Employee Engagement Survey coming soon
Our Employee Engagement Survey opens on 5 November.
The biennial survey is the most important way of showing what matters to us all, and involvement from all colleagues across every area of the University means that the views of us all will be represented in the actions that will follow.
Confidentiality is assured: it is run by an independent provider, you will not be asked to enter your name at any point, and results will only be reported in groups of at least 10.
We’re also hoping to raise more than £3,000 for charity. To remind yourself of what’s been achieved since the last survey in 2016 see our webpages. Find out more about this year’s survey online.
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DCO Drop-ins
DCO Rachel Burn’s Drop In Sessions for the 2018/19 academic year will take place in W K Norman between 12.00 and 13.00 on the last Monday of every month, with two exceptions (listed below):
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Wednesday 17 October 1000 – 1100 (Clive’s Office)
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Monday 17 December 1200 – 1300 (W K Norman)
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Home rehabilitation programme
A new study has found that the Rehabilitation Enablement in CHronic Heart Failure (REACH-HF) programme, led by the University of Exeter and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS trust, significantly improved quality of life and is deliverable within NHS cost guidelines.
This high-calibre multi-author study was jointly led by Professor Rod Taylor and Dr Hasnain Dalal.
Chris Edgeler (pictured with wife Cindy) has been taking part in the programme for six years.
Find out more here.
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Over 30s with T1 diabetes frequently misdiagnosed with T2
New research presented at this year’s annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) reveals that many cases of type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosed after the age of 30 are not being properly identified and are frequently misdiagnosed as being type 2 diabetes (T2D), potentially leading to delays in receiving appropriate treatment.
This new research conducted by Dr Nick Thomas and colleagues at the University of Exeter, Exeter, UK sought to determine the prevalence and characteristics of T1D occurring after the age of 30 in patients with insulin-treated diabetes.
Read more here.
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The Stonewall Staff Feedback Questionnaire
The questionnaire, which leads to action on increasing LGBT inclusivity in the University, is now open. Following last year’s questionnaire the University relaunched the staff LGBTQ+ network which has given us rainbow lanyards, rainbow flags flying on campus, a visible and accessible source of support and a voice in shaping the University's inclusivity agenda.
There is still lots to do and the more people that complete the questionnaire, the better the insights we will have into how we can make an even more inclusive environment.
The survey is designed to get the views of ALL staff whatever their sexual orientation and gender identity. It is therefore open to LGBT, non-LGBT staff and those that do not wish to disclose. The survey is completely anonymous and confidential.
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Plastinates from Body Worlds
The Medical School has acquired new ‘plastinates’ – resin preserved body parts – famously used in the Body Worlds Exhibit. These will be used in the entirely new core curriculum to be introduced for current first year BMBS students
The plastinates include two full body slices (male and female), hearts, brains, two upper limbs, a lower limb dissected from pelvis to toes, a chest , kidneys and half a face.
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Playful Learning and Gamification
Joseph Francis’ bid has been accepted by the University of Exeter Education Incubator onto the Curriculum 2021 pathway, bringing £10,000 into the Medical School to innovate the curriculum.
In line with the University’s Education Strategy, Joseph aims to enhance the Medical School’s engagement with innovative digital learning tools.
The project will review the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to identify areas which would benefit from the implementation of innovative pedagogies, and may trial playful learning/gamification, interactive novels/podcasting and incorporation of socially engaging learning programmes.
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International Mobility Funding 2018/19 – First Round
Funding is available for international travel during the 2018/19 academic year through the University of Exeter’s OMAF/VIAF scheme, and provides: up to £5000 per visit for academics to travel to other institutions and up to £3000 to invite international academics to Exeter. The aim of this funding is to develop or support relationships with academic partners or potential partners outside of the UK.
To apply please request an application form from Rachel Jones (rachel.jones@exeter.ac.uk) and return to the same address by 5pm Monday 5 November.
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Links in Latin America and Africa?
Global Partnerships are looking to develop further links in Latin America and Africa as these are currently underrepresented.
The first step is to understand what research and education links we already have so, if you have any links in Latin America, Africa (or anywhere around the globe), and could provide a brief outline, or would like to know more about support Global Partnerships can provide, please contact Rachel Jones (rachel.jones@exeter.ac.uk).
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Branded gifts for international partners
To those who are travelling internationally or hosting international academics that will help to build collaborative links with colleagues at other universities:
Global Partnerships in CMH have a variety of branded merchandise for use as gifts, please contact Rachel Jones (rachel.jones@exeter.ac.uk) for more information.
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‘One Step Beyond’ mentoring scheme
Any staff member can now join the University’s ‘One Step Beyond’ mentoring scheme.
The scheme, previously running in only CEMPS and CLES, was launched in the College of Medicine and Health on Tuesday 9th October.
The scheme helps staff members from STEMM colleges, and Professional Services, to find a mentor or mentee within the University. Mentoring relationships can be formed around numerous development needs including career and personal development. To sign up to the scheme, please visit this website.
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St Luke’s Volunteer Garden
Would you like to learn more about diversity, sustainability and green spaces, and bring veg home from work? Staff and students are invited to join the new volunteer garden.
The first meeting will be 4pm-5pm Tuesday 30 October. To get to the garden, head towards the College Rd exit, then turn left just past the bin store and follow the pavement past the bike shelters round the side of the building to the southwest corner of campus (in case of rain, we will meet in the ground floor of South Cloisters atrium).
For more information contact Dr Ruth Gwernan-Jones (R.C.Gwernan-Jones@exeter.ac.uk)
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Exeter Locality Study Day
Fri 7 Dec, RILD Building, RD&E Wonford Site
The day is aimed at bringing together consultants, GPs and other academics across the region involved in delivering medical education to students on the BMBS and other medical science programmes. The day will begin at 1pm and end at 6pm. 4 concurrently run workshops will take place, focusing on:
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GP Update and benchmarking
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Hospital Update and benchmarking
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Electronic assessments and professionalism
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Student welfare and professionalism
Please contact Vivien Handy (v.handy@exeter.ac.uk; 01392 406809) if you would like to attend, indicating your 1st and 2nd choice of workshop and dietary requirements.
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Human Tissue Act (HTA) Annual Training Session
Thurs 1 Nov 11.00-12.00, Exeter Medical School Room G27, St Luke’s Campus
Please send any queries to HTA-return@exeter.ac.uk
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Reporting Lab Accidents
Staff are to be reminded of the proper rules and regulations for reporting lab accidents and replacing equipment. A full list of first aiders is available here. Incidents must be reported using the HSI01 report form and submitted to safety@exeter.ac.uk. Further information will be emailed to all staff.
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New media coverage reports
The communications team is improving how it reports coverage to the College. We will now produce a quarterly media report. It will give an idea of our most widely read stories, our volume of coverage and the number of countries in which we received press coverage. It will include metrics as reported by our media monitoring service, Meltwater.
Potential reach (online) is the number of IP addresses clicking in a given source per month, however does not show you exactly how many people clicked on the article.
Potential reach (print) is the circulation of the newspapers.
Advertising Value Equivalent gives an estimate of how much the coverage could cost as advertising space. It is calculated using a formula that includes the industry standard of advertising per unique visitor and the probability of readers seeing the article.
Our May–August report (and future reports) is available via this link.
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Wed 24 Oct, 13.00 – 14.00
3.06 South Cloisters
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Wed 31 Oct, 13.00 – 14.00
Smeall JS07
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The Academy of Nursing Seminar: No Health without Mental Health
Tues 6 Nov, 17.30 – 19.00
Lecture Theatre, RILD Building
Contact Marte Lavender m.lavender@exeter.ac.ukg to book a place
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Wed 7 Nov, 9.00 – 17.00
RD&E Hospital (Wonford)
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Thurs 8 Nov, 10.30 – 11.30
WK Norman, medical School Building
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Wed 5 Dec, 10.00 – 16.00
Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel
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