MAY 2006

P2 Aston star shooter wins Bronze medalP5 New partnership for ABSP6 Research Council rewards Aston’s top expertiseaspects

NEW research from the University’sNeuroimaging Research Group couldeventually help unlock the secrets ofthe human mind – a puzzle that hascaptivated thinkers and scientists forcenturies.

Members of the Group areemploying new types of scanningtechnology that could rapidly advanceour understanding of the brain. Theyhave just installed a new version of theirMEG scanner(Magnetoencephalography), whichenables the researchers to see whatparts of the brain produces which brainwaves. MEG measures the magnetismgiven off by brain cell activity at 275different locations simultaneously,which means the team can see exactlywhich parts of the brain are producingwhich signals.

MEG is a particularly goodtechnology for research as it iscompletely non-invasive, which means

scientists can study brain activitywithout having to perform surgery. Thiscan be a distressing procedure if usedon patients in a clinical context,particularly for children.

The Aston team use a combinationof MEG and MRI (Magnetic ResonanceImagining) scanners to help build up apicture of the brain to see where andwhen activity is taking place.

Being able to tell what parts of thebrain are functioning has a range ofvaluable clinical uses. The researchteam works closely with hospitals tohelp in the study of areas such asmental illness, depression,schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr Paul Furlong, who is Convenor ofthe Neuroimaging Research Group said:‘We have a particular expertise inneuro-development and we’re veryinterested in how the brain changesover time from childhood through toearly adulthood. By working with inter-

disciplinary teams of physicists,mathematicians, psychologists, andpaediatric neuro-physiologists, we’rebeginning to develop an understandingabout how the brain works and how itdevelops over time.

‘Our research is about mappingbrain functions, but it’s also aboutunderstanding how parts of the brainwork together to produce thoughts andmemories and all the precepts that wehave about our environment. We stillstruggle to understand how all thesedisparate parts of the brain worktogether to produce an overall view ofthe world as we see it and understandit, and we’ve got a long way to go, butthese techniques are beginning to giveus a window to see how thesefunctions are developed.’

A TV report about the Group’s workwas filmed by Research TV in April.

Words by Sally HobanPhoto by Edward Moss

EXPLORINGTHE MYSTERIESOF THE BRAIN

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CreditsContact Hannah Brookes with yourstory ideas for the June edition. Tel: 0121 204 4549

NEXT EDITION DEADLINE: 20 MAY

Pride and groom:Aston’s uniqueresearch on civilpartnershipsUNIQUE new research surrounding theattitudes towards the much discussedsubject of civil partnerships is underwayat Aston. Headed by Dr Elizabeth Peeland Psychology student Adam Jowett,the study aims to explore 30 same-sex

couples’ attitudes towards the new CivilPartnership Act that came into place inDecember 2005.

This research project is one of thefirst of its kind and aims to interviewcouples about their relationship, theirviews on the legal recognition of samesex relationships, and the impact thenew Civil Partnership Act will have onpeople in same sex relationships andtheir families. By the end of the study,Adam hopes to gain a clearer insight ofhow the partnerships are viewed, theceremonies are carried out and what

legal recognition actually means tomembers of the lesbian and gaycommunities.

The impact of civil partnerships iscontinuing to send waves throughsociety, which Adam found out aboutthrough a separate unique studyfocusing on the media’s representationsof civil partnerships. Adam’s study wassubject to great praise and interest afterhe presented his research at the BritishPsychological Society’s annualconference in Cardiff.

Adam has always had an interest inlesbian and gay psychology and sawembarking on this project as a perfectopportunity to contribute to an area ofresearch which has always fascinatedhim. It has also been a greatopportunity to make his mark on thebiggest political achievement thelesbian and gay communities havemade to date.

Adam is still currently looking forsame-sex couples to contribute theirviews to his research and wouldwelcome anyone who would beavailable for an (approximately) onehour interview. All interviews are highlyconfidential and will appearanonymously in published research.

For further information pleasecontact Adam via email onjowettaj@aston.ac.uk.

Words by Hannah BrookesPhoto by Edward Moss

Aston star shooterwins Bronze medal

GRIFF Morgan,CommonwealthGames 2006competitor and firstyear Aston Logisticsstudent, has

triumphantly returned to theUniversity with much more than abeaming smile and four weeks ofAustralian sun!

The Team Wales shooter reachedthe pinnacle of his shooting careerby winning a bronze medal for theMen's 50m Rifle Prone Pairs event, aswell as coming in sixth position forthe individual event. Thecompetition was extremely close,

and out of 19 pairs the shooting duonarrowly missed out on Gold andSilver medals by just a few points.

Griff was extremely pleased withhis performance and excellentachievements at the Games. His nextstep is to compete and come awaywith another medal in the nextCommonwealth Games in Delhi,India in 2010.

‘If you are passionate about yoursport, then the CommonwealthGames is the ultimate honour forrepresenting your country at thislevel. The training and competitionwas tough, but unlike the OlympicGames you are able to lead arelatively normal life as well as beinga professional athlete,’ said Griff.

Words by Hannah BrookesPhoto by Edward Moss

Contributions are welcomed for the nextissue. Please note we do reserve the right toedit material.

Editor, Hannah BrookesUniversity CommunicationsTel: 0121 204 4549Email: h.brookes@aston.ac.uk

Editor in Chief, Sally HobanUniversity CommunicationsTel: 0121 204 4552Email: s.l.hoban@aston.ac.uk

Photography by Edward MossTel: 07766 250970www.edwardmoss.co.uk

Design by Andrew BlakeTel: 0121 204 4548email: a.j.blake@aston.ac.uk

Printed by Manor Printing Services LtdTel: 01453 843891

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ASTON undergraduate Psychologystudents Karly Thompson, KatieAthwell, Karen Loss and Julia Badgerhave presented their work at this year’sBritish Psychology Society’s Conferencein Cardiff. This is a huge achievementand shows a growing trend for studentschoosing to take their placement yearundertaking research work at theUniversity.

The students worked on the projectsthat led to their poster presentationsduring their placement research year inPsychology and Aston Business School.The research they have undertaken willbe submitted for publication in the nextfew months. This will help the studentswhen applying for graduate jobs andalso contribute to the research profile ofboth ABS and the School of Life &Health Sciences.

The students have been involved intwo projects. The first looked at thecontagiousness of yawning, a projectwhich will help researchers learn moreabout pathological social contagionsuch as that which occurs with sufferersof Tourettes Syndrome. The secondlooked at the effects of physicalattractiveness on job negotiations.

Dr Carl Senior from LHS said: ‘Byrepresenting the University at the BPSCConference in Cardiff, these studentswere the first undergraduates fromPsychology at Aston to present theirplacement work at this internationalconference. This is a greatachievement.’

Dr Michael Butler from ABS, who co-supervised some of the projects,commented: ‘The placement initiative isan ideal mechanism by which students

can not only enjoy the experience ofresearch, but also contribute to newlearning.’

Given the students own enthusiasticdescriptions of their work it is clear thatthey have benefited greatly from theexperience.

Julia Badger said: ‘The conferencetaught me a lot about how I can improvemy presentation skills. It was an excellentopportunity to speak to psychologists,who were able to provide me with plentyof advice for future presentations.’

Dr Gina Rippon, Deputy Head of LHS,who was also a co-supervisor for two ofthe students added: ‘They really took totheir work and it was great to seeundergraduates getting so excited aboutpsychology research.’

Words by Sally HobanPhoto by Edward Moss

(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

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News from The Research &Commercialisation Office

RCO

New book forABS studentCONGRATULATIONS to Stephen Fletcher,FCIM, MBA, who is currently a PhDstudent in Aston Business School, on therecent publication of his milestone bookon the challenges faced by theCommonwealth countries in achievingthe United Nations Millennium Goals(UNMDGs).

World-renowned developmenteconomist Sir Richard Jolly (HonoraryProfessor at the University of Sussex andformer Assistant Secretary General of theUnited Nations 1996-2000) has praisedthe book, saying: ‘Stephen has produceda handbook for poverty reducingdevelopment in the Commonwealth. It ishighly readable, full of case studies andstatistics, presents challenges for policyand action, and is politically progressiveand practical with a special focus on theCaribbean.’

Poor Commonwealth No Longer?Challenges facing the Commonwealth inAchieving the UN Development Goals canbe viewed electronically atwww.technobizonline.net.

Rare distinction forAston academic

PROF DavidBainbridgefrom theFinance,Accounting andLaw Group atAston BusinessSchool, hasjoined

Hardwicke Building to strengthen its ITlaw capacity. This is a very raredistinction for an academic and anexcellent recognition of David’sspecialist skills and knowledge.

David has joined the company as anhonorary tenant and will become a fulltenant in due course. He becomes oneof four specialist IP and IT practitionersat Hardwicke, and will act as anacademic adviser and undertake someadvocacy work. His academicspecialism is the relationship betweenlaw and emerging technologies.

Words Sally HobanPhoto by Hannah Brookes

The Royal Society DURING a recent presentation to apacked Aston audience, The RoyalSociety signalled that it is aiming toexpand the number of universities itcurrently supports.

Dr Peter Collins, The Society’sDirector of Science Policy gave thepresentation to Aston academics andPhD students, in which he underlinedthe aims of the Society in fosteringhigh-quality research and supportingthe understanding of scientificresearch, whilst engaging with publicdemands and influencing nationaland international science policy.

He also detailed a number ofdifferent funding schemes availablefor PhD level and above whichincluded research and conferencegrants, industry, research andinternational fellowships,professorships, and instrument andequipment awards.

The Royal Society is anindependent, charitable body and isthe UK's National Academy ofScience at the cutting edge ofscientific progress. It has 1,400Fellows and foreign members,supports many of the UK's top youngscientists, engineers andtechnologists and influences sciencepolicy.

Head of Aston’s Research SupportUnit, Sally Puzey said of the visit:‘This is a significant gesture from TheRoyal Society who are very keen tostrengthen links with more research-active institutions. They areparticularly interested in universitieslike Aston, where the research isextremely relevant to modernbusiness and industry, and willbenefit society as a whole.’

If you would like to know moreabout The Royal Society and therange of research grants andfellowships they offer, please contactSally on ext 4243 or emails.a.puzey@aston.ac.uk.

Words by Paul Burkwood

UNIVERSITY LECTURES

FADS AND FASHIONS INMEDICAL MANAGEMENT,presented by Ted Marmor, YaleUniversity School of Management,Wednesday 17th May, 5.30 – 7.00 pm, Warwick LectureTheatre, admittance free.

This lecture explores why healthcareon both sides of the Atlantic hasbeen so susceptible to businessnotions of management and whatsuch ideas can realistically beexpected to do for long-standingpolicy and organisational problems.To book your place please contactJane Winder atj.a.winder@aston.ac.uk

‘SKILLED’ ROBOTICS FROMRESEARCH TO PRACTICE,presented by Professor KooroshKhadabandehloo, ManagingDirector, Robotic Solutions Ltd,Thursday 18th May, 5.30 – 7.00pm, Warwick LectureTheatre, admittance free.

This lecture will explore the theorythat one day, machines will havehuman-like reasoning andcapability. This idea will bepresented through examples suchas the Snooker Machine, whichshows how skilled tasks can beautomated given the constraints,variable conditions and the rules ofthe game. Prof Khodabandehloowill also discuss specific projects,industrial achievements, and theuse of technology for efficientproduction in large and smallcompanies. To book your placeplease contact Susan Urwin ats.j.urwin@aston.ac.uk

THE MARKETINGPROFESSIONALS FORUM -(RE)DEFINING MARKETINGPRACTICE,Thursday 18th May

Aston Business School MarketingGroup and the Chartered Instituteof Marketing will bring togetheracademics and professionals in aunique one-day forum to addresshow modern marketing practiceneeds to redefine itself. Foradditional information visitwww.aston.ac.uk/professionalforum

ASTON Business School and Birmingham City Council havesigned a formal Partnership Protocol agreement. ThisPartnership Protocol, or understanding, provides mutualassistance in realising the vision and goals of each partnerand the means to co-ordinate and manage this relationship.

Birmingham City Council and ABS share the same visionof striving for excellence through continuous improvementand the partnership should bring mutual benefits to eachorganisation.

The Business School’s priorities for the Protocol includethe engagement of the Council in research initiatives andprojects and increasing the number of work placements andgraduate opportunities at the Council. Aston is justifiablyproud of the high employability of its graduates, its goodlinks with the professions and industry and its wellestablished and highly regarded industry placement yearwhich heightens job prospects for graduates.

The Protocol will provide opportunities for the Council toparticipate more in university life, for example by providingspeakers for student programmes.

The initiative was set up by Brian Porter, Aston’s Direcorof Advancement, and supported by Prof John Saunders,Head of Aston Business School. It will be jointly managed byBrian and Mr Bill Fletcher, Director of Human Resources atBirmingham City Council.

Brian commented: ‘The signing of the Protocol formalisesthe recent efforts and discussions that have been underwayto make this development possible and provides aframework for corporate relations at Aston University.’

The University has also signed a partnership with theInstitute of Asian Businesses. There will be a report on this inthe next issue.

Words by Sally HobanPhoto by Huw Meredith

ASTON Business School’s MBAprogramme has been awarded fundingto establish a scholarship programmefor outstanding African students. TheAllan and Nesta Ferguson CharitableTrust has granted £30,000 for 2006/07and if successful in the first year, thescholarships and funding are expectedto continue for three years.

The scholarships, which weresecured by the Office of Advancementand Gareth Griffiths, MBA Director(External), will provide an exceptionalopportunity for five talented Africanstudents each year and will greatlyenrich the diversity of Aston's MBA.

The Ferguson Trust has alsoexpressed interest in expanding

scholarship funding to additional Astonprogrammes in the future. If you areinterested, please contact Brian Porter,Director of Advancement, on ext 3026or email b.w.porter@aston.ac.uk forfurther information about making aproposal.

Words by Sally Hoban

New partnership for ABS

ABS wins up to £90,000 in trust funding for scholarships

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).

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THE University’s Psychology Mastersdegree in Neuroimaging, which is alsothe first of its kind in the UK, has beenselected by the Medical ResearchCouncil (MRC) to receive funding forstudent bursaries. The MRC’s AdvancedCourse Studentship Scheme hasallocated the funds for six students overa period of three years. The Universitywill provide each student with amaintenance allowance in excess of£12,000 as well as full funding for theircourse fees.

Competition was extremely tough asthe MRC received more than doubletheir expected amount of applicationsand had only a limited amount ofspaces. This national recognition andhonour validates the hard work ofPsychology and other School of Life &Health Sciences staff in designing and

implementing this course, as well aspioneering the research upon which itis based. In particular, without theWellcome Trust’s funding of theLaboratory for MEG(Magnetoencephalography) studies,Aston would never have been able todevelop the essential research expertisein this area to enable the University tobecome a UK training centre in thistechnique.

An anonymous reviewer of Aston’sapplication said: ‘With the increase inNeuroimaging research centres there isa high demand for skilled researchpersonnel, of which there is a realshortage at present. This course will gosome way in addressing this byproviding basic training with the hopethat some students will progresstowards a research career in this area.’

The next MRes in Neuroimagingstudents will start in September 2006.They will not only have access to MEGand MRI facilities, but they will also willbe able to gain invaluable experience inother techniques such as TMS (Trans-cranial magnetic stimulation) and densearray EEG.

Dr Joel Talcott, Senior Lecturer inPsychology said: ‘Our Master's degreein Neuroimaging research methods is tomy knowledge the first of its kind in theUK. It capitalises on Aston's uniqueresources for research using multi-modal neuroimaging, in which we areconsidered a world leader. We areextremely pleased to have secured thisfunding from the MRC and lookforward to working with the excellentstudents that this recognition will helpus to recruit.’

Research Council rewardsAston’s top expertise Words by Hannah Brookes

Photo by Edward Moss

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The science ofattractionGAYNOR Evans, a neuroscientist fromthe School of Life & Health Sciences atAston, took her research to a wideraudience recently when she gave a talkat Birmingham’s science museumThinktank at Millennium Point.

Her lecture looked at why we findcertain people attractive and not othersand how brain imaging has been usedto see if it is our brains or our heartsthat decide. It was part of a series offree evening talks at Thinktank called‘Meet the Scientist’, which givesmembers of the public the opportunityto discuss the science behind currentissues affecting our lives today.

Gaynor’s talk also gave local peoplethe opportunity to hear about theworld class vocational and practicalresearch that is happening at Aston.

Gaynor discussed her work on facialand body attractiveness which points tospecific areas of the brain beinginvolved not only in the perception offaces and bodies, but also how we

appraise this attractiveness. She alsodiscussed how this knowledge could beapplied clinically in order to try andunderstand more about bodydysmorphia, which is a key symptom ofeating disorders.

Kenny Webster from Thinktank said:'It is fantastic to have real scientistscoming into the museum to talk abouttheir work in a way that everyone canfollow, understand and enjoy.'

If you are a member of academicstaff and would like to take part in aMeet the Scientist lecture pleasecontact Sally Hoban in UniversityCommunications for more details onext 4552.

For further information about theprogramme visithttp://www.thinktank.ac

Words by Sally HobanPhoto by Edward Moss

Work experienceopportunities inCombinedHonoursDURING the last three years, CombinedHonours has created placementopportunities for Aston undergraduatesand also for students from universitiesacross Europe. Currently, there areseven placement students, four ofwhom are Europeans from outside theUK. These placement opportunitiesinvolve working on innovative learningtechnology projects as well asresearching marketing communicationstrategies, providing the students withan excellent opportunity to gain real-life work experience and valuable skillsbefore entering the real world of work.

The placement students include twoBelgians from Hogeschool Gent, whoare completing a three monthplacement at the University. FrederikDebonne is an undergraduateLanguage student and TineVanhuyse is

an undergraduate Marketing student.Two students from Halmstad University,Sweden, Christoffer Olavi and ThomasGullberg, are undertaking themarketing placements as part of theirundergraduate degrees.

‘I have really enjoyed meeting newpeople, improving my language skillsand gaining such valuable experienceof working,’ said Thomas.

As well as the European students,Aston Computer Science graduatesSteven Ellis and Dean Gray are workingat Aston as Information SystemsDevelopers, gaining valuablepostgraduate work experience.

Following the tradition that

Combined Honours recruits an AstonBusiness School student each year,Marketing student Thamali Wimalasenawas chosen for the role of MarketingAssistant this year. Her responsibilitiesinclude competitor analysis, developingmarketing materials and assisting withpromotional events as well as workingon specific learning technologyprojects. Thamali said: ‘Through myplacement I am encountering thingsthat I would not learn just bycompleting my degree.’

Dr. Jo Smedley, Assistant Director ofCombined Honours, said: ‘Eachplacement student is different and theyare a pleasure to work with. Aston’splacement concept is invaluable toCombined Honours and these studentsprovide a real insight intoundergraduate life which helps all ourstudent-centred initiatives.’

For further information about theplacement opportunities available inCombined Honours please contact JoSmedley on ext 4284 or emailj.k.smedley@aston.ac.uk.

Words by Thamali Wimalasena

Photo: (Left to right) Christoffer Olavi, ThomasGullberg, Tine Vanhuyse, Frederik Debonné,Thamali Wimalasena, Dean Gray, Steven Ellis

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Study and workin the UK

STAFF should be aware that the Scienceand Engineering Graduates Scheme(SEGS) is being extended topostgraduate international studentswho successfully complete and obtaina UK recognised Master's degree orPhD in any subject. This means that thearea of study does not need to be on alist of approved subjects, nor does ithave to be related to science orengineering. Qualified students willtherefore be able to work in the UK forup to one year following successfulcompletion of their studies. Thisextended scheme applies tointernational students whoseprogrammes start on or after 1 May2006, therefore all PG programmesstarting in the academic year 2006/7will apply. Academic staff may be askedfor some advice or are likely to be askedto write references.

Further details of the scheme can befound on the UKCOSA website athttp://www.ukcosa.org.uk listed under'Important News for students' orcontact Jill Wilson in the Student AdviceCentre on ext 4848 or emailsac@aston.ac.uk.

UNIVERSITY Communicationsrecently welcomed Dawn White asthe latest edition to the team. Thenew role of Publications Officer,requires Dawn to manage a series ofpublications, starting from the initialdraft and raw text stage, right up

until the final product is complete.Before embarking on a project, sheworks with departments and schoolsto find out their aims and targetaudience and reasons for thepublication.

The projects she undertakes arevaried, ranging from theundergraduate prospectus to leafletsand brochures for individual schools.Dawn’s position was created toexpand the service that publicationscan provide, working closely withGraphic Designer Andrew Blake.

To contact Dawn White emaild.j.white@aston.ac.uk or telephoneext 4553.

We are delighted to announce the launch of the AstonUniversity DVD produced by Aston Media in

conjunction with the Marketing department. Wewould like to thank the many staff across theUniversity who were involved in this complexproject and hope that you will be asdelighted with the end product as we are.The DVD will be a valuable marketing tool forundergraduate 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.

Aston University DVD

This is the 40th year of the Charter Ball, which celebrates andcommemorates the University receiving its charter.

For more information about purchasing tickets and theentertainment available on the night visitwww.aston.ac.uk/charterball

2ND June 10.00pm–3.00am

Dawn of a new beginning for publications

New appointmentin ABSDR Michael Grojean has beenappointed Head of Executive Educationat Aston Business School. He is widelyregarded as an expert on leadershipdevelopment and in addition to anacademic career studying thepsychology of business andmanagement he is an ex US ArmyCommander and one-time head of aBomb Disposal School. He has beenwith ABS for two-and-a-half yearswhere he is director of the Aston Centrefor Leadership Excellence.

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ON the surface, 20 year old Astonstudent Ashley Pepper is like any otherfull-time student juggling her studieswith an equally demanding social life!However, those who know her alsoknow that Ashley leads two verydifferent lives…

As well as her full-time CombinedHonours degree in BusinessAdministration and Psychology, Ashleyis an employee of the MetropolitanPolice Service in London. The buddingpolicewoman and keen student hasamazed her tutors through her hardwork and determination to hold down ajob whilst still managing to completefull-time university hours.

Ashley joined the police service as aCommunity Support Officer at 18 yearsold when she finished her A-levels.

Recognising the importance of havingboth an education and work experiencein a competitive job market, Ashleywanted to stay ahead and get a degree.

As a Community Support Officer,Ashley’s main duty involves providing auniformed and reassuring presencewithin the community. Her professionalrole is poles apart from the life she hasat Aston, although her degree hashelped her in many ways with herprofession.

‘I would definitely recommendgoing to university as well as workingfull time. Getting a degree wassomething which I really wanted to do,but I was also passionate about startingwork as soon as possible with thepolice. My job has helped me a lot withmy studies, not only financially but in

my communication skills and indeveloping an excellent work ethic,’said Ashley.

With understanding work colleaguesand staff at the University behind her,Ashley is able to concentrate on herstudies in term time and her careerthroughout her holidays.

‘What stood out about Aston wasthe friendly atmosphere of the campus.The University’s great reputation andenthusiastic staff meant it was the bestuniversity for me,’ said Ashley.

Upon leaving Aston Ashley hopes tojoin the police as a full-time officer.Having a degree will provide her withopportunities for future careerdevelopment within the MetropolitanPolice Service.

Words by Hannah BrookesPhoto by Edward Moss

Aston’s own bobby on the beat

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COFFEE ORDRINKWHEN YOUBUY ASANDWICHDELI ORSALAD

ASTON STAFFID REQUIRED.

FREEFREE

Latest hope forchildren withhearingimpairmentsTHE School of Life & Health Sciences isstaging a one day conference to sharenew developments and illustrate theimportance of early intervention forchildren with hearing impairments.

The event is being held at theLakeside Conference Centre on 26 Mayand is entitled Auditory learning beyondthe newborn hearing screeningprogramme: What should the future looklike? It is being held in association withthe NHS Birmingham Children’sCochlear Implant Programme andAuditory Verbal UK.

Over the last ten years, there hasbeen tremendous progress in hearingtechnology. The national NewbornHearing Screening Programme (NHSP)has created a demand for professionaldevelopment in the field of earlyintervention for children who arehearing impaired and their families.Consequently, a new generation of very

young children will have theopportunity to commence theirintervention programme almost atbirth, using state-of-the-art technology.It is vital that these children and theirfamilies have access to skilledprofessionals who maintain up to dateknowledge within a high standard ofclinical practice.

The key topics of discussion at theconference include looking at the long-term benefits of screening at birthfor young children with permanenthearing loss, the future that childrenwith hearing impairments can aspire to,and how support services can ensurethat hearing impaired babies detectedearly can be on a par with their peers.

Several internationally acclaimedspeakers will lead the conference. Thisincludes Professor Carol Flexer, authorof Facilitating hearing and listening inyoung children, from the University ofAkron & N.E. Ohio, USA and ProfessorAdrian Davies, Director of the MRCHearing and Screening Programme, atthe University of Manchester.

The conference will launch Aston’snew Postgraduate Diploma in AuditoryVerbal Therapy which will run fromOctober 2006.

Prof Colette McKay, Head ofAudiology at Aston, said: ‘Never has thefuture for young hearing impairedchildren been brighter than it is today.Advances in technology, coupled withnewborn hearing screening, means thatwe can now detect significant deafnesssoon after birth. This provides theopportunity for infants to receivespecial attention very early on, which isessential for the development of goodlanguage and speech skills.

This workshop will bring togetherhabilitation experts who will enhanceour knowledge of how best to facilitateauditory learning in very youngchildren, so that they can fulfil theirmaximum potential.’

Words by Hannah BrookesPhoto by Edward Moss

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Name:

School/dept:

Ext:

#

CompetitionBy popular demand, the official Aston

piggy bank is back! This monthaspects will be giving away one of

these handy money boxes whichare also available to purchasefrom the Aston gift range. If youwould like to give this little

piggy a home, then please circlethe correct answers below and

return to Hannah Brookes in RoomSW217 by May 31.

1. Which police service is Ashley Pepper employed by?a. West Merciab. Metropolitan c. West Midlands

2. How much has The Allan and Nesta FergusonCharitable Trust granted Aston Business School’sMBA programme so far for 2006/2007?

a. £30,000b. £13,000c. £300,000

3. In which city did Psychology undergraduatespresent their work at this year’s British PsychologySociety Conference?

a. Birminghamb. Edinburghc. Cardiff

Highlights of Aston in the media

Vision Sciences’ Tony Roberts will be running in theAnnual Sutton Fun Run in aid of his chosen charityBirmingham Focus on Blindness on 4 June. To donate tothe charity or sponsor Tony, please visit the main entranceof the Vision Sciences building.

University Communications’ Hannah Brookes willalso be taking part in a light hearted fun run, in aid ofCancer Research UK. The Race For Life event is a 5km runand will take place in Birmingham on 15 June. Alldonations and sponsorship are welcome. Please visit roomSW217 or www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/hannahbrookes

Information about July graduation ceremonies

The dates and times for the ceremonies are:

Friday 7th July 11.00am & 2.00pm, School of Life & Health Sciences

Saturday 8th July 11.00am, Aston Business School2.00pm, Combined Honours

Friday 14th July 11.00am & 2.00pm, Aston Business School

Saturday 15th July11.00am & 2.00pm, School of Engineering & Applied Science

Deadline for library book return: Friday 26th MayDeadline for debt payment: Friday 9th May

ObituaryThe University regrets to announce the recent death ofMargaret Newton. Dr Newton joined the University in 1965as Senior Lecturer in the Department of applied Psychology.Dr Newton was co-author of the Aston Index, a screeningtest for dyslexia. She retired in 1985.

The University also regrets to announce the death onMonday 17 April 2006, of Ann White, following aprolonged illness. Ann started working at the University on26 May 1987, as a Housekeeper, later becoming aResidences Officer.

New Scientist8 April 2006Visiting reader, Robert Matthewswrites the cover story for theprestigious science magazine onhis research and theory about thehidden secrets of water.

Financial Times15 April 2006Article on Cancer Research UKmentions the popular brain cancerdrug Temodal, that was discoveredat Aston.

Birmingham PostApril 2006A large article reported on the newpartnership between AstonBusiness School and the Instituteof Asian Businesses. Prof John

Saunders comments on why Astonis embracing its multiculturalcommunity and why the venture isso important.

Birmingham Post15 April 2006An Aston study is quoted in anarticle about NHS staff beingattacked at work. The studyshowed that statistics indicatedthat attacks are more commonwhen alcohol is involved.

The Lawyer17 April 2006The University’s Prof DavidBainbridge joins HarwickeBuilding’s new IP team tostrengthen its law capacity.