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291.
Bishop Grosseteste University Third Participatory Autism Research Symposium Reflection
On 16th November 2022, Bishop Grosseteste University hosted it's third Participatory Autism Research Symposium. -
292.
Campus cat raises money for local charity
A local university campus cat has raised £525 for a much-loved local charity, by launching his own calendar. Johnty, Bishop Grosseteste University’s famous mascot, posed up a storm for his 2023 calendar. The feline philanthropist is a familiar furry face to students, staff, and campus visitors and boasts a significant online following via his Facebook page. His main role on campus is providing a calming influence to support students in their studies. On sale since October, the calendar includes twelve photos of the mascot-turned-model and has proven popular with the BGU community. Johnty's adopted owner, Vice-Chancellor of BGU, Professor Peter Neil said: “The staff in IT who enjoy his company in the office were very keen to do something for charity and, together with our reprographics department, have designed a unique calendar which shows Johnty off at his mischievous best. “I am delighted this money has been raised by staff and students for this important local feline charity.” The cheque for more than £525 was presented to Lincoln Cat Care Trustee Liz Thomson by Vice-Chancellor Peter Neil and Ian Ferguson from IT at BGU, Johnty’s personal photographer for the calendar. Established in 2004 by a group of cat lovers, Lincoln Cat Care relies on donations to rehome strays, cover vet bills, and provide emergency care to felines in need. Liz said: “We currently have around 100 cats and caring for them can be expensive, so this donation is so appreciated. “Thank you to everyone who bought Johnty’s calendar. Your donation will help a lot of cats.” There are still calendars available for purchase. Please contact johntyuniversitycat@gmail.com to order yours for £3.50. All proceeds will continue to be donated to Lincoln Cat Care. -
293.
BGU students train for school mentoring programme
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) recently hosted a training session for its students involved in the Future Focus Mentoring Programme. The programme – funded by LiNCHigher - connects undergraduate students with mentees from local schools. The mentors will work with a selected group of Year 10 students, who have either volunteered or been identified by the schools in advance, to help them explore their interests and goals and support their personal and academic development. The training session was delivered by BG Futures and aimed to prepare the mentors for their role in supporting students with their employability and career management skills. They were trained in mentoring best practices, effective communication strategies, and the importance of building strong relationships with their mentees. They were also equipped with the necessary skills to guide their mentees in setting achievable goals and developing a clear plan to reach them. The Future Focus Mentoring Programme is an important initiative that demonstrates Bishop Grosseteste University’s commitment to supporting the local community and helping young people achieve their goals. It provides an excellent opportunity for university students to make a difference in the lives of young people, develop their own skills, and gain valuable experience in mentoring and leadership. This marks the start of an exciting journey for the mentors and the mentees, who will work together over the next few months to achieve their goals and build a brighter future. The university is confident that the mentoring programme will make a lasting impact on the lives of all involved, and it is looking forward to reporting the results of the programme in the future. To find out more about the Future Focus Mentoring Programme, please contact aggi.doughty@lincolnbishop.ac.uk and linchigher@lincolnbishop.ac.uk -
294.
Survey Week success!
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) recently concluded its Survey Week, which ran from 30th January to 3rd February. During the week, students were encourage to take part in two surveys: the BGU Student Satisfaction Survey (BGUSSS) and the National Student Survey (NSS). The BGUSSS provides students with the opportunity to reflect on various aspects of their learning experience, including teaching, assessment, support, and resources. The NSS is a national survey that encourages final-year students to share their views on their overall experience at the University. Both surveys provide vital data that helps the University understand what is working well and where improvements need to be made. As part of the activities, students had the opportunity to meet some friendly dogs, enjoy delicious treats, free pizza, and engage with the Students’ Union clubs and societies. Those who participated in the BGUSSS were entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a £50 One4all voucher and a £5 catering voucher for use in The Union Bar, Curiositea, or the Refectory (to be collected in person). NSS entries had the chance to win up to £150 reimbursement towards graduation costs.* Two winning students receiving their prizes In addition to the two surveys, What Uni also visited the campus, so students could write a review about BGU for the WhatUni? Student Choice Awards. Those who participated in this were entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a £2,000 voucher.* BGU saw an excellent turn out for Survey Week, with response rates for both surveys up on the same time last year. The University values and considers all feedback given by its students and this is an opportunity for students to make their voices heard and be part of shaping the learning community at BGU. The information provided by these surveys is considered at University level and used to inform the University's strategic planning processes. This ensures that the University is continually working to improve the quality of the student experience, in line with student feedback. Each autumn, BGU produces a summary document reviewing the findings of both surveys and outlining key information, as well as detailing how the University plans to improve in key areas. * Winners are being contacted directly. -
295.
Over £420k invested in local archaeological research
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has received a grant of more than £427,000 from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to invest in the university’s archaeology department. The award was confirmed in a ministerial announcement by Science and Technology Secretary Chloe Smith. The grant is awarded to institutions that seek to upgrade facilities and enhance their capacity to contribute to the UK’s creative and cultural research economy. BGU has used the grant to refurbish teaching rooms and the archaeology laboratory on campus. The university’s Old School House will now host the new open access Lincolnshire Culture Heritage Research (LCHR) Hub. The funding has also enabled the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment to enhance the research capabilities of the department, including a 3D laser scanner and a drone fitted with a LIDAR sensor, which can produce high-resolution maps and 3D models of landscapes and historical buildings. Other new equipment such as a magnetometer and a ground penetrating radar allow archaeologists to “see” into the ground and identify what lies beneath without having to excavate. The equipment will be used at the university's upcoming archaeology field school, which will see excavation of the Haw Hill area of Swanpool in Lincoln, where significant archaeological findings are expected. Dr Derwin Gregory, Archaeology Programme Leader at BGU said: "The AHRC grant has allowed us to significantly enhance our facilities and research capabilities, enabling us to provide our students with a first-class learning experience. “The equipment purchased through this funding will also benefit the wider community of archaeology and history groups, who are encouraged to contact the department and arrange use of this sophisticated equipment for their own projects." The AHRC is the UK's largest funder of research and postgraduate training in the arts and humanities. As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), it provides funding and support to institutions in the UK. The funding programmes are designed to support research across the full range of arts and humanities subjects. UKRI is investing £103 million to expand and upgrade the UK’s world class research infrastructure, including digital infrastructure. The investments will support the sector and ensure UK researchers have access to the best labs and equipment they need to keep producing world-class science. UKRI International Champion, Professor Christopher Smith, said: “The investments, made across the UK, will provide UK researchers with advanced equipment, facilities and technology, and help maintain the UK’s position as a leader in research and innovation. “This support will ensure the UK is an attractive place for scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs to live, work and innovate.” A full catalogue of equipment available to use can be found here. Dr Derwin Gregory with the Trimble R12 -
296.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships - Celebrating Six Months of Achievements
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) at BGU, has reached a significant milestone, marking six months of transformative activities since December 2022. -
297.
New exhibition explores British troops' deployment experience
‘Behind the Bastion’, an art exhibition exploring the personal stories of British troops deployed to Afghanistan, will open to the public on Friday 9th June. The exhibition features new artwork by Ed Kluz and pieces created by veterans. Led by Bishop Grosseteste University's Archaeology and History Programme Leader, Dr Derwin Gregory ‘Behind the Bastion’ is part of a wider project on vernacular ‘placemaking’ within the British military, exploring how British troops make operational bases feel like home while deployed overseas. Dr Derwin Gregory said: “This project aims to bring together art, history, and military experience to uncover the often-overlooked stories of British troops deployed overseas. “I hope 'Behind the Bastion' will generate new conversations about the personal experiences of troops and the impact of their built environment on mental health, and I look forward to sharing our findings with the public." The project has been made possible by the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund, a national partnership programme of over 20 artist commissions inspired by the heritage of conflict. Led by Imperial War Museums, the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund was created following the success of 14-18 NOW, the official UK arts programme for the First World War centenary. Rebecca Newell, Head of Art at Imperial War Museums said: “Working with artists has been a core part of IWM’s practice since the First World War. Part of the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund, Behind the Bastion continues this important tradition, telling stories of conflict through new and thought-provoking ways.” Artist Ed Kluz, who has been commissioned by the project for the temporary exhibition, said: “It has been such an honour to work with the veterans in carefully exploring the profoundly complex experiences of serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. I knew from the start of the process that the pace and lines of enquiry had to be led by them - by the exploration and respectful acknowledgement of their trauma and testimonies in collaboration with our art therapist. “The form of this piece references the watchtowers which are often found in war zones surrounding military bases. Here, though, rather than it being a structure from which a view is achieved by looking out, here perspectives and insights are gained by peering in.” The exhibition is free to visit and will run from Friday 9th June to Sunday 20th August 2023 at The Stable Yard Gallery at Doddington Hall. For more information, click here or contact derwin.gregory@lincolnbishop.ac.uk. -
298.
Honorary Award recipients announced
Each year, Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has the opportunity to award Honorary Doctorates and Honorary Fellowships at its graduation ceremonies. BGU staff and students, retired staff and alumni and current or former University Council members were invited to nominate candidates for honorary awards. Honorary Fellowship is awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to the University; whilst Honorary Doctorate is awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions to academic achievement, social, economic or cultural life. We're pleased to announce this year's award recipients, who will be honoured at graduation celebrations in July 2023. Bishop Grosseteste University Vice-Chancellor Rev Canon Professor Peter Neil said: “We are proud to be awarding this year’s honorary recipients for their expertise and service in their respective roles. I am delighted to welcome them to our wider BGU community. “Each one of them is inspirational in their own right and all serve as excellent role models for our students in how to make a positive impact on society.” -
299.
Six months into a Knowledge Transfer Partnership
A KTP associate perspective -
300.
Petition to reinstate Kate Greenaway's name on award gathers pace
A petition to reinstate Kate Greenaway's name in the literary award which bore her name for decades is gathering pace. Created by BGU Librarian and History Lecturer Rose Roberto and illustrator and bookseller Tamsin Rosewell, it has received backing from a range of illustrators and writers including Patrick Ness, Candy Gourlay, Philip Pullman, and Frank Cottrell-Boyce. According to the organisers: "The Kate Greenaway Medal is the oldest British literary award focused on illustration. It remains one of very few that highlights the contribution of illustrators and actively promotes the importance of their work. Kate Greenaway’s own work is a hugely important part of the heritage of the British Book Industry; she remains an influence on illustrators today and should also be recognised as one of Britain’s great female artists. In an age when illustrators' names are still very often left off promotion and reviews for books, we feel it is vital to retain her name in association with this award." In 2023, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) which runs the awards renamed The Greenaway Medal as The Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration. The organisers describe this as "branding expediency" and argue that "The name of an accomplished woman, whose work is directly relevant to the award, has been removed and replaced with that of a male industrialist and a sponsoring corporation. This feels hugely insensitive, and ironically inappropriate when it awards a profession that still battles to be recognised." The petition calls on CILIP to reinstate Kate Greenaway’s name on the award before the 2024 nominations are made. The petition has now garnered more than 2700 signatures. Click here to add your signature to this cause. Below, Rose Roberto shares more about the petition... 'The Kate Greenaway Medal rebrand is misguided, and thousands are calling for her name to be restored. After signing our petition, award-winning author Patrick Ness, tweeted: "I know the librarians who run the medals do their absolute damnedest to make them the best awards in the world (which they are), but I too would love to see the Kate Greenaway name return. It’s such a specific honour on its own and honours a foundational female illustrator." A Monster Calls, written by Ness, was illustrated by Jim Kay. Jim Kay won the 2011 Kate Greenaway medal for illustrating A Monster Calls. Named awards have meaning. Individuals who have awards named after them should embody the values of the organisation they represent and/or the spirit for which an award was given. Many illustrators not only relate to Kate Greenaway's work and feel inspired by it — she, as a person, represents real struggles with whom illustrators today can relate. As a woman living a century ago, she lacked many opportunities, especially educational ones, that men were given more readily. This petition reflects the fact that writers and illustrators of all genders want this award to be named after a woman. It also shows that they want it to be named after a fellow illustrator. The Kate Greenaway Medal has always been a privilege for librarians to give to illustrators, recognising their talent and their specific work in a particular year. CILIP’s argument that librarians now somehow need to make literature awards about libraries is self-aggrandising and utterly bizarre. Greenaway’s name has been a constant and consistent example for many aspiring illustrators and writers in the English speaking world. Canadian Duncan Weller writes: "I have heard of the Kate Greenaway Medal, probably as early as my teenage years when I first thought of becoming a writer and illustrator of children’s picture[s]. It is a great mistake to change this name. Female illustrators need more recognition and especially those as qualified as Kate Greenaway." Oxford-based Helen Cooper posts: "I write and illustrate. They are entirely different. And for some reason one is often seen as more important than the other. I wonder if giving both the awards the same name was a misguided attempt to adjust that? I think it will have the opposite effect so am signing the petition. The Kate Greenaway award is so important for illustrators as a standalone award. We don’t want it to be the lesser of the Carnegie’s — which it almost certainly will become." London-based Phil Bradley wrote: "This is an absolute disgrace and very disappointing the CILIP has made this decision. It is wholly inappropriate and completely out of step with how members and wider society feel." It is troubling is that the CILIP’s rebranding campaign was launched in September 2022, with little fanfare, and little consultation. There were many surprised librarians who contacted both Rosewell and I personally complaining of a lack of transparency in this decision. Had any sort of proper research been conducted before the name change (ironically, the kind of research that librarians excel at), launching a campaign to remove the Greenaway name would not have occurred. This year, I ran a CILIP Shadowing Awards scheme at the Bishop Grosseteste University Library (BGU). BGU houses one of the largest children’s literature collections in a UK university and has been collecting two copies of Greenaway and Carnegie Medal winning books since the 1950s. During the shadowing scheme process, I first became aware that Kate Greenaway’s name had been removed from the medal. When I sent CILIP an email querying this decision, requesting that the decision be reversed back to the 2022 award name which was "Yoto Kate Greenaway", I heard nothing back from CILIP for weeks. While waiting for a response, Rosewell and I decided to launch our petition. We were honoured that the first signatory was Jackie Morris, who won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2019. James Mayhew eloquently explains why we undertook this campaign and why so many have signed the petition. "Kate Greenaway was a pioneering woman," he said. "It is right and proper that she is remembered, celebrated, and has her name attached to this important prize. Losing this link with an actual illustrator greatly lessens the significance of such an award." If you sign, you’ll be joining others such as Philip Pullman, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Jackie Morris, Dapo Adeola, Rob Biddulph, Lydia Monks, Thomas Taylor, Candy Gorlay and Patrick Ness.' This story was first published by The Bookseller. Hear Rose and Tamsin speak on The Illustration Department podcast here.
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