ANNUAL REVIEW 2017-2018 - Bangor University
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ANNUAL REVIEW 2017-2018
GOVERNANCE
The Council, which is the governing body of the University, met on six occasions in 2017/18 and was chaired temporarily
by Dr Alwyn Roberts until the University appointed a new Chair of Council. Mrs Marian Wyn Jones was appointed
as Chair in February 2018. The University Secretary is Dr Kevin Mundy. The Council is assisted by a number of sub-
committees, including the Finance & Resources Committee, chaired by the Treasurer, Mr David Williams, and the Audit &
Risk Committee, chaired by Dr Griff Jones, which both met on five occasions during 2017/18. Other Council committees
that met during the year include the Nominations & Governance Committee, Ethics Committee, Bilingualism Committee,
Remuneration Committee, Strategy Committee and the Health & Safety Committee.
Further information regarding the University’s governance is available on www.bangor.ac.uk/about/management.php.en
Marketing, Recruitment & Communications, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG
01248 383298 press@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk
2 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18
CONTENTS
4-9 HIGHLIGHTS OF 17/18
10-11 RESEARCH
“Lost” Kubrick Screenplay Discovered
First nuclear research institute in Wales opened
Developing new long-range micro backpacks for bees
12-13 TEACHING & LEARNING
A glowing report by the Quality Assurance Agency
Bangor University lecturer selected as Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert
Developing a ‘Community of Scholars in Practice’
14-15 INTERNATIONALISATION
Bangor International College launched
NUS International Student of the Year
First cohort of Bangor College China students graduate
16-17 WELSH-MEDIUM
18-20 COMMUNITY
M-SParc hits the 100
International students go green
Volunteering is a way of life for Elan
BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18 3
HIGHLIGHTS
1 2
1 Marian Wyn Jones, Chair of Bangor Marian Wyn Jones was appointed as George Meyrick became the new
University’s Council. the new Chair of Bangor University’s Chancellor of Bangor University,
governing body, the Council. She becomes succeeding Lord Elis-Thomas, who stood
2 George Meyrick, Chancellor of Bangor the first woman to Chair the Council since down earlier in the year. He became
University. the university was founded in 1884, and only the 12th individual to hold this
she succeeds Lord Elis-Thomas, who ceremonial role at the University, and will
3 Gwerfyl Roberts, with the More Than Just stood down last year. serve for an initial period of five years.
Words Lifetime Contribution Award.
Dr Gill Windle and Emeritus Professor Bangor University became the first
Bob Woods of the Dementia Services university in Wales to be awarded the
Development Centre, School of prestigious Baby Friendly Award and is
Healthcare Sciences, were part of the latest university to gain recognition
the Alzheimer’s Society taskforce of from Unicef UK for the high levels of
leading UK clinicians and researchers training in breastfeeding provided to
in dementia, UK funders of dementia students on its midwifery course. Student
research, people with dementia and midwives enrolled on the midwifery
carer representatives, developing the programme at Bangor University will
first dementia research roadmap for now graduate with an extra qualification,
prevention, diagnosis, intervention and which will save them having to complete
care by 2025. further training when they are employed
as midwives.
Gwerfyl Roberts, Senior Lecturer at
the School of Healthcare Sciences The Learned Society of Wales elected
received a Lifetime Contribution Award Professor Tony Brown, Emeritus
at More Than Just Words 2017 – an Professor, School of English; Professor
event that recognises and celebrates the Raluca Radulescu, Professor of Medieval
importance of Welsh-language provision Literature, School of English; Professor
in health, social services and social care, David Neville Thomas FRSB, Professor of
and the exceptional achievements of Marine Biology, Head of School of Ocean
individuals and teams. Sciences and Professor Deri Tomos,
Emeritus Professor, School of Biological
Emma Chappell, who attended Welsh Sciences, as new Fellows.
for Adults classes at Bangor University
and also works for the University at The A volume of poetry written by Peredur
Management Centre, won the Welsh Lynch, Professor of Welsh, won the
Learner of the Year title at the Anglesey Golwg360 Welsh People’s Choice Award
National Eisteddfod. at the 2018 Wales Book of the Year
3 Awards.
4 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18
4
4 Hannah Powell, Harry Misangyi, Catrin Gareth (Gaz) Evans, a member of staff Lisa Blower, a Creative Writing Lecturer
Jones, Seth Casidsid and Gareth Jones made at the University’s Canolfan Brailsford at the School of English Literature was
Bangor University and Wales proud at the sport centre, secured gold in the Men’s one of ten authors long-listed for the
Commonwealth Games in Australia. Weightlifting in the 69kg category, lifting prestigious 2018 Sunday Times EFG
299kg at the Commonwealth Games. Short Story Award, which promotes and
5 Alys Conran, Wales Book of the Year winner. Gareth was one of six athletes from celebrate the excellence of the modern
Bangor University who represented short story and attracts entries from the
Wales at the Games on the Gold Coast, world’s finest writers.
Australia.
Bangor University was chosen as the
Psychologists Emeritus Professor Bob best in the UK for its Students’ Union
Woods, Dr Catrin Hedd Jones and Dr Nia Clubs & Societies as well as its Student
Williams worked closely with Darlun Accommodation in the 2018
TV for a BBC Wales documentary that WhatUni.com Student Choice Awards. The
followed three days of planned activities University was also placed third in the
to examine what happened when nursery UK in the University of the Year category
children came together with people living and second in the UK for Courses and
with dementia. ‘The Toddlers Who Took Lecturers.
on Dementia’ aired on the primetime
9pm slot in May and the series won the The first textbook on ocean renewable
Celtic Film Festival 2018 award for Best energy was published by Dr Simon
Factual Series and the Silver World Medal Neill, Reader in Physical Oceanography
in the Documentary Community Portraits at the School of Ocean Sciences, in
category at the New York TV and Film collaboration with Dr Reza Hashemi from
festival in 2018. the University of Rhode Island. The book
covers a range of marine renewable
Creative Writer and Lecturer Alys energy topics, including the fundamentals
Conran’s debut novel was named Wales of energy conversion, the physics of wave
Book of the Year 2017. She also won the and tidal energy, and how to measure,
Rhys Davies Trust Fiction Award, English model and optimize the ocean energy
Fiction Award and the People’s Choice resource.
Award, all for her debut novel Pigeon.
Published by Parthian, Pigeon, a tale of
childhood memories, is also unique in
having been published simultaneously
in English and Welsh, with a translation,
Pijin, adapted by Siân Northey.
5
BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18 5
6 7
6 Catrin Jones with her father and coach, First year Psychology student and Dr Zoë Skoulding, poet and Reader
David Jones, Fitness Manager at Canolfan weightlifter, Catrin Jones, won the in Creative Writing, received a
Brailsford. BBC Wales Carwyn James Young Cholmondeley Award for the achievement
Sportswoman of the Year 2017 award. and distinction of her body of work and
7 Dr Zoë Skoulding receiving the Catrin represented Wales at the Gold her contribution to poetry.
Cholmondeley Award for her contribution to Coast Commonwealth Games, competing
poetry from Stephen Fry. in the 53kg category. The Urdd Aelwyd at Neuadd John Morris-
Jones had many notable successes on
A world-leading scientific facility will be the main stage at the Urdd National
developed at Bangor University following Eisteddfod, winning medals in all of the
a £5m EU funding boost by the Welsh voice competitions for groups, parties or
Government’s Energy and Rural Affairs choirs, whilst Osian Owen won the Chair
Secretary, Lesley Griffiths AM. The and Erin Hughes won the Crown. Both are
funding will help create the Centre for students at the School of Welsh.
Environmental Biotechnology, which will
position the University at the cutting edge Research from Bangor University
of research into how natural materials showing the effectiveness of extra
can be utilised within industrial products funding to schools has enabled the
and processes. Welsh Government to increase funding
in order to tackle poverty in Wales. The
Bangor University were victorious at the collaborative research commissioned by
Inter-Collegiate Eisteddfod 2018, winning GWE and ERW, two school improvement
for a third time in a row. The Eisteddfod services providers, provided Welsh
is a highlight for Welsh students in Wales, Government with evidence on which to
and this year it was held at Lampeter base its decision to increase funding to
by the University of Wales Trinity Saint schools under the Pupil Development
David. Osian Owen, studying a BA Welsh Grant, by a further £90 million in 2018-
degree, won both the Chair and the 19. Educationalists, psychologists, social
Crown; music student, Alistair Mahoney scientists, and legal experts who have
won the Musicians’ Medal and Nia Hâf, a amassed vast experiences of working
BA Welsh student won the Drama Medal, with schools, pupils and children, worked
with both Alistair and Nia winning for the together to conduct a comprehensive
second year in a row. review of how poverty could be affecting
educational achievement in Wales.
6 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18
8
8 Geraint Wilson-Price, Director of Teaching, Bangor University has won a national awarded the Fisheries Society of the
Cymraeg Gwaith presenting the award for the award for the best use of Welsh in Human British Isles (FSBI) Beverton Medal for his
best use of Welsh in Human Resource to Nia Resources. The Award, sponsored by ground-breaking research and lifelong
Meacher, Deputy Director HR; Tracy Hibbert, Cymraeg Gwaith, was presented at the contribution to fish and fisheries science.
Director of HR and Mari Ellis-Roberts, HR Wales Cymru HR Awards organised
Officer. by the Wales HR Network. Bangor The Welsh Government announced that it
University’s submission demonstrated plans to expand medical education across
9 Professor Chris Freeman who received an the Human Resources Department’s Wales, which includes new opportunities
International Fellowship from the Society of constant commitment to providing a to study in north Wales. From 2019,
Wetland Scientists. comprehensive bilingual service to staff through collaboration between Cardiff
and to those who interact with the team and Bangor Universities, students will be
from outside the University. able to study for their medical degree in
north Wales.
Chris Freeman, Professor of Wetland
Science, received an International The Speaking Hands scheme was
Fellowship from the Society of Wetland established to offer British Sign
Scientists in recognition of his pioneering Language to all Welsh-medium nursery
work. Prof Freeman has been conducting schools in Wales (Mudiad Meithrin)
research on the subject for over 20 years and with the financial support of the
and has seen his work feature in the University’s Widening Access Centre,
world’s top scientific journals and on the a series of short films were produced,
pages of newspapers around the globe. introducing one word and one sign
weekly to the 18,000 prospective viewers
Bangor University’s students have under 4 years of age.
again given the University a resounding
testimonial in the annual National For the fourth year running, Bangor
Student Survey, placing the University University won Varsity - the annual
ninth among the UK’s non-specialist sporting extravaganza against
universities. Aberystwyth University - with an overall
final score of 33-10 to Bangor.
The University was included among the
top 100 European Universities in the
Times Higher Education (THE) European
Teaching Rankings, the first university
league table to focus solely on teaching
and learning.
9
Gary Carvalho, Professor in Zoology, was
BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18 7
Rev Dr Alwyn Roberts
Several individuals attended the Professor Robin Grove-White, an
University degree ceremonies to receive academic and Chair of the University’s
Honorary Fellowships. They were: Institute for the Study of Welsh Estates.
A resident of Anglesey, Professor
Ann Catrin Evans, an internationally Grove-White is a committed and active
renowned sculptor and jeweller who has environmentalist.
been a leading light on the Welsh craft
scene for over 25 years; Stavros Ioannou, alumnus and
Deputy CEO of Eurobank has made an
Alumnus, engineer and entrepreneur, overwhelmingly positive contribution
Howard M Clarke, who is Chairman of to Greece’s banking sector through
Morgan Innovation & Technology; managerial roles in major financial
institutions;
Renowned musician, Llio Rhydderch, who
is recognised as the foremost exponent Dr Margaret Wood, an academic and
of the Welsh Triple Harp; co-author of the first full Geology of
Anglesey, has demonstrated a passionate
Lord David Lloyd-Jones, a distinguished commitment to her profession and to
judge and legal scholar, who was recently furthering geological science.
appointed as Justice of the Supreme
Court, and has shown his active support Rev Dr Alwyn Roberts, former Pro Vice-
of the University’s Law students in a Chancellor of the University was involved
variety of ways; in the life of the University for over 50
years as a student, member of staff, and
Dr Philip Trathan, Head of Conservation member of Council. Sadly Rev Dr Roberts
at the British Antarctic Survey has passed away shortly after graduation
three degrees from Bangor University; week.
having graduated with a BSc in Botany
in 1979, and a PhD in Plant Population
Ecology in 1983. He received a DSc for
an outstanding contribution to Antarctic
Science in 2012.
Professor Julie Williams, a leading
figure in the field of Alzheimer’s disease
research and recently Chief Scientific
Officer for Wales;
8 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18
Ann Catrin Evans Howard M Clarke Llio Rhydderch
Lord David Lloyd-Jones Dr Philip Trathan Professor Julie Williams
Professor Robin Grove-White Stavros Ioannou Dr Margaret Wood
BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18 9
“LOST” KUBRICK SCREENPLAY DISCOVERED
Stanley Kubrick expert Nathan Abrams, Back in 1956, the young Stanley Kubrick “From what I have seen, the screenplay
Professor of Film Studies, discovered a was still relatively unknown, having looks authentic. Dated October 24, 1956 it
1956 screenplay by Stanley Kubrick that just wrapped his crime heist film The bears the stamp of the Script Department
was believed to have been lost. Titled Killing. Together with his producing of MGM. It was to be produced by
Burning Secret, it was an adaptation of partner, James B. Harris, he was looking James B. Harris, directed by Kubrick
Viennese novelist, Stefan Zweig’s 1913 for a new project to boost his fledgling and was written by Kubrick and Calder
novella of the same name. reputation. MGM offered the pair first Willingham.”
refusal of any property.
The novella is told from the perspective “Kubrick aficionados know he wanted
of a twelve-year-old Jewish boy. He is “For a long time, the script was to do it, [but] no one ever thought it
befriended by a suave but predatory lost. It was not even known if it was was completed. We now have a copy
baron at an Austrian holiday spa resort completed,” said Professor Abrams, who and this proves that he had done a full
as a means of seducing the boy’s married has published Stanley Kubrick: New screenplay.”
mother. The child acts as an unwitting go- York Jewish Intellectual with Rutgers
between for his mother and her would- University Press. “This literally just fell
be lover, making for a disturbing story into my lap as I was researching my next
with sexuality and child abuse churning book.
beneath its surface.
RESEARCH
MODEL ‘ELECTRIC’ SHEEP HELPING
RESEARCHERS KEEP FLOCKS IN FINE FETTLE
FIRST NUCLEAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE IN WALES OPENED
The Nuclear Futures Institute was This investment is already playing a key from Hitachi-GE Nuclear and the Welsh
established with funding from the Welsh role in attracting long-term private sector Government.
Government’s Sêr Cymru programme, strategic investment and high-value jobs
which is helping to attract world-leading in the nuclear sector to north Wales, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and
researchers to Wales, with funding also and also supports the development of Transport Ken Skates AM said: “The
coming from the European Regional Bangor University’s low-carbon energy nuclear sector is strategically important
Development Fund and from Bangor science park, M-SParc Ltd, by helping to for Wales, providing low carbon energy
University. attract supply chain companies within the for homes and businesses while also
nuclear industry. offering job opportunities in a highly
This £6.5m programme will be led skilled industry. The Welsh Government
by distinguished and internationally As new nuclear technologies are is committed to developing a suitably
renowned research leaders specialising introduced to the UK and elsewhere in skilled workforce for the nuclear sector,
in two key areas for the nuclear sector. the world, significant research effort is and my officials have already been
Professor Bill Lee joins from Imperial required to understand and ensure the working closely with industry as this
College London, and brings a wealth optimal design and deployment of those Strategic Plan has been developed.”
of expertise in Materials Sciences, in new technologies.
particular its application in extreme Professor Jo Rycroft-Malone, PVC for
environments such as in nuclear reactor Bangor University’s computational Research said: “We are very excited about
technologies and aerospace. expertise will be used to create an the potential that the Nuclear Futures
institute that will make north Wales a Institute will offer for the University, our
The second area of expertise is in global centre in predictive modelling future students, and also to businesses
sensitivity analysis and predictive and materials in the nuclear sector and active in nuclear and other energy-
modelling of complex systems to address complement the experimental research related areas that are being increasingly
challenges such as those found in being undertaken elsewhere in the UK. attracted to North Wales.”
the nuclear sector and environmental
systems. This aspect will be led by Earlier in the year, the UK Government
Professor Dan Cacucci. announced that Bangor University has
been chosen to lead a Science and
The Sêr Cymru programme will also Innovation Audit of the North West
enable the University to build teams Nuclear Arc Consortium and follows on
around the Sêr Cymru stars and establish from last year’s launch of the Boiling
Bangor University as a new centre of Water Reactor Research Hub and
excellence in the UK. Network. This is a joint venture with
Imperial College, London, with support
10 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18Film Director Stanley Kubrick.
© Getty Images
DEVELOPING NEW LONG-RANGE MICRO BACKPACKS FOR BEES
An ecologist and a microsystems
engineer are working together to
develop micro-backpacks for bees that
will enable the insects to be followed
by small drones as they fly from plant
to plant. This will enable scientists to
learn more about where the bees collect
nectar and what might be affecting their
numbers. The lightweight, long-range
bee-tracking device will harness the
bee’s own electrical energy to power the
backpacks.
Dr Paul Cross, Senior Lecturer in the
Environment explains:
“Bee populations, our vital crop and fruit
pollinators, are in serious decline; their
survival faces challenges on several
fronts - insecticides and varroa mites to
name a few. “We have proven our ability to harvest The initial project is funded as a Knowledge Economy
Skills Scholarships (KESS) Programme. The partner
the bee’s electrical energy to enable us organisation is the Bee Improvement and Bee
The ability to track bees or other insects to eliminate the need for a battery and Breeders Association (BIBBA), who are keen to fund
over their entire foraging range will our end product will weigh only a third research into honey-bee tracking in temperate
environments to identify the foraging range of the
be useful in various circumstances. of the bee’s body weight, or less than a bee under differing climatic and environmental
Other applications include tracking raindrop. conditions. This will provide the association
with more robust viability assessments before
Asian hornets (a serious threat to many establishing new apiaries.
bee species) in Europe with a view to “Our next step is to develop a mobile
controlling or eradicating them before it’s receiver to track and follow the bee’s
too late.” transmitted signal as it forages.”
Dr Palego, Senior Lecturer in Microwave
Instrumentation explains:
“Existing bee monitoring devices are
limited by their weight, range, and how
long their power source lasts, and these
are the problems that we’ve set out
to resolve using cutting-edge micro-
technology.
BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18 11TEACHING &
LEARNING
A GLOWING REPORT BY THE QUALITY
ASSURANCE AGENCY
Bangor University welcomed the findings The QAA stated: “The University’s
of the Quality Assurance Agency’s (QAA) approach to enhancing the student
Institutional Review, which commended learning experience is effective, student-
the way the university manages led and student-focused.”
academic quality.
Professor Oliver Turnbull, Pro Vice-
Bangor is the first university to undergo Chancellor, said:
this new Welsh Quality and Enhancement
Review, and we found it to be a very “The report is a clear evidence of the
detailed and thorough process. The excellent way that academic quality is
findings reflect the high academic managed at Bangor University, and I’d
standards that are to be found at Bangor. like to thank all of our staff for their
outstanding efforts over the years in
The University received a number maintaining such high standards.
of commendations that highlighted
particular areas of strength, including the “I’m delighted to say that the QAA
way in which Bangor uses a data-driven were so impressed with our provision
approach to inform and enhance the that they produced a report which,
student experience. quite exceptionally, included no formal
recommendations on how we might
Other areas that received improve.”
commendations were the University’s
deeply-embedded, extensive, and
culturally-valued partnership with
students, and the fact that bilingualism
is embedded within all aspects of the
student experience, and positively
impacts upon it.
12 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18LECTURER SELECTED AS MICROSOFT
INNOVATIVE EDUCATOR EXPERT
Owen Davies, Lecturer in Education, As an MIE Expert, educators build their
was recognised as a global leader in capacity for using technology in both the
using technology to transform education classroom and curriculum to improve
and was named a Microsoft Innovative student learning. They also advise
Educator (MIE) Expert, joining more Microsoft and educational institutions
than 6,700 educators in the MIE Expert on how to integrate technology in
worldwide programme. pedagogically-sound ways and be an
advocate at conferences, events and
Each year, Microsoft selects innovative training courses for how Microsoft
educators to share ideas, try new technology can improve learning.
approaches and learn from each other
as a global community, dedicated to “Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts
improving student outcomes through are inspiring examples of educators
technology. applying new ways of teaching and
learning in their classrooms that
Owen said: “I feel privileged to be part of motivate students and empower them
the worldwide MIE community, my goal to achieve more,” said Anthony Salcito,
is to bring outstanding professional tools Vice President, Worldwide Education,
and pedagogy to Education students Microsoft. “We celebrate and support the
so that they can inspire learners and work they do every day!”
promote effective collaboration in their
classrooms.”
Owen Davies joins a global group of
Microsoft Innovative Educators.
DEVELOPING A COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS IN
PRACTICE
Across the UK, clinical academic careers The new Clinical Academic pathway
are a key area in the development of enables a variety of clinicians to follow
forward-looking health services that a flexible route, embedded in the School
support highly-skilled practitioners to to support the development of clinical
engage with academic research that academic careers in north Wales. The
could also drive forward improvements Clinical Improvement Programme
in the organisation and delivery of focusses on stimulating and developing
healthcare, in an increasingly complex innovations in everyday clinical practice,
environment. using implementation work centred on
the School’s ‘Improvement Hub’.
The School of Health Sciences
has worked in partnership with The Clinical Academic Programme
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health centres on completing research work.
Board (BCUHB) and Coleg Cymraeg Importantly, the Clinical Academics on
Cenedlaethol (CCC) to generate an the pathway will benefit from working
innovative pathway for clinicians across with a range of the University’s research
a wide range of multidisciplinary centres.
professions to develop clinical academic
careers, initially focussed on nursing and The Clinical Academic pathway provides
medicine. a scaffolding for innovation in practice
and enables clinicians to continue
The initiative was a collaborative effort within practice, whilst completing a
between multidisciplinary clinicians in postgraduate degree and bridging
BCUHB and academics at the School university with clinical life. Importantly,
of Health Sciences. It also includes as part of this initiative, a ‘Community
an innovative ‘first-into-teaching and of Scholars in Practice’ provides
research’ route for new graduates with peer support for Clinical Academics,
the CCC, advancing Welsh-medium facilitating shared learning and
provision in the School and the ‘Active enterprise.
Offer’ for care through the medium of
Welsh in clinical practice.
BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18 13BANGOR INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE LAUNCHED
Last year, Bangor University signed a new
partnership with Oxford International
Education, a unique accredited education
provider, and a world leader in education
in the UK and Canada. In November
2017, the Bangor International College,
an Embedded College on the Bangor
University campus, was officially
launched. Students will be able to
undertake the first part of an extended
degree programme combining academic
and study skills and English improvement
courses at the new College.
Bangor International College will deliver Staff and students at the Bangor International College launch event.
the first stages of the International
Incorporated undergraduate and the An impressive 100% of the first cohort such as Bangor University. Our students
International Incorporated postgraduate of Bangor International College students benefit from being able to progress
programmes in subjects including progressed onto Part 2 in 2017/18 and directly onto a range of highly-regarded
Business, Management, Finance, the partnership will celebrate its first set degree programmes with Bangor
Investment Banking, Electronic of graduates in December 2019. University. We look forward to working
Engineering, Computer Science, Law, with the University to expand the range of
Media, Psychology and Social Sciences. Mark Stanton, Chief Executive Officer of subjects available and provide seamless
Following successful completion of Part 1 OIEG, said at the launch event: progression onto degree courses for our
at Bangor International College, students students.”
can then continue their studies in Part 2 “We are pleased to work with institutions
directly at Bangor University. that have a significant profile and
commitment to international education
INTERNATIONALISATION
NUS INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Postgraduate student, Charu Dada Alan Edwards, Head of International
from India, won the National Union Student Support, said:
of Students’ ‘International Student of
the Year 2018’ award. This award is “Charu has been an enthusiastic
given to an international student who supporter of Bangor’s International
has demonstrated the dynamic and Office for many years as an International
positive impact international students Student Ambassador. She also
can have at their institutions and on assisted with several initiatives such
their local communities. The winner is as supporting students more widely
expected to have shown a commitment across the University, as a Halls Warden,
to maximising international students’ Students Union representative, School
experience in the UK and in improving representative and a leader of the
the experience of others. University Indian Society. Her supportive
role has been highly appreciated as
Throughout her time at Bangor, she has helped many students to settle
Charu dedicated herself to helping in to life in a new country, culture and
international students on campus. As University.”
an International Student Ambassador,
she devoted her spare time assisting Charu graduated with an EdD Doctoral
with airport pickups, campus tours Degree in Education in July and her main
and Welcome Week activities. Charu aim is to continue working in the field
also spent a large portion of her time of education at a university in India or
volunteering for environmental causes, abroad.
celebrating Welsh culture, and working
with asylum-seeking and refugee
students in the UK.
14 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18FIRST COHORT OF BANGOR COLLEGE CHINA STUDENTS GRADUATE
Staff and Students at the Bangor Graduation Ceremony.
Bangor College China reached a both institutions and may choose to ceremonies were attended by the
key milestone in July 2018 with the undertake their entire studies in China leaders of both Universities; Vice
graduation of the first cohort of students. or alternatively to commence in China Chancellor Professor John Hughes
BCC opened its doors in 2014 offering and complete in the UK. of Bangor University and Professor
BSc degrees in Accounting and Finance, Zhao, Party Secretary of Central South
Banking and Finance, Electronic Of the 227 graduates across both University of Forestry and Technology.
Engineering, Forestry and Environmental campuses in 2018, 88 transferred to
Management, Bangor University. An impressive 91
students in this first cohort from across
In a partnership between Bangor both campuses achieved first-class
University and Central South University honours.
of Forestry and Technology in Changhsa,
China, students gain a double degree – a China-based students graduated in
bachelor degree from both institutions, an 8th July ceremony in Central South
enhancing their knowledge, skills and University of Forestry and Technology
future employment prospects. Students and the UK-based students on the
are taught by leading academics from 16th July at Bangor University. Both
Staff and Students at the China Graduation Ceremony.
BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18 15WELSH-MEDIUM
Recent statistics have revealed that “In aiming to reach a million by 2050, it Recently, numerous examples have
almost half of all students studying a is essential that our higher education shown that Bangor University is leading
degree through the medium of Welsh now institutions give young people the in many areas related to the Welsh
do so at Bangor University. In addition, opportunity to continue their education language and culture. The Cydymaith i
the largest number of lecturers teaching through the medium of Welsh. In this Gerddoriaeth Cymru (‘The Companion
through the medium of Welsh is at regard, it is heartening to see Bangor to Welsh Music’) was published in
Bangor University. University leading the field in Wales September 2018 and is an authoritative
and providing numerous opportunities directory that covers all aspects of music
Welsh-medium education is one of the for students to study full degree in Wales, from the 6th Century to the
Welsh Government’s top priorities, and programmes and individual modules present day. And in the context of the
is crucial in achieving the Government’s through the medium of Welsh.” present day and the place of technologies
strategy of having a million Welsh in our daily lives, attention has been
speakers by 2050. Professor Hunter added: “Although the given by the European Parliament to
number of Welsh speakers has been the research and specialist resources
Professor Jerry Hunter, Pro Vice- distributed across Wales, it is amazing of Canolfan Bedwyr’s Language
Chancellor (Welsh Medium and that 44% of all students studying a Technologies Unit recently.
Civic Engagement) said: “Having a degree course wholly through the
comprehensive Welsh-medium education medium of Welsh are doing so in Bangor. In addition, the Language Technologies
system, which allows the children and Unit has been responsible for
young people of Wales to learn and study “Being able to study some subjects contributing their expertise to the Welsh
through the medium of Welsh all the entirely through the medium of Welsh language action plan published by the
way from nursery to higher education, is is great, naturally, but it should also Welsh Government in October 2018,
absolutely crucial to the prosperity of the be remembered that elements of all leading on the development of Welsh
language. subjects taught at Bangor can be studied versions of digital personal assistants
through the medium of Welsh.” and artificial intelligence systems that
will allow these machines to understand
16 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18Welsh. In addition, as a result of Bangor contribute to the Welsh Government’s “It must be remembered that Bangor
University’s specialisms, technology can goal of having a million speakers of students are developing to be future
be used to develop a machine translation Welsh by 2050. These are not separate teachers, healthcare professionals,
system, which will lead to increasing aspects, developed in silos, but rather business people, scientists and civil
the number of Welsh texts available for the infrastructure we need as we head servants – and the fact that so many of
reading and for audio consumption. towards this ambitious goal.” them have achieved their degree through
the medium of Welsh is crucial to the
Professor Jerry Hunter explained the “There is no doubt that Bangor is leading success of the Government’s strategy to
importance of the University’s expertise the way in developing and increasing the have a million Welsh speakers by 2050,”
and knowledge: opportunities available to use Welsh. Our added Professor Hunter.
contribution to scholarship through the
“As well as being a major Welsh-medium medium of Welsh is unique, but perhaps
higher education provider, it is great even more importantly is our contribution
to see Bangor University leading on towards protecting and increasing the
all those supplementary elements - number of Welsh speakers.
research, policy and technology - which
BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18 17COMMUNITY 18 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 16/17
The Menai Science Park, located at Gaerwen,
Anglesey. Inset - the board room. M-SPARC HITS THE 100
The Menai Science Park, M-SParc, which Discussions are ongoing with several
is wholly owned by Bangor University, University departments, to see how
opened on the 1st of March 2018, and further collaboration with M-SParc could
has already hit a key milestone with 100 work.
people now working in the first building.
Managing Director, Pryderi ap Rhisiart,
The £20m facility, part-funded by who took over from Ieuan Wyn Jones in
European Regional Development Funding May following his retirement, said: “We
through the Welsh Government, was want to attract the brightest minds in the
completed on time and on budget, region, and retain the talent here in North
with 40% of the building now let, and West Wales. M-SParc will help them
achieved ahead of target. Based on a prosper, providing full business support
typical Science Park business model, the and space for them to grow. Being able
company anticipated 15% occupancy in to announce that we have 13 tenants,
the first few months, building up to full in addition to daily enquiries, is very
capacity over a number of years. exciting news.”
M-SParc has laboratory, office and
workshop space available for let, four
meeting rooms, and a hot-desking area -
‘Ffwrnes’, as well as Tanio, the open café
area where anyone can make use of the
facilities and free Wi-Fi.
INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS GO GREEN
The International Student Support Office
launched a new initiative, ‘Internationals
Go Green’, with two main aims - to
help international students integrate
with UK students on a social level,
and to contribute to the University’s
sustainability agenda.
The initiative consisted of a series of
trips and events throughout the academic
year, raising awareness of environmental
issues, sustainability and wellbeing
among international students. The
initiative has helped local communities,
and promoted ways of ensuring a Other events included decorating the International students at a beach clean in
greener present and future, whilst University’s Christmas tree with recycled Cricieth.
contributing to Bangor University’s aim of materials, a film night, supporting local
becoming ‘The Sustainable University’. Syrian refugee families and a litter-pick
session in Bangor city centre.
Various trips and events were organised,
including a beach clean at Cricieth. All the events were organised by
Together with the North Wales Wildlife securing the co-operation and support
Trust, a team of 50 international students of other University departments, local
collected 26 large bags of rubbish. organisations and charities. The project
successfully engaged international
Dawn Thomas, North Wales Wildlife Trust students in raising awareness of
said: “I was so impressed by the turnout environmental issues, in the hope that
and the enthusiasm of the group. I found they would take what they have learnt
it really interesting to hear about their back to their home countries.
impressions of marine litter and what’s
happening in their own countries to
tackle this global issue.”
BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 17/18 19VOLUNTEERING IS A WAY OF LIFE FOR ELAN Elan Gilford with HRH Prince Harry and the
Duke of Cambridge.
Sports, Health & Exercise Science She said: “I volunteer because it
student, Elan Môn Gilford, was one of only continuously teaches me something new
20 people worldwide to receive a Diana about other people, about co-operation,
Legacy Award for her volunteering work. about compassion and about myself.
The Diana Award is given out in Diana, “I have faced many challenges as I was
Princess of Wales’ name to young role diagnosed deaf at the age of three.
models who are selflessly transforming Volunteering was a huge step for me to
the lives of others. The Award recognises take, especially as I rely on lip-reading
young people who go above and beyond and what I can hear from my hearing
in their daily lives to create and sustain aids. Lip-reading around 20-30 children
positive change. all talking at once in a leisure centre has
been my toughest challenge yet!
A keen sportswoman, Elan was rewarded
for her passion and enthusiasm in “Through volunteering I have been able
sharing her sports with others. Elan to demonstrate to others that disability
spends over 2,000 hours a year doesn’t have to affect what you can do,
volunteering. She shares her coaching, there’s always a way around difficulties if
mentoring and organising skills with you are prepared to work hard.”
a range of children’s sports clubs and
teams, including netball, athletics, hockey
and rugby.
Elan began volunteering with the Urdd (a
Welsh-medium youth organisation) and
was a Millennium Sport Leader with the
Urdd and a Sport Wales’ Platinum 5x60
Young Ambassador.
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