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Graduate
The
2014
The magazine for Graduates and Friends of Queen’s University Belfast
A Global Outlook
Discover Queen’s academic
links across the world
Double First
Meet the Graduate and Student
of the Year 2014
Building the Future
Learn how improved facilities will
enhance the student experience
Vision 2020
New Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick
Johnston, outlines his plans for the University
Contents
Features
8 A vision for Queen’s - meet the new Vice-Chancellor
12 Update on the University’s £140m fundraising campaign
16 Blazing a trail – Graduate and Student of the Year
20 The Power of Giving – Queen’s Annual Fund
22 Talking Business, Changing Lives –
A Message 26
Queen’s and Santander
Building the Future – campus changes
from the President 31
32
Points of View – your feedback
A Global Outlook – Queen’s links with the world
and Vice-Chancellor Events
30 Convocation
I am enormously proud that Queen’s advantage of all that is available to alumni
48 Events and Reunions
maintains such strong links with our (see page 51). Let us know how Queen’s
graduates. It is not always easy to keep over can best help and engage with you and
140,000 alumni in 125 countries connected,
but I value our worldwide network. As
please keep us informed on how your life
and career progresses. (Don’t forget to Regular
alumni you form the largest part of the keep your contact details correct so that we
Queen’s family and I am committed can continue to communicate with you!) 4 News - what’s been happening around the campus
to maintaining and strengthening 34 My Time at Queen’s
the ties that join us. I look forward to Wherever you live, and whatever you 36 Class Notes
getting to know you and to hearing do in the future, I hope you will stay 40 Books
your fond memories of student days. connected with Queen’s. With your 41 Obituaries
support and help, we can realise our 44 Sports Report – the latest on and off the field
Your success is a living testament to the ambitions for this great University. 46 A Legacy Gift – it’s personal
quality of education that is provided by 51 Did you know? – alumni benefits
Queen’s and our graduates continue to be
our finest ambassadors. Your alma mater Editor: Gerry Power The Graduate is an informal magazine published
is proud of you, your achievements, and Development and Alumni annually by the Development and Alumni Relations
Relations Office Office, for alumni and friends of Queen’s University
your connection with Queen’s. Please tell Belfast. Extracts from the magazine should not
Queen’s University Belfast
others where you studied and encourage Professor Patrick G Johnston Belfast, BT7 1NN
be published without the approval of the
Editor. While every effort is made to ensure
future students to follow in your footsteps President and Vice-Chancellor Northern Ireland the accuracy of printed information at
by sharing current success stories. Tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3100 time of going to press, no responsibility The Graduate
Email: editor@qub.ac.uk can be accepted for any errors or is
PS Through this magazine, e-newsletters, omissions. Advertisements are carefully available onlin
My warmest congratulations to the Class our website (www.qub.ac.uk/alumni) Contributors: Kyron Armstrong, vetted, but the University can take no
http://daro.q e at
of 2014 – welcome to our worldwide and our social media presence we will John Comerton, Meaghan Lyons,
responsibility for their content. Any
views expressed by the contributors
ub.ac.uk/
alumni family. The Development and keep you connected with Queen’s. I
Ian Moore, Karl Oakes, are not necessarily those of the TheGraduate
Conor O’Kane, Susan Wilson University or the editorial team.
Alumni Relations Office is your lifelong hope that you share our pride in this Letters, photos and news for inclusion for those who
link to Queen’s. We want to ensure that exceptional University and that you will Design: www.darraghneely.com are welcomed by the Editor,
prefer a large
this relationship is beneficial to you. Take help us to enhance its reputation.
Print Services: CDS but we reserve the right to
edit any contributions. r
print size
© Development and Alumni Relations Office 2014
The Graduate – 2014 5
News
interim report’s recommendations aimed for many innovations from vision
at restoring consumer confidence and correction and endoscopy to
protecting hardworking, honest businesses telecommunications and
from food crime. I believe the creation robotics. It formed
of the national food crime prevention the basis for the 4,600 new
framework will ensure measures are put in telecommunications students
place to further help protect consumers revolution of the registered at
Further stories can be found online at http://qub.ac.uk/news and www.qub.ac.uk/qtv
from any food fraud incidents in the future.” late 20th century queen’s for
and created the the 2014/15
The final report provides the rationale infrastructure academic year
and evidence for a number of overarching needed for the
recommendations to improve the integrity internet.
of food supply networks, among them
the creation of a Food Crime Unit, a zero To be known as the EPSRC Centre for
tolerance approach to food fraud and Doctoral Training in Photonic Integration for
encouraging the food industry to question Advanced Data Storage, it will educate 50
the source of their supply chain. future scientists and engineers over the next
eight years.
Queen’s tackles world The Director of the new facility, Professor
data-storage needs Robert Bowman from Queen’s School of
Mathematics and Physics, said: “The type of
New Dean of Medicine innovation required to deliver the much-
needed advances in this area needs multi-
site and multidisciplinary collaboration and
Professor Stuart Elborn has been appointed doctors, dentists and scientists, they have committed industry partners. As a result
Dean of the School of Medicine, Dentistry a transforming impact on health care in of the initiative from the EPSRC and the
and Biomedical Sciences, succeeding Northern Ireland and beyond.” funding from DEL and our partners, we are
Professor Patrick Johnston who took up the now in a position to give doctoral students
post of Vice-Chancellor in March.
Is your food safe? a unique environment to drive research and
make a significant impact in this area.”
Director of the Centre for Infection and
Organised crime threatens UK consumers Professor Bowman, Employment and Learning
Immunity since 2010, Stuart Elborn is
Professor of Respiratory Medicine at
and, according to a recent report, urgent
changes to the way the UK food system is
Minister, Dr Stephen Farry and Vice-Chancellor,
Professor Patrick Johnston
Royal Society Exhibitors
Queen’s and a Consultant Physician in the
policed are needed. Ground-breaking research by QUILL –
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. He is
The challenge of storing the increasing Queen’s University Ionic Liquid Laboratories
also a member of the Editorial Board of the
The independent inquiry into the 2013 quantity of data generated by society is – was among exciting new work showcased
Ulster Medical Journal.
horsemeat scandal was chaired by Professor being tackled by a Queen’s led collaboration at the Royal Society’s Summer Science
Chris Elliott, Director of the Global Institute with the University of Glasgow, local Exhibition in London in July.
Professor Elborn founded and led the
for Food Security at Queen’s. His report government and industry partners, which
Regional Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre in
makes a number of recommendations has received £8.1m to create a new Doctoral QUILL’s cutting-edge process for removing
Belfast City Hospital from 1995. He trained
to government about how to ensure Training Centre. toxic mercury from natural gas using ionic
in Belfast, Nottingham and Cardiff where
consumers can be fully confident about the liquids and a new procedure for trapping
he developed Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centres
quality of their food. Under the auspices of the Engineering and carbon dioxide from power plants and gas
and began his research in infection and lung
Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), fields were among the latest, award-winning
disease. Professor Elborn received a CBE in
Professor Chris Elliott said: “The UK has the Centre will go some way to addressing a findings on display at the exhibition. Both
the 2013 New Year Honours list for services
one of the safest food supply systems in skills shortage in the photonics industry, and breakthroughs have potentially massive
to health care in Northern Ireland.
the world, and all those involved should be help develop new products and systems to benefits to industry, and the health of the
commended for what has been achieved. tackle the expanding data-storage needs of wider public and the planet.
Speaking on his appointment Professor
the fast-moving digital world.
Elborn said: “I am committed to delivering
“I am pleased that the Government and Co-Director of QUILL, Professor Ken
excellence in education and research in the
the food industry have already taken some The science of photonics, which is based Seddon said: “There are two main things
School, so that when our students become
major steps forward in response to the around the use of light, is the foundation about ionic liquids which sets them apart
6 The Graduate – 2014 The Graduate – 2014 7
and make them ideal for developing
‘greener’ alternatives to solvents. They
an honour to receive this recognition from
the Royal Academy of Engineering. Cyber
Honorary graduates Graduate Volunteer
have no vapour pressure, which means security presents huge challenges for the Summer 2014 of the Year
they can’t burn or explode. The other future. The development of resilient, secure
thing is that their structure allows them to information systems is crucial for everyone ‘Alumni Volunteer of the Year’ Liz Torrans,
be manipulated in order to perform pre- – from how we carry out our daily work, to BA (Social Anthropology) 1980, has been
designed functions. So, where there are 300 the delivery of public services, to issues of supporting Queen’s in a voluntary capacity
conventional molecular solvents, there are national and international security.” for many years. She volunteered as a
over a trillion available ionic liquids. student Samaritan and as an adult literacy
Professor O’Neill was the youngest-ever
“That’s why we call them ‘designer liquids’ professor to be appointed at Queen’s and
as we can alter their properties to suit was also the University’s first female professor
specific purposes. That’s how we came up in electrical and electronic engineering.
with the method of removing toxic mercury
from gas. It’s also how we tailor-made ionic
liquids to trap carbon dioxide.”
Royal Irish Academy
appoints new members Katie Melua and
Ciarán Hinds
Cyber expert among (above) and Dermot
Desmond (left) at this
UK’s top engineers summer’s Graduation
Week
A professor from Queen’s, who invented
a high-speed silicon security chip that is
used in more than 100 million TV set-top
boxes, received the prestigious 2014 Royal Liz Torrans with Ian Moore of the Development
Academy of Engineering Silver Medal. and Alumni Relations Office. (The Volunteering
Awards are presented by the Students’ Union).
Professor Máire O’Neill was one of only five Singer Katie Melua, actor Ciarán Hinds
engineers to receive the medal in national and businessman Dermot Desmond were tutor during her time at Queen’s. Now a
recognition for their contribution to society. among those to receive Honorary Degrees career mentor, Liz helps students develop
from Queen’s this summer. effective plans for their chosen career path.
The former British Female Inventor of the She has been Honorary Secretary of the
Year is a leading international expert on • Katie Melua, who lived in Northern Queen’s Graduates’ Association for five
digital security, and is currently Professor of Professor Mary Daly (left), Academy President, Ireland for six years during her early years and has spoken at various alumni
with Dr Johnson
Information Security at Queen’s Centre for childhood and had UK chart hits with and student events held at the University,
Secure Information Technologies (CSIT). A Nine Million Bicycles (No 5, 2005) and such as a speed mentoring evening and a
Queen’s graduate, she is regarded as one Dr Nuala Johnson, a Reader in Human Closest Thing to Crazy (No10, 2003), was Student Plus parents’ night.
of Europe’s leading cryptography experts, Geography at Queen’s, and Dr Stephen awarded a DLit (Mus) for services to music.
helping enhance global data security. Kingon, Honorary Treasurer of Queen’s and To find out more about alumni
an adviser to the Board of The Queen’s • Financier Dermot Desmond was honoured volunteering, contact Meaghan Lyons
Professor O’Neill’s research University of Belfast Foundation, were for services to business and commerce. (Alumni Officer) m.lyons@qub.ac.uk,
involves designing admitted as Members of the Royal Irish Having started his career in Citibank, he tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3135 or visit the
security solutions for Academy in June. progressed to become a key figure in Irish website http://daro.qub.ac.uk/volunteer
Queen’s is communications financial life. His business interests include
ranked 170th in applications, Dr Johnson is internationally known for a majority shareholding in Celtic FC.
the qs global including her research on the relationships between Convocation AGM
league table email, cloud identity politics and representation, • Former Queen’s law student, Ciarán 20 November 2014
and 38th in the and mobile particularly through the performance of Hinds, who abandoned his degree to
sunday times technologies. social memory; the history of botanical study at RADA before starring in Road to Further details at
university gardens as spaces of both science and Perdition, December Bride and as Mance http://daro.qub.ac.uk/
guide Speaking about aesthetics; and on the role of place, Rayder in Game of Thrones, received a convocation
her Silver Medal language and heritage in the articulation DUniv for distinction in film and drama.
For more information, turn to page 30
award, she said: “It is of national identities.
8 The Graduate – 2014 The Graduate – 2014 9
A Vision for Queen’s
Professor Patrick Johnston is the 12th Vice-Chancellor in the 168-year history “Queen’s is Northern Ireland’s university, a
of Queen’s University Belfast. One of the world’s foremost experts in cancer university which contributes to every part
research he has vowed to make Queen’s “an international powerhouse in higher of our society: economically, culturally,
education”. Six months into office he talks to The Graduate about his journey so politically and socially, and it is a university that
far, the development of the University Vision and his hopes for the future. consistently delivers a world-class education
and research experience.”
“Queen’s is one of the finest universities in these are aligned that we will fully realise overseeing the opening of the state-of-the- face institutions is currently the subject
the UK and Ireland and among the top one our ambitious goals. It’s my job to see that art research facility in 2007. of debate. Queen’s, along with every
per cent of universities in the world. I am that happens.” other tertiary education provider, will
both honoured and privileged to be leading He also founded several companies need to adapt quickly to the new learning
it,” said Professor Johnston. Patrick Johnston is the first person to be including Almac Diagnostics and the environment. Stronger and more focused
appointed President and Vice-Chancellor Society for Translational Oncology in leadership, integrating with the needs of
from within the staff of Queen’s – and the Durham, North Carolina. society, will be integral to the success of
Presidential Visit first from Northern Ireland – since Sir Peter universities in the future.
Froggatt took up the position in 1976. Professor Johnston’s dedication and vision
Professor Johnston’s tenure got off to an have been heralded by medical peers as He is currently leading the development
auspicious start when, on his third day in Over the past 20 years Professor Johnston’s the main reason for the transformation of of a University Vision to take Queen’s to
post, he welcomed former US President, research has resulted in several prestigious cancer survival rates in Northern Ireland in 2020 and beyond. That Vision is based
Bill Clinton to the University to deliver the landmark publications, more than 20 the last decade. on world-class leadership in the pursuit of
inaugural William J Clinton Leadership patents and over £95m in grants from excellence, impacting society at home and
Lecture and to officially open the William J research and philanthropic bodies including Recently, he led the launch of a new abroad. The outline vision is of a ‘world-
Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen’s. Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research European Cancer Patient’s Bill of Rights, class international university that supports
Council (MRC) and the US National a catalyst for change to provide millions outstanding students and staff, working in
“The first six months have been both Institutes of Health. of Europeans with the right to the highest world-class facilities, conducting leading-
challenging and uplifting. I am excited standard of care. edge education and research, focused on
to be leading the University and am very The former Dean of the School of Medicine, the needs of society.’
grateful for all the support I’ve received Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences has led The new Vice-Chancellor takes over the
from colleagues and others,” he said. the development of a new international reins at Queen’s at a time when universities “To date we have been engaged in seeking
“Looking forward, I am keen to raise the medical school at Queen’s and a world- are facing their greatest challenge ever. views on the Vision, focusing on leadership,
level of ambition and conviction across leading Institute of Health Sciences. He Revolutionary advances in technology are structures and postgraduate culture and
this University. People and culture are what has also served as director of the Centre rapidly changing how people study and feedback so far has been very encouraging.
drive an organisation and it’s only when for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, learn, and the role of so-called face-to- In the next six months I want to start
10 The Graduate – 2014 The Graduate – 2014 11
impact on students and on communities,
Patrick Johnston in Northern Ireland and beyond and about Curriculum Vitae
doing so indefinitely.”
Born into a family of seven in the Waterside in Derry/Londonderry in September
1958. His father, Seamus, attended university in Dublin on a scholarship in the 1940s, 1982 Graduated from UCD; Houseman
going on to become a language teacher, later a headmaster. His mother, Ethna, Alumni participation in Mater Misericordiae Hospital,
worked in the Civil Service. Dublin
“Graduates are the biggest constituent part 1987 Fellowship at National Cancer
A pupil of St Columb’s College, Patrick studied at University College Dublin, of the Queen’s family. While many have Institute (NCI) in Bethesda,
graduating with distinction in medicine. There he met wife-to-be Dr Iseult Wilson, already made phenomenal contributions Maryland, USA
now a lecturer in Rehabilitation Sciences in the Institute of Nursing and Health to the University – for which I would like to
thank them – it is my hope that alumni will 1991 Senior investigator, NCI
Research at the University of Ulster.
wish to support us on this journey. 1996 Appointed Professor of Oncology
at Queen’s; led development of
Together they have four grown-up sons – Seamus (a community worker), Eoghan (who
“The key message for alumni is to be Centre for Cancer Research and
is in finance), Niall (an English language teacher) and Ruairi who has just completed
his degree and is now in marketing, working for an international company. very proud of Queen’s. It is an excellent Cell Biology (CCRCB)
University producing Nobel Laureates and 2002 Co-Founded Almac Diagnostics
international leaders, captains of industry,
implementing a culture which empowers all “When students and staff from across 2004 Appointed Director of CCRCB
political leaders, lawyers, teachers and
staff across the University to see themselves the world start knocking on our door to (until 2007)
doctors, all of whom contribute to their
as performing on a world stage. A way join us on our journey, we will know that local communities. We need to continue 2007 Honoured by President Mary
of thinking and behaving based on a we are well on the way to becoming an to develop and grow our networks of McAleese, at BioLink USA-Ireland
strong sense of personal commitment international powerhouse. Once Queen’s influence and to spread our ethos and in Conference in New York for
and conviction that takes ownership, becomes a destination of choice, an that respect graduates are essential.” leadership, contribution and
responsibility and accountability for delivery essential stepping stone on individual commitment to global life
of the highest standards of excellence.” career paths, that is when we will know. science community
Best foot forward Became Dean of the School of
The creation of a Graduate School, the “The journey is underway, though we do
Medicine, Dentistry and
development of a vibrant and ambitious need to be patient. We must build on our “My personal highpoint has undoubtedly
Biomedical Sciences
postgraduate and postdoctoral culture, heritage and rich pedigree, driving forward been graduation. Meeting graduates as
and an increase in numbers – particularly the quality and impact agenda. We are all they cross the stage of the Sir William Led development of a new
from international markets – are all part of in this together, so we all need to step up – Whitla Hall – seeing the excitement and Medical School and Institute of
the Vision. University structures will also be to improve things day-to-day. energy in their eyes – was captivating. Health Sciences at Queen’s
aligned to support delivery of this Vision. These young people are just beginning 2008 Alumnus Illustrissimus award from
“Subject to Senate approval, I plan to “Thus far it has been about consulting, life’s journey. Still, they are starting out St Columb’s College
enable Faculty-level decision-making. listening, and seeking consensus and about with ambitious dreams and a top degree
2012 Diamond Jubilee Queen’s
Thereby enhancing the student experience determining a new level of ambition and from a first-class institution.”
Anniversary Prize for reducing NI
and empowering academic leadership.” self-belief across the institution. We must cancer mortality rates
ensure that every aspect of the University is “This journey will not be easy, but it is
world-class and that each part contributes one that I am fully committed to, and Elected Fellow of the Academy of
A global role to the wider fountain of knowledge.” by working alongside our exceptional Medical Sciences
staff and students and with the support Chair Translational Research
Speaking in March, Professor Johnston The Vice-Chancellor is clear that this will of our stakeholders, we will achieve our Group Medical Research Council
talked about ‘embarking on a journey’, and only materialise if the entire University buys challenging objectives.”
turning Queen’s into an ‘international 2013 Won international Bob Pinedo
into the Vision. “Over the next decade I’d Cancer Care Prize for work in
powerhouse’ in higher like to see Queen’s as an institution that Whatever trials might lie ahead, and
education. But how long is translating discovery science for
truly embraces a ‘no limits’ culture, that however challenging a 165-year old benefit of cancer patients
the journey likely to take rewards and salutes excellence and really institution may find it adapting to future
Queen’s and more importantly, contributes to society, locally and globally. change, Patrick Johnston is regarded as 2014 President and Vice-Chancellor of
university’s first how will we know the right man, at the right time, for the job. Queen’s University Belfast
president and when the University “It’s certainly not a journey that belongs His success in turning around the fortunes
vice-chancellor can regard itself solely to me – all staff need to own it – nor of medicine at Queen’s and his global
was rev thomas as an international is it one that has a defined endpoint. It’s standing in cancer research certainly augur
hamilton powerhouse? about the entire University making a real well for his vice-chancellorship.
(1908–23)
The Graduate – 2014 13
Professor Bengoechea is leading a €4m
international research project – INBIONET
– to develop new treatments for some
of the world’s top killer infections.
The project aims to develop new
ways of tackling antibiotic resistant
bacteria, viruses and intestinal parasites
which account for six million deaths
worldwide each year, according to
Generous support from businesses, individuals, trusts and foundations and the World Health Organisation.
others in 2013/14 has raised a further £18m towards the University’s £140m
Professor Bengoechea, who is Chair of
campaign target. This vital funding will provide first-class facilities, teaching
Infectious Diseases in the Centre
programmes and life-changing opportunities for our students, as well as support for Infection and Immunity,
innovative research, impacting society both locally and internationally. Read on said: “Infectious
to discover how the Campaign is helping projects across campus and how you diseases are on the The
can get involved. An inspired gift, Adopt-A-Bench donations increase worldwide institute of
are directed to The Queen’s Scholarship and represent health sciences
Fund which supports students, allowing a major threat is working to beat
Good food circle The evening, which raised over £100,000
for the work of the Institute, was attended
them to turn dreams into reality, regardless
of their financial circumstances.
to global cancer, cystic
public health. fibrosis, ms, asthma,
The Institute for Global Food Security at by a number of the Riddel Hall Founders’
diabetes and
Queen’s has developed a membership Club members and was sponsored by Benches can be adopted for £1,000 each. “An increase vision-related
model which enables leading partners in Ulster Bank. It also marked the first In recognition, the University will install in world travel, conditions
the Agri-Food industry to benefit from the public duty of the University’s new Vice- a plaque engraved with a personalised climate change and
knowledge and expertise of the Institute Chancellor, Professor Patrick Johnston, inscription on the chosen bench, with the the continuous transfer
as well as inform research to ensure it who took up office earlier in the week. wording at the discretion of the donor. of viruses to humans from
complements the needs of industry. other organisms have all contributed to the
The Institute brings world-class facilities, For further information about the Adopt- growth and spread of infections, and the
Acting as a key partner in national and leading academics and industry A-Bench campaign contact Naomi King growing number of so-called ‘superbugs’,
global efforts to provide the world’s experts together to deliver a high- (Fundraising Manager, Major Gifts) which are largely resistant to antibiotics.”
growing population with a sustainable, safe end portfolio of executive education on: +44 (0)28 9097 3101 or
and secure supply of high quality food, the and leadership programmes. email: n.king@qub.ac.uk
Institute will further enhance the leading
For details of Queen’s Leadership Institute
role Queen’s is already playing in ensuring
that the local agri-food industry is, and go to www.leadershipinstitute.co.uk €4m bid to tackle
continues to be globally competitive. superbugs
Remembering Central to the BEYOND fundraising
For more information contact Conor
O’Kane (Fundraising Manager, loved ones campaign is the development of an
Corporate)on: +44 (0)28 9097 5189 or Institute of Health Sciences. The Institute
email: conor.okane@qub.ac.uk The Adopt-A-Bench programme at is bringing together on one site many
Queen’s gives donors a personal and of the finest minds in medical and
tangible location on campus to mark scientific research, working in state-of-
President Clinton a significant anniversary, celebrate a the-art facilities, to combat and treat the
returns to Queen’s family occasion such as a wedding or
christening, or to remember a loved one.
major diseases of the 21st century.
The Queen’s University of Belfast One such appointment is Professor
Foundation hosted former US President A number of benches are currently José Bengoechea (right) who joined
Bill Clinton in March when he officially available in the beautiful setting of the in July 2013 from the Foundation
opened the William J Clinton Leadership main quadrangle at Queen’s and in the Caubet-CIMERA/CSIC (Palma, Mallorca)
Institute, based at Riddel Hall. Riddel Hall and The McClay Library plazas. where he was Scientific Director.
14 The Graduate – 2014 The Graduate – 2014 15
Bench to bedside Improving asthma care “The ultimate aim of the Centre is to
take research ‘from the lab bench to the
treating me will be the same every time.
It has made a real difference to me.”
research Queen’s has been named as a partner bedside’ and implement new treatments
in a national research centre focused for improved management of asthma. For more on Queen’s medical campaign,
Philanthropic gifts from Queen’s alumni and on improving the lives of people with This should ensure that asthma attack please contact Helen Barnes (Head of
patient families are currently supporting asthma. The Asthma UK Centre for Applied rates and hospital admissions are reduced Medical Fundraising) tel: +44 (0)28 9097
six PhD students within the Centre Research is the UK’s first integrated Centre and patients’ quality of life improved.” 1568 or email: h.barnes@qub.ac.uk
for Cancer Research and Cell Biology for research into the illness, which affects
(CCRCB) who are carrying out research
in bowel cancer and breast cancer.
182,000 (one in ten) people in Northern To support asthma research, contact Alice
O’Rawe (Fundraising Manager, Medical)
Saying ‘Thanks’
Ireland – 146,000 adults and 36,000 children.
tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5233 or email:
More than one hundred of the University’s
The Centre has recently announced that Researchers at the Centre for Infection alice.orawe@qub.ac.uk
most generous donors and living legators
it is to lead a €6m European study to and Immunity at the University’s School came together over the summer for
find new treatments for bowel cancer.
The research, which involves 13 partners
of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical
Sciences are among experts from
Putting patients first the annual Donor ‘Thank You’ Day.
in eight European countries, will look academic and NHS organisations across A new £4m clinical research hub will enable
at two major genetic factors which the UK who will work together to share more patients than ever before to take
make bowel cancer difficult to treat. expertise and insights to find better part in clinical trials in Northern Ireland.
treatments for asthma and to make
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal them available faster to patients. Known as The Wellcome Trust-Wolfson
cancer, is the second major cause of cancer
Foundation Northern Ireland Clinical
mortality. It is the third most common cause Queen’s Professors Mike Shields Research Facility (NICRF), it will concentrate
of cancer in Europe, with over 200,000 (below) and Liam Heaney are two of on four main research themes – cancer,
deaths per year. Currently over 50 per Northern Ireland’s leading experts on nutrition and metabolism, vision science
cent of colorectal cancer patients develop asthma care. Professor Shields leads a and respiratory research. The facility will
an aggressive form of the disease, which programme of research into childhood also benefit those with rare conditions, Legacy Marketing Officer, Susan Wilson (centre)
spreads quickly and does not respond to asthma and wheezing disorders, while with guests at the ‘Thank You’ Day
who, until now, have had to travel to
standard therapy. Patient survival more Professor Heaney conducts world-class England to participate in trials.
than five years after diagnosis of this research into ‘difficult to treat’ asthma. In the relaxed environs of the quad, and
form of colorectal cancer is
It is a joint venture between Queen’s, to the accompaniment of a student string
less than five per cent.
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, the quartet, friends and benefactors mingled
THE SCHOOL University of Ulster and Health and Social with staff. The occasion celebrates the
Professor David Waugh, OF MEDICINE, Care Research and Development (HSC R&D), University’s most loyal donors, giving
Director of the CCRCB DENTISTRY AND a division of the Public Health Agency. them an opportunity to hear first-hand
said: “At a local level, BIOMEDICAL where their gifts have been used.
the collaborative SCIENCES IS Professor Danny McAuley, Acting Director
nature of the research THE LARGEST IN of the NICRF, said: “Researchers throughout In recognising the immense contribution
that led up to the QUEEN’S WITH Northern Ireland are making some of the of all donors to the University, Pro-Vice-
successful grant award, 520 STAFF most important scientific discoveries in Chancellor Professor Tony Gallagher
involving the CCRCB
the world today. Until the NICRF there highlighted the importance of ongoing
and the Belfast Health and
was no dedicated area with such an support in enabling the University
Social Care Trust, emphasises
array of specialist equipment to support to reach its goals. He outlined the
the importance of a bench to
clinical research in Northern Ireland.” progress of the Queen’s ‘Beyond’
bedside continuum linking the
Campaign, which is already over half-
researcher and the clinician, with
Aidan Kearney, one of the first patients to way towards its overall fundraising
the patient at the centre of this process.”
be treated in the new facility, said: “Already target of £140m and shared some of
the NICRF is having a positive impact on the University’s recent success stories.
To support bowel cancer research
my life. I now don’t have to go outside of
at Queen’s, contact Alice O’Rawe
Northern Ireland for my treatment and that Queen’s donors receive exclusive invitations
(Fundraising Manager, Medical)
means it takes much less time. I’m not tired to University events and are recognised
tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5233 or email:
from the travelling and I also now have in an online donor roll of honour at
alice.orawe@qub.ac.uk
the reassurance that the location and staff http://daro.qub.ac.uk/thanks
16 The Graduate – 2014 The Graduate – 2014 17
Blazing a Trail
An exemplary scholar, Clare won the prized
Student Award for her leadership within
Queen’s Ladies Gaelic Football Club,
for setting up “TanzaniAID” – a unique
volunteering project using science to help
Recognising the 2014 Graduate and Student of the Year winners some of the poorest young people in
the world – and for her involvement in a
Women In Physics Event at Queen’s, which
addressed the lack of females in physics.
Since the Award ceremony in the summer,
Clare has also picked up the UK Student
For the first time since the launch Fundraiser of the Year at the FIG National
of the First Trust Bank Graduate Graduate of the Year Anita Sands is a top
Student Fundraising Awards.
and Student of the Year Awards international businesswoman. Listed in the
“When I left school I wasn’t sure what
14 years ago, both 2014 winners ‘Wall Street 50’ for three consecutive years
to do, but I knew I wanted to study at
are women and both are physics (2011–13), she joined the board of software
Queen’s. I picked Physics because it’s such
company Symantec Corp in October 2013.
alumnae. Anita Sands (Graduate an interesting subject and opens so many
She previously served as Group Managing
winner) and Clare Scullion (Student) Director, Head of Change Leadership and
career opportunities,” said Clare. “I love the
talk exclusively to The Graduate subject, especially the experiments, and the
a member of the Wealth Management
School is like a ‘home’ on campus. It feels
about their experiences at Queen’s, Americas Executive Committee of UBS
like being part of a big family.”
mentoring and shared passions. Financial Services. In 2007, when Anita
was at the Royal Bank of Canada she was
Clare’s PhD in Physics is funded by DEL,
appointed as the youngest
the Department for Employment and
ever Senior Vice President in
Learning. Specialising in laser-driven
the history of the company.
ion acceleration, she hopes her
research will lead to a new
“I spent six great years at previous proton therapy to treat cancer.
Queen’s; they were among ‘graduate of
the happiest of my life,” the year’ winners “Knowing what might be
said Anita on the day she include david achieved and how many
Graduate of the Year received the coveted humphreys, people could benefit is
Graduate Award. “It was the priests really inspiring for me,”
hard work and there were and ramona
Name: Anita Sands Clare told The Graduate.
lots of sacrifices. Often I’d be nicholas
From: Drogheda, Co Louth (lives in New York) in the lab until quite late… but
“As a student caller raising
it was all very worthwhile,” she
money for the Queen’s Annual
Education: Our Lady’s College Greenhills, added.
Fund, I really enjoyed my telephone
Drogheda; Diploma in Piano, London School
of Music (1992); Queen’s University Belfast –
conversations with alumni. I spoke to
Living in New York, Anita holds a Bachelors
BSc Physics and Applied Maths, (1997); PhD, Physics graduates who are now bankers,
degree in Physics and Applied Mathematics
Atomic and Molecular Physics (2001); Masters weapons specialists, entrepreneurs and IT
and a Doctorate in Atomic and Molecular
in Public Policy and Management, Carnegie experts. It’s amazing how many career paths
Physics from Queen’s. She is a former
Mellon University there are for graduates in this discipline.”
Fulbright Scholar, has a music qualification
Achievements: Fulbright and O’Reilly from London School of Music and was All-
Queen’s staff played a pivotal role in the
Foundation scholarships, Most Influential Ireland Public Speaking Champion in 1994.
student lives of both women. For Clare it
Women, Irish Central (2011 and 2012);
Concern Worldwide Women of Year Award
was Professor Marco Borghesi. “Prof Marco
Clare Scullion is the First Trust Bank Student
(2012); Former Chief Operating Officer, UBS is amazing! He always makes time to talk
of the Year. From Killeeshil in Co Tyrone,
Wealth Management Americas; Director with me and is a genius! I try to follow his
the 2012 Physics graduate and a current
Symantec; Managing Director/head of lead with the first year students and GCSE
PhD student is expecting to graduate for a
Transformational Management, Citigroup pupils I tutor.
second time from Queen’s in 2016.
18 The Graduate – 2014 The Graduate – 2014 19
have to be willing to hear. You have to be While clearly at different stages in their
open to feedback and criticism and be able careers, Anita and Clare also share a
to ask for help in the first place. There’s no determination to succeed, whatever the
personal growth without growing pains. odds. In a sector dominated by men, Anita
has been an organisational change leader,
“I have always needed people and wouldn’t often having to articulate a vision for
be where I am now without help. It’s a real change in the face of great resistance.
sign of strength to ask for help.”
Clare, too, has had to take on the
Clare is already passing on her knowledge role of change manager. “At a recent
Mark McKeown (First Trust Bank), Clare of physics to current students as a first European Physics Society gathering I
Scullion, Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick year tutor. And she is about to engage in was disappointed to see that only 12 per
Johnston and Anita Sands.
mentoring herself – with Anita as her mentor! cent of attendees were women. I joined
“I think sharing a passion for the subject is the organising committee for the Belfast
straightforward, but explaining technical “This is my first involvement in mentoring!” conference for Women in Physics to be an
details to others so that they can easily said Clare. “It is a great idea as someone ambassador for Queen’s and a role model
grasp the concept is a challenge. It is a lot who has experience, and has been through to inspire other women to study science.”
simpler to understand an idea than it is it all, is steering me in the right direction. I
to convey it to someone else so that they am grateful that Anita will be there to offer In Anita and Clare, the annual Graduate and
understand it too!” advice and to answer any questions.” Student of the Year Awards have once again
succeeded in identifying and recognising
For Anita, Professor Colin Latimer (her PhD Sport also connects both women. excellence, achievement and service of the
supervisor) was highly influential. “Colin highest order. Inspirational through and
really did equip me for life; he was an “When I was at Queen’s I got up every through they are a spur not just for women
inspirational lecturer. There were just seven morning at 5.45am to run before class,” but for all those keen to make a difference.
girls in a class of 70 on my course and Colin said Anita. “I trained regularly with friends To make their mark. To blaze a trail.
was hugely supportive.” – running, weightlifting, and squash – and
enjoyed a great social life.”
It was while serving on a Faculty council
that Anita first encountered mentoring, Clare’s sporting love is Gaelic Football. Student of the Year
though the word ‘mentor’ wasn’t in “GAA has always been part of my life – I still
common usage at the time. play, referee and coach. I got involved at
Queen’s, was team captain in my first year, Name: Clare Scullion
“Back then I was not really aware of the and later became chair and ran the club.
From: Killeeshil, Co Tyrone (lives in Belfast)
word ‘mentor’,” said Anita, who has been
a WOMEN in America mentor since 2010. “This year was very special. For the first Education: St Mary’s Primary School,
“I was, however, very conscious of people time, all the GAA cups were played for Cabragh; St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon;
going above and beyond to watch out for in one location – Queen’s! I worked with Queen’s University Belfast – MSci Physics
me,” she added. hundreds of volunteers, spoke at the City (2012); PhD Physics (expected 2016)
Hall Opening Ceremony and was kept busy
as Team Liaison Officer. And I am delighted Achievements: Set up TanzaniAID to help
Having had a number of mentors over the
to say the team came runners-up!” African students, ambassador for GAA,
years – including her last promoter of women in science, fundraiser,
boss at UBS, Bob student caller for Queen’s Annual Fund (see
McCann – Anita is Travel is another mutual passion. Clare has page 21), volunteer, Olympic torch bearer
all too aware that attended conferences and experiments (2012), green champion and tutor
previous
there is an art to in the Czech Republic, Japan, Greece,
‘student of the
being a good France, the USA, Germany, Ireland and
year’ winners
mentee. the UK. Anita, too, is an avid traveller. Her
include marcella
most recent adventure was an Antarctic The Graduate and Student of the Year Awards are organised by the Queen’s
walsh, therese
“A mentor Expedition with Robert Swan and 2041, Graduates’ Association and the Development and Alumni Relations Office, with
white and aidan
opens your eyes. in addition to which she has toured support from First Trust Bank. To submit a nomination for the 2015 Awards, or to
bannon
They guide and extensively throughout Africa, Asia, find out more about mentoring, please contact Meaghan Lyons (Alumni Officer)
push you, but you North and South America and Europe. m.lyons@qub.ac.uk or tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3135.The Graduate – 2014 21
The Power of Giving Queen’s Players and Many current sports clubs, from archery
to water-skiing, have benefitted from
the Equestrian Club donations made by former students.
Funding has purchased boats, parachutes,
The Fund supported the Irish Student heart monitors and defibrillators to name
Queen’s Annual Fund – Connecting Graduates To Students
Drama Association’s festival held at only a few of the successful applications.
Queen’s, and enabled 34 students to travel
and compete in the National Equestrian My main sport is GAA and I really
For Queen’s Annual Fund, the past 12 months have been truly exceptional. Club Intervarsity Competition in Cork. don’t know what would have been
possible had it not been for those who
As Natasha Sharma, Annual Fund Manager points out, over £120,000 was Michéal Ó Fearraigh (Annual Fund Officer), so generously supported volunteers at
pledged or donated by generous alumni to dozens of individual projects Meadhbh Schaible (Equestrian Club), Rory Knox
the GAA Festival, the scoreboard at the
(Players Drama Society) and Professor Sean
and to a number of areas of greatest need. Gorman (Chair, Dispersal Committee) Malone playing fields and sports kits.
Chinese New Year Cork. The team reached the semi-finals
of the silver fleet, the best result it has
had in an intervarsity championship!
Without a grant from the Annual Fund,
Queen’s would not have been able to
compete at the highest competitive
level in university sailing. In addition to
helping defray travel costs, the purchase
of branded sailing jackets will help
How you help students The Fund also supported the Leadership
Academy (above), a Students’ Union
promote the club around campus and initiative helping 75–150 volunteer leaders
Trefor Campbell of the Dispersal Committee with
Clare Scullion, Student of the Year 2014,
to promote sailing to new members. develop skills to run clubs and societies.
Zhile Yang and Miss Qing Wang of CSSA explains how graduate support has
The five-year scheme is supported by
enriched her University experience.
The outcome was so encouraging that the Careers, Employability and Skills and the
A Chinese New Year Gala was hosted William J Clinton Leadership Institute at
students who attended stepped forward to Since joining Queen’s in 2008, I have worked
in February in the Mandela Hall in the Queen’s.
form this year’s committee! as a student caller. I was always grateful
Students’ Union by CSSA, the Chinese
Students and Scholars Association to when graduates allowed me to explain
The skills learned are transferable and
celebrate the year of the horse. Queen’s Students’ Union what the Queen’s Annual Fund achieves.
It doesn’t pay for books, lectures or the
students who complete the course will
be giving back by improving their own
Traditional arts and classical performances ‘basics’ of education as many assumed. It
The Fund gave £22,000 to the Students’ societies, and be more employable
were featured including tai chi, a Chinese enriches students’ experience by funding
Union to support the Leadership Academy when the time comes to look for a job.
plucked zither called the guzheng, and projects like laptops for loan in the library,
programme, internal refurbishment and
a comedy act named Xiangsheng. enabling sports clubs to enter national
the ‘Mind Your Mood’ campaign. The scheme has been so successful that
competitions and promoting wellbeing.
the University has agreed to fund it on an
As the biggest event in Queen’s Chinese ongoing basis. But without the support
calendar, the gala provides an opportunity I have benefitted from the gifts given and
of alumni, it would not have happened.
for students and the local community to know the difference they make. That’s
discover more about Chinese culture, as well why every time an alumnus who had been
So, on behalf of all the students at Queen’s
as helping students to feel more at home. unimpressed at the start of our conversation
who have benefitted I would like to say
made a donation as a result of what I had
‘thank you’ to all the alumni donors. What
Queen’s Annual Fund provided important said – it felt truly amazing. Thank you to
you do matters. You have made things
funding for equipment, decorations and all who have given to the Queen’s Annual
possible and your action inspires me.
teaching accessories for the occasion. Fund, especially those I spoke to personally!
Your support has made my experience as a
When I graduate, I want to give back to
student an amazing one in so many ways.
Smooth sailing Norma Sinte (Queen’s Director of Development),
Niall McShane (SU President 2013–14) and
make sure the next generation gets the
same opportunities that I got.
Sarah-Louise Baird (SU Community, Equality and
This year, graduate support enabled Diversity Committee). Also included are student
If you would like further information on the Queen’s Annual Fund, please contact
students to attend a key sailing event in callers Jill Macaulay (left) and Mo Ramadan.
Natasha Sharma on +44 (0)28 9097 3928 or email natasha.sharma@qub.ac.uk
Find out more about the projects supported at http://daro.qub.ac.uk/annualfundThe Graduate – 2014 23
Talking Business –
“I arrived at the Students’ Union branch on smooth transition from being
my first day feeling anxious, but ready to a student to entering the
face the challenges ahead,” said Lauren. workforce and a fantastic
way to kick-start my santander
Changing Lives!
“At the Bank I learned about the work professional career has supported
that goes on which most people have in the area of sport 70 scholarships
no clue about. I could not believe how development and since 2010 anD
much effort the staff put into customer event management. 24 internships
service, especially when dealing with in the last
international students. “Current employers are two years
often more concerned
“One of the things I enjoyed most about with relevant work
my experience was that I got to meet and experience than a candidate’s
interact with at least 10 other interns, most academic qualifications. The Santander
of whom were international students from Universities internship certainly enabled me
countries such as China and Brazil. This really to expand my networking circles and thus
gave me a good insight into how valued a significantly improved my employability.”
Queen’s degree really is,” she added.
Ahmed Altuhaini, a first year Translation
Studies PhD student in the School of Placements
Modern Languages, spent two weeks in
Spain interviewing scholars, teachers The two-week Santander Work
and students. Placement Scheme is aimed at
students who have an interest in
For six years, Queen’s special “I made the research trip to a number of banking or a desire to develop
translation and interpreting departments their employability.
relationship with Santander Universities and faculties thanks to a Santander
has allowed students and academics to Mobility Award. This three-leg trip covered Successful placement students gain
travel the world in pursuit of education, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona an understanding of what it is like
work experience and intellectual (UAB), Universidad de Alicante (UA), and working in a professional environment.
Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) in Tarragona. During the first week, they learn
collaboration. A year after Ana Botín,
about the ‘basic of everything’ inside
now Chairman of Santander Group, “The results of my research will be and outside the Bank. In the second,
visited the University, Conor O’Kane very useful in assisting me to forecast tasks and challenges are set based
examines the role business plays in translation skill supply and demand and on the specific fields the students are
higher education. Ana Botín with Professor James McElnay to bridge the gap between translator interested in, such as:
training programmes and the needs of the
In 1996 Emilio Botín, then Chairman international study and research, market. Without the support of Queen’s • product knowledge
of Santander, decided the Bank should employability programmes and and Santander Universities this would • risk control
be useful to the communities in which school engagement. not have been possible,” said Ahmed. • policy reviews
it operated. Viewing universities as a • customer communication
vital cornerstone of progress, Santander
Universities was born. As the division grew, Supporting Scholars Internships
so did its global outreach, expanding Kaja Choma spent a three-month Santander-
beyond Spain into more than 20 countries, When Lauren Bohill first heard about
including Brazil, Portugal and the UK. the Iberian Scholarship Programme supported internship at Queen’s Sport in
April 2013, assisting in the organisation of
Sharing global
at Santander, she immediately knew
Queen’s joined the UK Santander the programme was for her. Curious the annual University Boat Race. experiences
Universities network in 2008, a year after to find out how banks made a profit,
she applied, realising what an amazing “The internship at Queen’s Sport was Professor Pedro Rebelo from the Sonic
its launch. Funding in excess of £500,000 a valuable tool that helped me explore Arts Research Centre, has been to the
over the last six years has enabled the opportunity it would be to complete a
five-week work placement with the Bank. potential career opportunities. It was a forefront of connections between Queen’s
University to offer scholarships supporting24 The Graduate – 2014 The Graduate – 2014 25
and institutions in Brazil and is in no doubt
of the value of the University’s relationship
been crucial in helping Queen’s to
strengthen long-term research-led links
an increasing number of international
staff and students at Queen’s, so this
Business – it’s a
with Santander. with seven top Brazilian institutions. programme is vitally important. It people thing!
And as the world’s sixth-largest contributes to the sharing of global
“Without the Santander Universities support, economy, Brazil currently has one of experiences and helps to embed these in Founders’ Club – the select group of
our strategic plan for Brazil would not have the most ambitious internationalisation the international culture of the University. local companies who collectively donated
been possible. Santander scholarships have programmes for higher education. more than £1m to the University’s
allowed us to establish a continuous and “In this sense, one of the most successful Postgraduate and Executive Education
long-term presence, which is appreciated “The feedback we get from Santander aspects of our engagement with Brazil lies Centre at Riddel Hall – meets twice a
by our Brazilian colleagues who see it as Scholars is invariably positive,” said in the emergence of connections across the year. They hear from high-profile keynote
Queen’s commitment to student mobility.” Professor Rebelo. “Brazil is a diverse sciences, engineering, arts, humanities and speakers, share experiences and reflect
country with an extremely rich culture social sciences; something we will explore on important economic issues.
Santander Mobility Scholarships have and a drive for innovation. There is in a week dedicated to Brazil taking place at
Queen’s in 2015.” This year, members heard from Alan
Brown, former Chief Executive of Rentokil
City Scholarship Programme Over six years Queen’s has enjoyed a
fruitful connection with one of the UK’s
leading banks. This incoming academic
and from Queen’s MBA graduate Mike
Brown (no relation), Managing Director of
London Underground and London Rail.
year will see the University adopting its
third agreement with Santander, so future
generations of academics and students
can continue to reap the benefits. More
than just a financial relationship however,
the strategic ties with Santander are
broadening international relations and
changing lives – right across the University.
At February’s meeting, Alan Brown (above)
Internships discussed the development of future
leaders. In today’s rapidly changing
Santander Universities launched an business environment ‘The People Thing’
Internship Programme in July 2012 is considered crucial in determining how
The City Scholarship Programme is entering In New York, a visit to the NYSE trading at The Royal Opera House. The SME successful a CEO can be in realising a
its fourth successful year. Last year, 30 floor provided a rare chance to speak to (small-medium sized enterprises) company’s strategic objectives. Once
students experienced work in top legal traders transacting million-dollar deals Programme allows students and seen mainly in terms of cost, people
and finance companies in London, New every day. Queen’s New York alumni recent graduates to gain valuable are now being viewed as rich sources
York, Dublin, Liverpool and Edinburgh. association also hosted an event for the industry experience and the relevant of talent, skill and diversity, and are
Scholars. Anita Sands, the University’s skills needed to assist them in the therefore critical for business success.
In London, a House of Commons tour 2014 Graduate of the Year and a Director development of their academic and
provided an opportunity to see and of the ‘Fortune 500’ company Symantec professional lives. In addition, SMEs In May, Mike Brown, focused on ‘Change
experience the heart of government. Later, in New York, met the delegation for gain valuable access to some of the Management’. Mike was appointed
an event organised by the City Leadership breakfast to share her experiences. most innovative, skilful and creative managing director for London’s public
Group gave students a chance to chat with minds of the future. transport system in November 2010. He
company hosts, alumni and donors about Conall McNally (above) described his discussed the key elements of a successful
living and working in the City. New York experience as: “Fantastic! A matched funding initiative, Santander change strategy with special reference
The contacts I have made through the invests up to £1,500 towards a three- to his company’s performance during
Dr Declan Tiernan, Chair of the City networking events are second to none.” month student internship, provided a the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Leadership Group said of the initiative: local SME or the University matches
To become involved in the City the amount. Since the initiative was To find out more about Employability
“We are incredibly proud of the Programme, Scholarship Programme contact Rachael launched, Queen’s has delivered 25 Initiatives contact Conor O’Kane,
and the difference that it has made to these Sands (International Development internships and will have access to at (Corporate Fundraising Manager)
students’ prospects, and look forward to its Officer) tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3233, least 15 further places in the coming tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5189
continuing growth and success in the future.” or email: r.sands@qub.ac.uk academic year. or email: conor.okane@qub.ac.ukYou can also read
