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4 March 2010 |
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 News
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• Appointment
to the Queen’s Counsel
Professor Sarah Worthington, pro-director and professor of law at LSE,
has been appointed as one of five Queen’s Counsel honoris causa (honorary
silk) by HM The Queen. The position is an honorary appointment recognising a
major contribution to the law of England and Wales outside of practice in
the courts.
Professor Worthington was recommended for her academic work in the field
of corporate and commercial law together with her work advising government.
The Lord Chancellor will preside over the appointment ceremony, where the
rank will formally be bestowed at Westminster Hall on 22 March.
More
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• Thieves at work on campus warns Paul Thornbury, LSE's head of
security
Walk-in thieves have struck three times in 24 hours this week on campus
(Old Building, Connaught House and Columbia House). They are operating
during the working day and in the early evening.
Could all staff report any suspicious activity to campus security and
look to the safety of their personal belongings.
If you see anything suspicious, or in any emergency, dial 666 for the
Security team.
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• LSE announces its new Honorary Fellows
LSE welcomes four new Honorary Fellows this year.
Sir Geoffrey Owen, former editor of the Financial Times and now
senior fellow in the Department of Management at LSE, is among those
becoming an Honorary Fellow. Also being honoured are
Dr Sigrid Rausing, publisher of Granta
Magazine, Professor Stanley Cohen, Martin
Wright Professor of Sociology at LSE, and former LSE professor Fred Halliday.
Honorary fellowships are awarded by LSE each year to people who have
attained distinction in the arts, science, or public life, or who have
rendered outstanding services to the School or its concerns. They will be
presented at LSE's graduation ceremonies in July.
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• The
politics of bioterrorism
Dr Filippa Lentzos, senior research fellow in the BIOS Centre, has been
awarded a mid-career fellowship from the Economic and Social Research
Council on 'The Politics of Bioterrorism.'
Over the next two years she will explore how groups of individuals and
institutions put forward specific definitions and
characterisations of the biothreat, how claims are justified, and what
the implications of these claims are for determining what needs to be done.
Dr Lentzos said: 'In my work on biosecurity over the last few years, I have
accumulated a large body of empirical material on this, but the constraints
of contract research have meant that I have had little time to consolidate
the material and to work through it systematically and theoretically. This
fellowship provides a unique opportunity for me to bring together my
observations and experience of biosecurity-related policymaking with the
intellectually rigorous social science environment of LSE.'
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• PhD student launches book on partnerships for women's health
at UN Headquarters
Monika Kruesmann, a PhD student in the Department of International
Relations at LSE and co-editor of a new publication, Partnerships for
Women’s Health, will participate in a panel discussion to mark the
book’s launch on Monday 8 March. The event takes place at UN Headquarters in
New York City and will be webcast live. Registration for the webcast is now
open.
In India, one woman dies from pregnancy or child-birth related causes
every five to seven minutes. Partnerships for Women's Health: striving for
best practice within the United Nations Global Compact, co-edited with
Dr Martina Timmermann of the Transition and Integration Agency, examines the
Women’s Health Initiative project, which sought to improve reproductive and
maternal health for women and girls in India.
The event will be held at 6.15-7.30pm UK time (1.15-2.30pm New York time). To register or for more information on the book, click
here.
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• OECD
future global shocks contract
The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) have
awarded Peter Sommer, visiting professor in the Information Systems and
Innovation Group in the Department of Management at LSE, a contract to
provide the CyberSecurity element to the organisation’s project on Future
Global Shocks.
The project brings together experts from the public
and private sector to explore ways in which today’s complex economic and
social systems can be made more resilient to future global shocks. It is part of the OECD’s effort to
strengthen risk assessment and risk management capacity in government. The
project aims to generate a set of policy options for governments to
enhance capacity to identify, anticipate, control, contain or mitigate
large scale disasters or shocks to the economy and society in the next decade or
so.
'The CyberSecurity element is key because computers and
telecommunications systems provide both a vector for rapid collapse when
they fail but are also a means of rapid recovery. The huge rate of change in
ICT means that frequent re-assessment of risk scenarios is essential,' says
Professor Sommer.
Professor Sommer will carry out the work jointly with Dr Ian Brown of the
Oxford Internet Institute. |
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 Notices
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• LSE
travel survey
LSE's first Travel Survey launches on Monday 8 March. The short online
survey is open to all and aims to identify how staff and students commute to
LSE and travel on behalf of the School.
The results will allow LSE to see if there are ways that the School can
provide support for the different travel requirements of staff and students.
They will also help the School calculate staff and student carbon emissions
produced from travel and this information will contribute to the LSE Carbon
Management Plan which intends to reduce total carbon emissions.
An email will be sent to all staff on Monday with a link to the survey, so
please keep an eye out for this and let us know what your travel
requirements are and any suggestions about how LSE can support these.
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• How will the General Election go? Ask an LSE expert
As Britain gets ready to go to the polls, LSE has produced its own
experts guide
to the General Election.
Aimed at highlighting some of the School’s expertise to the media and
others, the 48-page booklet includes biographies and contact details of many
academics whose work makes them ideally placed to comment on some of the key
election issues - from public spending and polling predictions to health,
crime and climate change.
It is also sprinkled with mini-essays by experts which suggest some other
intriguing angles on the election. ‘Should modern day politicians still be
learning from Machiavelli?’ asks Paul Kelly, head of the Government
Department. ‘Are migrants squeezing out the locals?’ considers Christine
Whitehead, professor of housing economics. And what exactly goes through our
minds when we stand in the polling booth? wonders Dr Michael Bruter, senior
lecturer in European politics.
The booklet has been compiled and edited by senior translator and press
officer Jo Bale and will be distributed among the media. But LSE staff can
also request a copy by emailing
pressoffice@lse.ac.uk or download a PDF copy
here.
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• Lent
term staff briefings
Adrian Hall's staff briefings will take place on Monday 15 March at
10.30am and Tuesday 16 March at 2pm in the Vera Anstey Room.
Topics on the agenda include:
- The results of the staff survey
- 'Towards a Language Policy at LSE' presented by Nick Byrne, head of
Language Centre
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• Want
to save time travelling to meetings?
A video-conferencing workshop, organised by the Centre for Learning
Technology and IT Services, is being held for staff and PhD students on
Wednesday 10 March at 2.30-4pm.
Video-conferencing can be an efficient, effective and environmentally
sustainable way of holding meetings with colleagues off-campus or for remote
teaching sessions. Not only does it reduce carbon emissions from travel, but
it saves time and money. From January to July 2009, over 45,500 air miles
and countless travelling hours were saved through using video-conferencing
at LSE, at a fraction of the cost of air travel.
This workshop will introduce you to the following options that are
available within the School:
- Video-conferencing room, delivering high-quality conferencing and
presentations to groups of all sizes
- Skype and desktop conferencing for one-to-one or small group
meetings from your office
- Wimba classroom, online classrooms for Internet-based presentations
and meetings
The workshop will give you the opportunity to try out different methods,
discuss your needs and have any questions answered by the experts.
To register your place, visit
http://clt.lse.ac.uk/workshops-and-courses/index.php?action=details&eventid=243
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• Online
Recruitment System - support for managers
The Human Resources Division is offering drop in sessions of one hour,
twice a week, to discuss with managers any specific questions or give them
an overview of the system.
The sessions take place every Tuesday and Friday between 3-4pm in W200
(second floor, Tower 3). Pop in for any help you might need in using the
online recruitment system. For more information, click
here.
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• Wardens
wanted for three halls of residences
LSE is recruiting to fill three Wardens positions, available from September
2010.
LSE halls are fantastic places in which to live and work. Located in central
London, they play a crucial part in delivering the 'student experience'.
Wardens play a key role in the halls, being responsible for the good order
of the residence community, the social well-being of resident students and
the maintenance of an acceptable standard of discipline within the
residence.
Wardens are supported by teams of sub-wardens, recruited from the LSE
post-graduate student body.
For more information, please go to the HR website, internal vacancies
here.
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• Help
to improve the Training and Development section of the LSE website
IT Services are looking to improve the way information about training
events is provided on the LSE website.
They are looking for 30 volunteers to give them 30 minutes of their time
between 15 and 24 March in exchange for free coffee/tea and cakes. If you
are interested, please provide a bit of information about yourself and your
availability online at
www.survey.bris.ac.uk/lsewebsite/tpfusability1
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• Can you help make the School a better place?
Daniel Beckley, LSE Security, is inviting all black, Asian and ethnic
minority staff to attend an informal meeting to get to know one another,
discuss any issues they may have faced at the School, and talk about
setting up a representative staff group.
The meeting will take place on Monday 15 March, in U500 at 5.30-7pm.
Snacks and beverages will be provided.
For more information, please contact Daniel Beckley at
d.beckley@lse.ac.uk or on ext 7111.
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• LSE
summer party
Save the date - this year's summer party on the Plaza will be held on Friday
2 July from 5.30pm. Official invitations will be sent out in May.
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 Research
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• Working with friends can make you more productive says
research
Companies could make their employees more productive by having them work
with hardworking friends according to new research.
Researchers found that employees worked harder when they worked with
friends who were more industrious than themselves, compared with when they
worked with people who were not their friends. However, employees were
significantly less productive when they worked with friends who were less
hardworking than themselves.
The research paper Social Incentives in the Workplace looked at
the productivity of fruit pickers and their networks of friends on a farm.
Workers were asked to name up to seven friends. They were then observed on
days when they worked alone to form an estimate of their average
productivity and this was compared to their performance when they worked
with friends.
One of the authors of the research, Professor Oriana Bandiera from LSE,
said: 'Our research suggests that getting people to work with their friends
could be one way for companies to motivate their workers without necessarily
paying them more. However, this approach needs to be exercised with care
since friends in the work place can be a good or a bad influence. '
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• Research
opportunities
Candidates interested in applying for any research opportunities should
contact Michael Oliver in the
Research and Project Development Division at
m.oliver@lse.ac.uk or call ext 7962.
The Research and Project Development Division maintains a regularly
updated list of
research funding opportunities for academic colleagues on their website.
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• RPDD
Research e-Briefing
Click
here
to read the February edition of the RPDD newsletter. To sign up
for research news, recent research funding opportunities, research awards
that are about to start, and examples of research outcomes, click
here. The next issue is out
at the end of February 2010.
More
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• Latest
opportunities from LSE
Enterprise
LSE Enterprise offers you the opportunity to undertake private teaching
and consultancy work under the LSE brand. We help with bidding, contracts
and other project administration, enabling you to focus on the work itself.
To see the latest opportunities click
here.
If you would like us to look out for consulting opportunities in your
field, email your CV and summary of interests to Rebecca Limer at
r.limer@lse.ac.uk
Email Marie Rowland-Kidman at
m.rowland-kidman@lse.ac.uk to be added to our Executive Education
database. |
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 Events
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• Don't miss....
The Brahimi Panels -
The Goldstone Report and the Peace Process and
Future Options in Afghanistan
On: Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 March at 6.30-8pm
These public discussions will be chaired by the distinguished UN
diplomat and envoy Lakhdar Brahimi. The first event will discuss the
findings of the UN fact finding mission on the Gaza conflict and the
Goldstone Report that it produced. The second lecture will look at the
current situation in Afganistan and possibilities for its future, during
a time of disintegrating support for western military involvement and a
resurgent Taliban.
Other upcoming events include....
Mind-Body Problems: science, fiction, and God
On: Wednesday 10 March at 6pm in the Old Theatre, Old Building
Speakers: Rebecca Newberger Goldstein and Professor Steven Pinker
LSE Orchestra and Choir Spring Concert
On: Wednesday 10 March at 7.30pm in the St Clement Danes Church,
Strand
A lecture by Helen Clark, UNDP administrator
On: Friday 12 March at 1pm
Speaker: Helen Clark
Tickets are now available
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• Podcasts of public lectures and events
Civil Society, Aid and Security
Wednesday 24 February, 6.30pm, Old Theatre, Old Building
Speaker: Professor Sally Healy, Dr Jeremy Lind, and
David Peppiat
Click here to listen
The Importance of Alternative Financing: global perspectives on Islamic
finance
Wednesday 24 February, 6.30pm, Hong Kong Theatre, Clement House
Speaker: Stephen Green and Dr M Umer Chapra
Click here to listen
Prosperity without Growth
Thursday 25 February, 6.30pm, Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building
Speaker: Professor Tim Jackson
Click here to listen
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• The Territorial Trap of the
Territorial Trap: globalisation’s discursive dimensions as the global
jail break
Tuesday 9 March, 1-2pm, room M101
Speaker: Nisha Shah
In this presentation, Nisha Shah a visiting fellow at LSE Global
Governance, argues that attempts by prevailing theories of globalisation to
overcome what Agnew called the ‘territorial trap’, are besought by an
additional territorial trap: sovereignty is implicitly reduced to
impermeable territorial borders.
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• Events
from CARR
On Tuesday 9 March, Professor Eileen Munro will be giving a seminar
at CARR entitled ‘Protecting Children from Maltreatment and Protecting
Agencies from Blame: can they be compatible?’
The seminar will take place from 1-2.30pm in the CARR seminar room, G305.
More
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• The Philanthropy Challenge: could you be the next Bill Gates?
Wednesday 10 March, 6.30pm, Sheikh Zayed Theatre
Speakers: Nicholas Ferguson,
chairman of the Institute for Philanthropy,
Dame Stephanie Shirley, the government's
ambassador for philanthropy,
and Professor Arne Westad, professor
of international history at LSE and co-director of LSE IDEAS
The Philanthropy Challenge is an initiative devised by the Institute of
Philanthropy and LSE IDEAS. For the first time, LSE students will receive
the same type of tuition in strategic philanthropy as given to participants
in the philanthropy workshop, the Institute’s leading international donor
education programme for wealthy individuals.
The challenge commences on Wednesday 10 March with a public panel
discussion at LSE with two of the UK’s most successful executives and
philanthropists, to examine the key concepts of modern philanthropy and its
role in global society.
The panel discussion will be followed later in the year by three
workshops. Here teams of students will develop projects on how, with a
sum of money provided, they can make a permanent difference in today’s
global society. The winning team’s project entry will be published as an
academic paper by LSE, and the sum of money will be made as a grant to a
non-governmental organisation selected by the winners.
More
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• GPPN
Conference
The fourth Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) Conference and launch of
Global Policy, LSE’s newest journal, will take place in the Sheikh Zayed Theatre,
NAB on Monday 22 March.
The theme of the one day conference is 'Global Challenges: Global Impact'.
Speakers and participants will explore issues about:
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The future of multilateralism
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World economy and economic growth
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Climate change: post-Copenhagen
As with the previous GPPN conferences in Beijing, Singapore and Paris, an
exciting range of prominent policy academics and practitioners will speak at
this year’s event. For the schedule and list of speakers, click
here.
There will be plenty of opportunity for conference participants to ask
questions and engage in the discussions.
To attend either the whole day (9.30am-6pm) or part of it, please
register online. |
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 60
Second Interview
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•
with..... Andrew Rajanathan
Andrew is a 22 year old Londoner
who is studying for an MSc in China
in a comparative perspective at LSE.
He loves meeting new people, eating Krispy Kreme donuts and having
interesting experiences. One of his
most recent 'interesting
experiences' was starring alongside
fellow LSE student Sophie Giscard
D'estaing as a presenter in a new
'Stories from LSE' film about why
the School is building a new
students' centre. The film can be
seen
here.
How did you get involved with
the New Students' Centre film?
I treat most emails sent by the
School with a cursory glance but I
actually decided to read the notice
in Student News on becoming a
TV presenter and probe it further. I
sent my application off, had a
screen test and the rest is history.
What did you enjoy about being
a presenter in the film?
I loved the whole process to be
honest; from the screen test, to
writing up scripts and helping to
get the shots positioned. There are
a whole bunch of outtakes that Simon
Wood, our director, still has to
send which will probably make for
some very funny viewing.
What was the filming process
like? How long did it take?
The whole process took us two
very long days and by long, I mean
very long. I can barely get up for
9am lectures and it was from about
that time in the morning right up
until 5-6pm. The whole process
involved a lot of walking,
interviewing, setting up, more
walking, exploring LSE, drinking
lots of coffee and getting to know
the film crew. All in all it was
pretty epic as an experience. At
least I now know what goes into
making a film albeit a very short
one.
What do you like about the
plans for the new building? Do you
have a favourite part?
The whole concept is absolutely
brilliant and both architects are
amazing people. The designs look
fantastic, it's just a shame I won’t
be here to use it.
How do you think the new
building will benefit students at
LSE?
The best thing is that it is
completely integrated so students
will have a central hub rather than
a fragmented campus. I personally
believe the building is going to
make it easier to meet people and
make friends, instead of having to
trek across campus if you need to
use a certain facility.
Would you recommend being a
presenter to other students? And if
so, why?
I think people should only do it
if they really want to. I’ve had
previous experience in radio working
at the BBC and that is pretty
similar and as difficult. It is not
just a case of talking in front of a
camera. There’s a lot of energy
going into creating good material
and that isn’t going to happen in
just one take. It’s a very long
process. Saying that, if you’re
serious in media or a career in film
then I recommend getting involved in
as many projects as possible.
What attracted you to come and
study at LSE?
Pretty much what was on offer and
I’m not speaking exclusively about
my programme. My tutors from my
undergraduate degree said this was
the place to be especially if I
wanted to stay in London and I
wouldn’t have chosen anywhere else.
Over the past two terms I’ve seen
some amazing speakers, walked past
George Soros in Houghton Street, and
met a whole bunch of very
interesting students from all walks
of life. I’ve learnt so much on my
programme about China and really
want to visit once school is over.
The television presenting experience
for 'Stories from LSE' was great and
adds another arrow to my skill set
for a career in media. I hope my
remaining months at LSE prove to be
just as exciting. |
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 Training
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• Staff
Development training courses
Courses taking place in March and April include:
- Presentation and voice skills
Thursday 11 March, 9.30-5.30pm
Led by Stewart Theobald
- Writing effective letters and emails
Friday 12 March, 2-5pm
Led by Gary Woodward
- Recruitment and selection
Wednesday 17 March, 9.30-5pm
Led by Alison Cumpsty and staff from the Recruitment team
- Writing, meetings and writing for meetings
Tuesday 23 March, 10-5pm
Led by Simeon Underwood
- Finance session for first time budget holders
Tuesday 23 March, half day session, time tbc
Led by Chris Palmer
- Grammar and punctuation
Thursday 25 March, 10-12.30pm
Led by Gary Woodward
- Effective writing at work
Tuesday 20 April, 10-4pm
Led by Gary Woodward
- Introductory minute writing
Thursday 22 April, 9.30-5.30pm
Led by Hilary Parker
For more information on any of these courses, click
here.
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• Academic,
personal and professional development courses for staff
Courses on offer next week include:
- Monday 8 March
Word 2003: long documents, advanced formatting
Blogging for beginners: using blogs to promote your research
Meditation
- Tuesday 9 March
HTML: formatting and layout
Thesis Endgame: achieving a final draft and submitting speedily (PhD
only)
- Wednesday 10 March
Preparing for fieldwork (PhD only)
Video conferencing for teaching and meetings
- Thursday 11 March
Word 2003: mail merge
- Friday 12 March
Excel 2003: advanced functions
Moodle basics training
For a full listing of what is available and further details, including
booking information please see
www.lse.ac.uk/training |
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 Media
bites
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• The Guardian (1 March)
Capital controls back in IMF toolkit
'In his new book Capital Ideas: the IMF and the rise of financial
liberalization, Jeffrey Chwieroth argues that despite the fact that
the economics profession largely maintained their support of Keynes's
position, by the late 1990s the IMF motioned to change its articles of
agreement in order to outlaw capital controls across the world.'
Dr
Jeffrey Chwieroth is a senior lecturer in international political
economy in the Department of International Relations at LSE.
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