Not displaying correctly? View this email as a webpage
See the full Student News archive
 
  LSE Staff News  
.
 
         
       
           
  News   Notices   Notices  
 

Old Building goes art-house

This week, the entrance to the Old Building has taken on a new style, with the installation of a new piece of public art, called Final Sale.

 

Send an LSE e-card this Christmas

A specially designed electronic card, with the LSE logo and the words 'Season’s Greetings from LSE', is now available for all staff.

 

Cheryl Brumley

Cheryl, LSE Public Policy Group, was a big baseball fan growing up and loved the early 90’s Phillies player John Kruk.

 
             
  ...   ...   ...  
             
 

- Research

 

- LSE in pictures

 

 

- Events

 

- Training and jobs

 

 

 

- Contact Nicole

 

 
 
  27 November 2014  

- News

 
  ...  
 
    Michaelmas Term Teaching Surveys

Message from Professor Paul Kelly (pictured), Pro-Director for Teaching and Learning

The School will be conducting teaching surveys in weeks eight and nine of this term. Students will be asked to complete questionnaires in classes/seminars/lectures for half-unit courses, and for any other courses on which teachers teach only this term: teaching by permanent teachers on full-unit courses will be surveyed mainly in the Lent term.

The class/seminar survey asks for student views on the course as a whole; it also asks opinion of their class teacher’s performance. The survey covers permanent faculty, GTAs and LSE Fellows. Teachers should conduct surveys during classes/seminars: it should take no more than ten minutes to complete. Some teachers will also conduct a separate survey about lectures.

Please ask a student volunteer to collect completed questionnaires and to return them, sealed in the envelope provided, to the drop box in the Student Services Centre.

For more general information about teaching surveys, please visit TQARO’s ‘FAQ’ page. Some courses have several teachers/lecturers – there are two options available, and these should be discussed with the Course Convenor. For details about survey arrangements for such non-standard teaching, please see the TQARO webpage.
 

 
   

RCSD, Estates and the Finance Division re-accredited with an Investors in People bronze award

Message from Andy Farrell, Chief Financial Officer

Investors in People (IIP) is a proven business improvement framework - a quality standard focussing on people. It places emphasis on maximising the contribution of employees to an organisation, and continually strives to improve business performance.

At the end of October, three divisions within Finance and Facilities (Residential and Catering Services Division, Estates and the Finance Division) sought re-accreditation for IIP, which is in line with the prescribed three-year review cycle. IMT will be reviewed separately in January 2015.

The purpose of the assessment was to identify evidence to show we continue to meet the Core IIP Standard in full and also to establish whether we met the higher level requirements of the Extended Investors in People Framework.

The assessor interviewed a total of 54 staff within Finance and Facilities and I am very pleased to report that following her assessment we have been re-accredited with a bronze award - a higher standard than when we were originally reviewed in 2011.

This really is wonderful news and is great testament to staff working in the divisions who have worked hard to ensure we have a culture of continuous improvement.
 

 
    Old Building goes art-house

As some of you may have seen, the entrance to the Old Building has taken on a new style this week, with the installation of a new piece of public art, called Final Sale.

This temporary installation is the creation of the Recycle Group - made up of the award winning Russian artists Andrey Blokhin and Georgy Kuznetsov - who “explore the realm of ‘virtual reality’ using both recycled imagery and materials.”

The piece was loaned to the School free of charge by the Gazelli Art House as part of its on-going commitment to art education. It will be mounted over the main entrance to the Old Building for the next three months.

Recycle Group’s work is mainly concerned with consumerism and the infinite drive for materialistic sustainability. Recycling is a central part of their art, whether this is through the use of recycled materials or recycling of familiar imagery.

The LSE installation is composed of both recycled imagery and materials, and examines the socio-political and economic effects created by the current financial climate - exploring the realm of modern day economics and its effect on today’s society.

Commenting on the new artwork, Julian Robinson, Director of LSE Estates, said: “Whilst we are world renowned for our place in the social sciences the LSE is also passionate about architecture, art and public engagement. The Recycle Group’s installation above our main entrance, demonstrates that art and social science can combine to produce an innovative and thoughtful take on the human condition.” More
 

 
    World's top economists warn UN Sustainable Development Goals will not succeed without emphasis on economic growth

Some of the world’s top economists have warned the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, that the Sustainable Development Goals will not succeed without a stronger emphasis on the need for economic growth, in an open letter.

Ahead of negotiations to finalise the Goals - which will replace the Millennium Development Goals - 18 leading economists warn Mr Ban that, “Achieving the SDG targets will not be possible unless the agenda focuses squarely on individuals as active generators of their own income, lifting themselves out of poverty.”

The letter has been signed by Professor Sir Paul Collier, Director of the International Growth Centre and Professor of Economics at the University of Oxford, and Professor Tim Besley from LSE.

Professor Larry Summers, Professor and President Emeritus of Harvard University, Dr Nancy Birdsall, founding president of the Center for Global Development, Professor Dani Rodrik, the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, and Professor James Robinson, author of Why Nations Fail and professor at Harvard University, are also amongst the signatories. More
 

 
    Cities are key to driving economic growth and fighting climate change

The world’s 724 largest cities could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1.4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually by 2030 through better, more efficient transport systems. This is more than the annual emissions of Japan.

This surprising figure comes from a new series of studies released by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, and led by LSE Cities, which suggests how cities develop will be critical to achieve economic growth and tackle climate change.

The studies provide real-world examples of how to achieve better patterns of urbanisation and highlight how cities can grow their economies while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the case-studies focuses on the city of Lima, which hosts next week’s global climate negotiations. Lima currently has over 7 million inhabitants and is one of the fastest growing cities in Latin America. Without further action it will see substantial increases in energy bills, which will be bad for the poor, and more greenhouse gas emissions, which will be bad for the climate. More
 

 
   

New Gearty Grilling online

A new Gearty Grilling video, part of the series of short video debates between Conor Gearty, director of the IPA and professor of human rights law, and leading researchers at LSE, is now online.

This week Emily Jackson, Professor of Law, discusses euthanasia and assisted suicide. More
 

 
    Professor Serge Moscovici 1925 - 2014

It is with great sorrow that we acknowledge the death of Professor Serge Moscovici (pictured), a inspirational scholar and a great friend to the Department of Social Psychology at LSE.

Professor Catherine Campbell, Head of Department, said: "Professor Moscovici has been a huge intellectual presence in our Department, and played a key role in influencing the development of the distinctive brand of societal psychology that is the hallmark of our collective work. He will be sorely missed, but will continue to inform our theory and practice for many years to come."

If you would like to leave a tribute, please click here.
 

 
   

New research group on history and theory in international relations

A new School-wide research group looking at history and theory has been launched by academics Tarak Barkawi, George Lawson and James Morrison.

The group aims both to raise the profile of historical work in international relations and to deepen the historical sensibility of international relations scholarship more generally. It seeks to build bridges between scholars in a variety of fields - from positivist political science to post-colonial theory, from historical sociology to the New Institutional Economics - who work at the nexus of history and international relations.

For more information, click here or contact James Morrison at j.a.morrison@lse.ac.uk.
 

 
   

LSE Enterprise - applying LSE’s expertise

LSE Enterprise is LSE’s business arm, working with colleagues around the School to apply their research and teaching expertise to policy and corporate issues.

This year, we worked with 270 LSE staff in over 40 departments, centres and research units, who together received £2.25 million for their work. Our teaching and consultancy spanned health management, public policy, venture capital, comparative politics, international migration, children’s rights, city planning, European cohesion and more. Our profits are returned to LSE - £1.2 million this year.

To find out more about working with us, please visit lse.ac.uk/enterprise or email enterprise@lse.ac.uk.
 

 
   

Academics abroad

Dr Alex Gillespie, Deputy Head of the Department of Social Psychology, presented a paper to a public audience at the University of Chicago on Tuesday 18 November. The two other speakers were Professor Hazel Markus (Stanford) and Professor Jim Sidanius (Harvard). The three speakers debated the topic of conflict at structural, cultural, and interpersonal levels. The event was sponsored by both the Norman Wait Harris Memorial Fund and the Council for Advanced Studies at the University of Chicago.

On Friday 21 November, Professor Ken Shadlen of the Department of International Development presented at the National Law University, Delhi, on "Indian Patent Prosecution in Context: evidence from 'twin' applications" with Bhaven Sampat of Columbia University.
 

 
 
     

- Notices

 
  ...  
 
    How can LSE improve its communication to students?

As you know, there are a number of ways the School currently communicates with students - primarily through Student News, all student emails and the intranet homepage, but we also have social media channels, the campus-wide plasma screens and of course, departmental-level led communications. With the constant evolution of digital communications, we also face new choices in how we communicate messages as we move forward.

The Communications Division, with ARD, is therefore planning to carry out a review of LSE’s communication to students this term to establish whether we are using the right channels for the right messages, and what students feel we could be doing better. We plan to run a series of focus groups with students over the coming term, as well as circulating a survey more widely to all undergraduate and postgraduate students.

We will feedback our findings when we have them but would welcome your input on this as we carry out the review. It would be helpful to know if you have any particular issues or questions you would like us to factor in to the review so please do let us know if you would like to discuss this further - contact Adrian Thomas, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, at a.thomas4@lse.ac.uk.
 

 
    Provost's Termly Briefings with Professional Services Staff

Provost Stuart Corbridge’s Michaelmas term briefings with all professional services staff will take place in the Shaw Library, Old Building on Wednesday 3 December at 10.30am and Thursday 4 December at 2.30pm.

The agenda for both days is as follows:

1. Adrian Thomas, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, will give an introduction to the new LSE Communications Division and key priorities for developing our communications.

2. Chris Yates, Director, Advancement, will share his initial sense of the norms and practices required at LSE to advance the School through alumni relations and fundraising.

3. Louisa Green and James Deeley, LSE Mediators, will share their reflections on how mediation works in the School and when/how it can help you. (Shaun Harris will present with Louisa Green at Thursday’s meeting.)

Each presentation will be followed by a 15 minute Q&A.

To round up this busy year in a Festive manner, we will serve mince pies and hot beverages from 10.15am on Wednesday and 2.15pm on Thursday.

The 2015 Lent term meeting will take place in the Shaw Library, Old Building on Wednesday 4 March at 10.30am and Thursday 5 March at 2.30pm.

We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.
 

 
    B-MEntoring Programme

We are once again taking part in the B-Mentor programme, a cross-institutional London mentoring scheme for academic and research staff from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds.

The programme is run in partnership with the School, UCL, Kings College London and Queen Mary University. It is a well-established initiative which was shortlisted for two national awards in 2014: the ENEI Tapping into Talent award and the Race for Opportunity Developing Talent (Progression) Award.

We are looking for people to be both mentors and mentees. Information sessions will be held on Tuesday 2 and Thursday 11 December at the respective institutions.

Further details about the programme and information sessions can be found here.
 

 
   

Learning Technology and Innovation Grants - new round of applications open

Applications are invited from teaching staff to explore the use of technology in teaching and learning.

Grants will be awarded for initiatives that make effective and innovative use of technology in teaching under the three strands of; EAssessment, Students As Producers and Innovation.

The deadline for proposals is Friday 12 December. For more information see our blog and website.
 

 
    The Calibre Programme - development programme for disabled staff

To mark the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday 3 December, the School will be sponsoring two places on the Calibre Programme at Imperial College.

The Calibre Programme is a focused development programme for disabled staff in higher education and beyond. It has been designed specifically to develop and implement unique strategies that reflect the challenges and experiences of disabled academic and professional services staff across the higher education sector.

The Calibre Programme is not your usual development programme. It is custom designed to address the distinct and often subtle barriers disabled leaders will recognise and know they must overcome and master in higher education.

These skills will be useful for people who may be thinking about, career development and/or leadership roles in the near future.

For more information and to express an interest in the programme, contact Carolyn Solomon-Pryce, Equality and Diversity Manager, on ext 6621 or c.solomon-pryce@lse.ac.uk no later than Friday 12 December.
 

 
    Classify your data

We all handle data in various forms during the course of our work at LSE. It is important that we take the appropriate measures to make sure this data is handled, stored and secured appropriately and safely, to abide by the law and avoid fines, sanctions and legal action.

One practical way of doing this is by using the Information Classification Standard (.pdf) to identify what kind of data you have, and what should be done to secure it. Keeping files in order and storing them in the appropriate place is also good practice - see Where Should My Info Go (.docx) for advice.

For more information on data management and classification, please contact the IMT Information Security team at imt.infosec@lse.ac.uk.
 

 
  Photo by Daniel Salvetti   LSE Photo Prize

Want to win a trip for two to the View from the Shard? Send in your best photos for a chance to win the top prize and see your photo printed.

Current staff and students can enter up to three photos into the competition - submissions open on Monday 1 December. A selection of submitted photos will be displayed around the LSE campus during the Literary Festival, which will be on the theme Foundations, in February 2015.

For more information, check LSE Arts or email arts.photoprize@lse.ac.uk.
 

 
    Staff portrait dates

If you're in need of a staff portrait, make a date to go over to G19 in the Old Building on Thursday 11 December anytime between 2-5pm. There's no need to book.

Portraits will cost departments £15. All pictures are colour digital files. Pictures will be received a few weeks after they have been taken, giving time for post-production work.
 

 
   

Send an LSE e-card this Christmas

Why not save resources this Christmas by sending e-cards? A specially designed electronic card, together with the LSE logo and the words 'Season’s Greetings from LSE', is now available for all staff to email out.

There is also room to add your own message below the e-card. Please contact Liz Trumble at designunit@lse.ac.uk for a copy to forward.
 

 
   

Here to help - LSE's Staff Counselling Service

The LSE Staff Counselling Service aims to support all staff in their work, whether full or part time.

A number of staff have already accessed and benefited from the opportunity to look at personal or work difficulties in a confidential space. The service can offer quick access and a range of appointment times throughout the summer months.

If you would like discuss any issue, complete an online registration form on the website, email staff.counselling@lse.ac.uk, or call 020 7955 6953.
 

 
   

Computer Tip of the Week - Weekly Software Surgery is open to all

Do you need some personalised help with Endnote, Microsoft Office software or statistical or qualitative analysis packages like SPSS, Stats and Nvivo?

All students are welcome to attend the weekly Software Surgery in R08, lower ground floor of the Library. Sessions are run every Thursday from 1-2pm during teaching terms. Drop-ins are welcome, but those who sign up via the Training and Development System will be seen first - log in to the system using your usual LSE ID and password, then open the Using IT list.

Alternatively, staff and PhD students are invited to enrol for a 1-2-1 IT Training session or to contact IT.Training@lse.ac.uk to book a consultation with a training specialist. If you have an IT question, check out our online guides and FAQs.

A wide range of additional computer training resources is available via the IT Training website. Subscribe to the IT Training mailing list to stay informed of upcoming courses and workshops.
 

 
   

Exclusive offer for LSE staff

To congratulate the School on winning the Working Mums Best for Dads Award, MamaBabyBliss are offering LSE staff a 10 per cent discount on any purchases made - simply enter the code: LSE14. Plus if you spend £500, they will issue you with a £50 gift voucher.

To start shopping, visit www.mamababybliss.com.
 

 
   

Flat available to rent

Two bedroom flat with garden in Bermondsey available to rent from January/February 2015.

Great location on the river, five minutes from Bermondsey tube, and only 30 minutes to LSE.

For more information, email l.gaskell@lse.ac.uk.

 
 
     

- LSE in pictures

 
  ...  
 
 

This week's picture features an instructor from Cycle Confident helping students gain cycling proficiency around Lincoln's Inn Fields.

For more images like this, visit the Photography Unit.

   
 
     

- Research

 
  ...  
 
   

Stand tall if you are living in a democracy

Men growing up in a democracy are likely to be taller than those who spend the first 20 years of their lives in a communist regime.

The link between democracy and stature is related to good nutrition, high disposable income and a life free of social and political constraints, according to new findings from LSE.

In a study of Czech Republic and Slovakian residents since the dissolution of the communist regime in 1989, LSE political economist Dr Joan Costa-i-Font and colleague Dr Lucia Kossarova found clear height differences between the two regimes.

For Slovaks, those born under democracy as opposed to communism are on average 1.5cm taller, gaining about 0.28cm for each year spent in a democratic society. Czechs gained about 0.14cm each year in comparison.

The poorer, less educated Slovaks appear to have benefitted more from democracy, Dr Costa-i-Font’s study shows. More
 

 
    UK rises to fourth most entrepreneurial economy in the world

The UK has become Europe’s most entrepreneurial economy and has climbed five places to fourth globally, according to the 2015 edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI).

The improvement in the UK’s ranking is due to progress in entrepreneurial attitudes and abilities. However, entrepreneurial aspirations - a measure of how innovative, risk-taking and internationally oriented UK entrepreneurial ventures are - remains a relative weak spot compared to other leading countries.

The study was carried out by researchers from LSE, Imperial College Business School, University of Pécs and George Mason University.

This year’s GEI, formerly known as the Global Entrepreneurship and Development Index, is now in its fifth edition. It profiles and benchmarks the entrepreneurial ecosystems of 130 countries. In this year’s index, the US ranked first, Australia second and Canada third.

The UK’s ranking has improved steadily over the past three years. In 2012 the UK ranked 14th and in 2013 it ranked ninth. This year’s ranking is the UK’s highest position in the history of the index. More

 
 
     

- Events

 
  ...  
 
  Photo by Mark Neville  

EXHIBITION - Art as Social Document

From: 1 December 2014 - 23 January 2015 in the Atrium Gallery, Old Building

This show presents a selection of work by the British photographer Mark Neville. The artist’s socially engaged practice distinguishes him from the majority of contemporary artists and builds a natural bridge to the academic debates on the issues of inequality, class, race, and conflict.

The exhibition is organised in cooperation with the Alan Cristea Gallery and curated by Helen Waters (Alan Cristea Gallery) and Gwendolyn Sasse (University of Oxford). The opportunity to show such a high-profile artist at LSE has arisen out of a previous cooperation between LSE and the Alan Cristea Gallery.

This exhibition is open to all with no ticket required. Visitors are welcome during weekdays (Monday - Friday) between 10am and 8pm (excluding bank holidays, when the school is closed, at Christmas 24 December 2014 - 5 January 2015). More
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Other upcoming LSE events include....

Ready for Hillary? Portrait of a President in Waiting
On: Monday 1 December at 6.30pm in the New Theatre, East Building
Speaker: Robin Renwick (pictured)

Open Government in the Age of Total War
On: Tuesday 2 December at 6.30pm in the Old Theatre, Old Building
Speaker: Professor Matthew Connelly

Lunchtime Concert
On: Thursday 4 December at 1.05pm in the Shaw Library, 6th floor, Old Building
Performers: Krysia Osostowicz (violin) (pictured) and Daniel Tong (piano)

Anarchism and Sexuality
On: Thursday 4 December at 6.30pm in the New Theatre, East Building
Speakers: Professor Martha Acklesberg, Dr Richard Cleminson, and Professor Terence Kissack
 

 
   

TONIGHT - Pressed for Time: the acceleration of life in digital capitalism

On: Thursday 27 November from 6.30-8pm in the Old Theatre, Old Building
Speaker: Professor Judy Wajcman (pictured), Professor of Sociology at LSE.
Respondent: Genevieve Bell, Vice President of User Experience Research at Intel Labs.

The technologically tethered, iPhone-addicted figure is an image we can easily conjure. Most of us complain that there aren't enough hours in the day and too many emails in our thumb-accessible inboxes. This widespread perception that life is faster than it used to be is now ingrained in our culture, and smartphones and the Internet are continually being blamed.

But isn't the sole purpose of the smartphone to give us such quick access to people and information that we'll be free to do other things? Isn't technology supposed to make our lives easier?

In her new book Pressed for Time (University of Chicago Press) Judy Wajcman explores why it is that we both blame technology for speeding up everyday life and yet turn to digital devices for the solution.

This event is free and open to all with no ticket or pre-registration required. Entry is on a first come, first served basis. More
 

 
    LSE Chill – new venue

On: Friday 28 November from 6-8pm at Café 54, New Academic Building

LSE Chill has moved - join us for a chilled night in our new home, Café 54 in the New Academic Building.

With a limited number of free drinks and nibbles, relax after a long week with musical performances from staff and students.

This month’s performance night will feature performances including the Anthropology band, The Funktionalists, student and singer Alanna Hoffman, and student guitarist and singer Dave D’Auria.

If you are interested in performing at any of next year’s events please email arts@lse.ac.uk with your name and details of your act.

For more information about LSE Chill, see the LSE Chill webpage.
 

 
    Michaelmas Term Chamber Music Concert

On: Friday 28 November at 7pm in the Shaw Library, Old Building

The Michaelmas term Chamber Music Concert, organised by the LSESU Music Society, promises to be a night of splendour and relaxation, showcasing the very best LSE talent.

Tickets are priced at £2 for Music Society members and £3 for non-members, with all proceeds going to the Worldwide Cancer Research charity. Tickets are purchased at the door.

For more information, contact chambermusic@lsesumusicsociety.com.
 

 
    Social Psychology open lectures: Social Influence

On: Tuesday 2 December from 2.15-3.45pm in the Old Theatre, Old Building
Speaker: Martin Bauer, Department of Social Psychology

Can a minority change the opinions of a majority? Are we always influenced by the views of the majority? When do we challenge those in authority?

This session will review and compare the classical modalities of social influence including crowds and leaders, contagion, peer group pressure and conformity, obedience to and compliance with authority, active minorities, conversion and persuasion.

This event is free and open to all on a first come, first served basis.
 

 
   

Normative-power Europe in the Western Balkans: enlargement 'fatigue' and the multiple challenges of maintaining momentum in the accession process

On: Tuesday 2 December from 6-7.30pm in the Cañada Blanch Room, Cowdray House
Speaker: Dr John O'Brennan (pictured), NUI Maynooth

Dr John O’Brennan’s work focuses on European Integration and the EU institutions and specifically on the process and politics of the EU's Enlargement policy.

He is currently finishing a monograph which examines the EU's role in the Western Balkans and will shortly begin a project examining the role of the European Commission in the post-accession process in Bulgaria and Romania. More
 

 
    Open Government in the Age of Total War

On: Tuesday 2 December from 6.30-8pm in Old Theatre, Old Building
Speaker: Professor Matthew Connelly (pictured)

Wikileaks and Edward Snowden have brought significant attention to state secrecy in the US. But how did the US national security state emerge? And what shaped the government’s approach to official secrecy?

Join Philippe Roman Chair Matthew Connelly as he explains how the period 1914-1945, bookended by two horrendous world wars, transformed the US into a nation equipped with a vast intelligence-gathering apparatus that could dramatically curtail civil liberties. More
 

 
   

The Hizbullah Phenomenon: politics and communication

On: Tuesday 2 December from 6.30-8pm in the Wolfson Theatre, New Academic Building
Speakers: Dr Lina Khatib (pictured), Carnegie Middle East Center, Dr Dina Matar, SOAS, and Dr Atef Alshaer, University of Westminster

In this talk, Dr Lina Khatib, Dr Dina Matar, and Dr Atef Alshaer will present their most recent book, The Hizbullah Phenomenon: politics and communication. In this book, the authors address how Hizbullah uses image, language and its charismatic leader, Hassan Nasrallah, to legitimise its political aims and ideology and appeal to different target groups.

This event is free and open to all on a first come, first served basis. Our events are very well attended, please make sure to arrive early as we cannot guarantee entry. More
 

 
   

Battlefields of the Republic: the struggle for public space in Tunisia

On: Wednesday 3 December from 4.30-6.30pm in room 9.05, Tower 2, Clement's Inn
Speaker: Professor Charles Tripp (pictured), SOAS

In this seminar, Charles Tripp argues that the city, as a distinctive set of places, is also the site and progenitor of particular forms of contention and that these come together in the social construction of, and competition for public space. Acts of collective association, of bodily occupation and of aesthetic intervention, both violent and nonviolent, give rise to the powerful abstract but contested ideas of an activist public, of citizenship, of rights and of representation. These processes will be examined largely with reference to the Tunisian revolution.

This is a registration only event. Please register using the online booking system. More
 

 
    Inform Autumn Seminar - Minority Religions and Schooling

On: Saturday 6 December from 9.30am-4.45pm in the New Academic Building

‘State multiculturalism has failed’, declared David Cameron in 2011. Yet there is a continued expansion in state-funded religious schooling in Britain. This expansion has gone hand-in-hand with legal rulings that have placed minority religions on stronger footing next to the more established faiths. After exponential growth of Academies operating outside of local authority control since 2000, and three years after the first Free Schools opened their doors (a programme which has assisted the expansion of a diversity of faith-based schools), it is a good opportunity to take stock and reflect on the nature of minority faith schooling in Britain.

Registration is now open and can be done using a credit/debit card through PayPal or by posting a booking form and a cheque payable to 'Inform' to Inform, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE. Tickets, which include a buffet lunch, coffee and tea, are £48 (£28 students/unwaged).
 

 
   

On South Bank: the production of public space - Book Launch

On: Tuesday 9 December from 6.30-8pm in Thai Theatre, New Academic Building
Speaker: Dr Alasdair Jones

London’s South Bank has recently been the subject of a much-publicised campaign to protect its use by skateboarders. This organised protest reflects a broader resurgence in the use of urban public space as a site for the contestation of rights of various kinds in cities around the world.

Through a timely ethnographic examination of the South Bank, On South Bank: the production of public space uses ethnographic data to explore multiple dimensions of the production of urban space and the ways these relate to the experience of such space as public.

To mark the launch of the book Dr Alasdair Jones will be reflecting on his experiences of studying South Bank and on the evolving transformation of this site.

The launch is a joint Department of Methodology-Cities Programme event with additional contributions from Professor Fran Tonkiss (LSE) and Professor Phil Hubbard (University of Kent). More
 

 
    Cross-national Surveys: methods of design and analysis

On: Monday 15 December in Clement House

Cross-national surveys such as the European Social Survey (ESS) are one of the most important resources of comparative social science. Their design and analysis raises many distinctive methodological challenges, especially ones related to questions of comparison and comparability between countries.

This one-day workshop examines the state of the art and recent developments in the design and statistical analysis of cross-national surveys. The topics covered include critical steps in the design and implementation of such surveys, methodological innovation in the ESS, cross-national equivalence of measurement in survey questions, modelling of survey non-response across countries, and statistical modelling of cross-national survey data.

The workshop is sponsored by the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods under its Methodological Innovations Projects programme. Registration is now open. This event is free but there are only a few place remaining and registration is essential - register here.
 

 
   

Podcasts of public lectures and events

What Europe?
Speakers: Professor Timothy Garton Ash, Professor Renaud Dehousse, Giuseppe Laterza, Professor Jan Zielonka
Recorded: Monday 17 November, approx. 93 minutes

The Scale-up Manifesto: why scale-ups will drive the global policy agenda for the next generation
Speaker: Sherry Coutu
Recorded: Tuesday 18 November, approx. 79 minutes

A Conversation with Professor Muhammad Yunus
Speaker: Professor Muhammad Yunus
Recorded: Friday 21 November, approx. 76 minutes
 

 
   

Discovering Latin America: film festival

Founded in 2002, Discovering Latin America (DLA) is a London-based charity raising funds to promote development projects in the region by sharing Latin American culture worldwide. Today, many of Discovering Latin America’s volunteers and contributors are students or alumni of LSE.

From 27 November to 4 December, Discovering Latin America is staging its tenth annual film festival here in London, headed by LSE MSc Economics alumnus Daniel Calderon. Daniel was previously president of the LSESU’s Colombia Society, meeting other Latin American enthusiasts who have become involved with DLA.

The film festival will showcase an exciting selection of feature films and shorts to provide a unique insight into Latin America. Screenings include To Kill a Man by Alejandro Fernández Almendras (followed by a Q&A with the director,) and The Clown by Selton Mello. The festival also offers master classes and discussions with film directors and actors from across Latin America.

This year, the festival has elected to support Casa Alianza UK, an organisation defending children’s rights by providing advocacy and legal aid in Guatemala, Hondruas, Nicaragua and Mexico. For more information about DLA’s work, as well as tickets and programmes, click here.

 
 
     

- 60 second interview

 
  ...  
     
     

with..... Cheryl Brumley

I work at the LSE Public Policy Group with colleagues who do fantastic work with digital dissemination through our award-winning blogs. Namely, I produce podcast series for each of the blogs. I’m very passionate about bringing social science research to online platforms through creative uses of sound (and in the future, video) so if you are looking to push out your research - get in touch. I’ve worked with some great departments and colleagues over the years from LSE Favelas, to LSE Cities, the LSE Literary Festival, and I even received an LSE grant to produce a series of podcasts in Brazil to showcase LSE’s research impact there.

I try to produce unique podcasts that feel more like radio broadcasts. My work for LSE has been recognised by the European Podcast Awards (my LSE Review of Books series, hosted by Amy Mollett, was voted the #1 UK Academic Podcast), and also the British Film and Video Council and the Association of Independents in Radio. I enjoy what I do!

I’m also an LSE grad with an MSc in Theory and History of International Relations so I’ve spent some very formative years in this pocket of London.

If you were in charge of throwing a fancy dress party for the whole of LSE, what theme would you choose and why?

As an American who will be eligible for British citizenship soon, I would do a “Favourite Brits” theme and of course, come as Mick Jagger. I could also save the costume in case I have a “Favourite former LSE student” party.

Who was your hero when you were growing up?

I was a big baseball fan growing up and I loved the early 90’s Phillies player John Kruk. An unusual hero for a young girl, but I liked his no-nonsense attitude.

If you had a time machine, where and to what era would you go?

I read The Autobiography of Alice B Toklas, actually written by Gertrude Stein and not her partner, and it made me long to go back to early 1900s Paris, ring the buzzer to Stein’s flat at 27 rue de Fleurus, and hang out with her, Alice and Picasso. I might go back and revisit in the 1920s to say “Hello” to Hemingway too.

If you had to choose a personal theme tune, what would it be?

As music plays a big role in the way I produce podcasts, I often think about this. I’d say Neil Young’s Harvest Moon because when we would take family holidays, my dad would play this album. It’s great driving music (not that I drive much since living outside The States).

Have you ever broken a bone?

No, but to prove that I am still the clumsy, adventurous type I got high-altitude sickness and hypothermia on my birthday this year in the Himalayas.

Do you prefer the town or country and why?

I love cities and London especially. London’s green spaces for me means there are plenty of opportunities to escape the urban madness.

 
 
     

- Training and jobs

 
  ...  
 
    Research Division Training Sessions

Information Session: research impact case studies - a panel discussion with LSE faculty members
Wednesday 3 December from 10.30am-12pm
With just two weeks to go until the announcement of REF2014 results, this session will bring together LSE faculty who submitted impact case studies to the REF to share their experiences of creating and documenting research impact. Confirmed panellists are:

  • Sonia Livingstone: Protecting and empowering children in digital environments
  • Simon Hix: VoteWatch - Making European Union politics more open, democratic and accountable
  • Quwei Yao: Helping Barclays meet the new Basel III regulation rules
  • Adelina Comas-Herrera: Improving the provision of mental health services in the UK

Workshop: Fundamentals of Grant Writing
Friday 5 December from 9.30am-5pm
This hands-on workshop focuses on how to start developing a research idea into funding applications, engage with collaborators and identify potential funders. Participants will be expected to attend all day and provide a work-in-progress proposal in advance to share and discuss as part of the exercise.
Aimed at academics and researchers who are relatively new to writing research proposals and those who wish to refresh their grant writing skills. It will be delivered by an external facilitator, Prof John Wakeford from Missenden Centre.
Workshop open to academic staff only. Places are limited and will be confirmed closer to the date.

Information Session: How to apply for Impact Acceleration funding
Tuesday 9 December from 12-1pm
The Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) is a new source of funding from the ESRC to enhance and promote the impact of LSE research on non-academic groups and audiences. There are various funding schemes to apply for, including secondments, policy briefings for the Parliament and a general impact fund. This session will give an overview of how IAA funds are being used, how to apply for funds, and the types of activities that would be eligible. This session will be delivered by the Institute of Public Affairs Manager, Paul Sullivan.

All training sessions are delivered in partnership with the Teaching and Learning Centre. For the list of upcoming events, click here. For more information, contact researchdivision@lse.ac.uk. For daily updates, follow us on Twitter @ LSE_RD.
 

 
    Core Learning and Development Programme - training and development opportunities for staff

Personal Effectiveness

Fair Treatment and Respect for Staff
Friday 19 December from 10am-5pm

Fair Treatment and Respect for Managers
Friday 12 December from 10am-5pm

Equality and Diversity

Equality and Diversity Awareness
Monday 24 November from 10am-4.30pm

Managing Stress in Yourself and Others

Managing Stress in Yourself and Others
Wednesday 17 December from 10am-4.30pm

Visit Core Learning and Development Programme to find a comprehensive list of other courses available this academic year. If you have any queries or require additional information, email hr.learning@lse.ac.uk.
 

 
    English classes for LSE staff

LSE Human Resources (OLL) is offering staff the opportunity to attend English support classes to be delivered by the LSE Language Centre starting in January 2015.

These classes are for those members of staff who have learnt English as a foreign language and want to improve their ability to communicate more effectively in work-related and social contexts. The classes cover a range of topics, situations and vocabulary, providing an excellent opportunity to practise and improve spoken and/or written English in a supportive atmosphere.

All applicants will be assessed before joining the programme to determine the most appropriate class schedule and level. Staff who are unable to attend the course due to shift patterns will be offered 1-2-1 advice and assistance on how to improve their English through self-study.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Suzanne Christopher, Organisational Learning Manager via email on s.p.christopher@lse.ac.uk.
 

 
    Attracting Corporate Research Funding while Safeguarding Academic Independence

On: Wednesday 14 January from 5.30-7pm in room NAB 2.14, New Academic Building (refreshments served 5.15-5.30pm) - Book your place here.

Successful academic-business partnerships are built on high quality research, close collaboration and academic independence. They offer academics an array of benefits including insight into new and innovative business practice, and access to funding and valuable data.

Academics interested in finding out more about engaging with corporations are invited to attend this panel discussion examining the benefits and potential pitfalls of business partnerships. Panellists include Professor Julia Black (LSE Pro-Director for Research), Susan Liautaud (LSE alumna and international ethics/governance consultant), and Mark Selby (Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey with over 30 years of senior executive experience in Technology, Media and Telecoms).

Business Partnerships at LSE work to ensure academic independence is not compromised through commercial sponsorship and to preserve the reputation of the School. Get in touch with any questions or to arrange a meeting with a member of the team - businesspartnerships@lse.ac.uk.
 

 
  HR   Jobs at LSE

Below are some of the vacancies currently being advertised to internal candidates only, as well as those being advertised externally.

  • Assistant Professor in Behavioural Science (two posts), Social Policy
  • Assistant Professor in Health Policy, Social Policy
  • Assistant Professor in Social Psychology/Community Psychology, Social Psychology
  • Assistant Professor in Social Psychology/Economic Psychology, Social Psychology
  • Course Tutor, Sociology and City Design, Sociology
  • Executive Officer (Strategic Projects), GLPD: governance, legal and planning division
  • Governance, Compliance and Implementation Manager - LSE Registration in IGC Countries, GLPD: governance, legal and planning division
  • LSE Fellow in Global Politics, Government
  • LSE Fellow in Population Health, Social Policy
  • Office Co-ordinator (nine months fixed term), Management
  • Professor/Associate Professor in Economics, Economics
  • Research Officer, Systemic Risk Centre
  • Research Officer (Environment and Development Economics), Grantham Research Institute
  • Research Officer (Environmental and Resource Economics), Grantham Research Institute
  • Research Officer, Middle East Centre
  • Research Officer, Statistics

For more information, visit Jobs at LSE and login via the instructions under the 'Internal vacancies' heading.

 
 
     

- Get in touch!

 
  ...  
 
  Nicole Gallivan   If you have some news, an achievement, or an aspect of LSE life that you would like to share, I would love to hear from you. Do get in touch at n.gallivan@lse.ac.uk or on ext 7582.

The next edition of Staff News is on Thursday 4 December. Articles for this should be emailed to me by Tuesday 2 December. Staff News is emailed every Thursday during term time and fortnightly during the holidays.

Thanks, Nicole