From Russia with landscape
An exhibition at the National Gallery in London, ‘Russian landscape in the age of Tolstoy’ opens on June 23 with the help of fine art lecturer, David Jackson. Dr Jackson – who teaches Russian art history at Leeds – selected the paintings, co-edited the catalogue and was involved in preparations for the exhibition. The exhibition features works which show a peculiarly Russian consciousness of landscape and is being organised in conjunction with the Groninger Museum in Holland. The exhibition runs until September 12. Image – Arkhip Kuindzhi, Morning on the Dniepr, 1881

Maximum HEFCE bid explained
The University has submitted a bid to HEFCE for the maximum amount possible – £3.25m over two years – to support knowledge transfer activities. At knowledge transfer forum on 30 June at University House, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for communications and information technology David Hogg and earth sciences knowledge transfer champion Rob Knipe will explain how the money will be used and how staff can get involved. Activities planned include: increasing international R&D collaborations, particularly to encourage inward investment; expanding University activity at Thorpe Park; increasing support for innovation in the health sector, including new management techniques in the NHS; helping rural communities make use of wireless technologies; increasing the impact of graduates on the region through local recruitment; giving support to small companies, and; supporting regeneration in health, education and employment in Harehills.

Citizenship issues to be examined
A new centre for citizenship and human rights education will examine ethnic diversity, race equality, children’s rights and other issues. It will bring together researchers from education, sociology, political science and human rights law and aims to develop a more democratic and inclusive approach to education. The centre will be led by Professor Audrey Osler who joins Leeds from the University of Leicester. More about the centre can be found at www.leeds.ac.uk/cchre. If you are interested in contributing to the centre’s work, email cchre@education.leeds.ac.uk

Administrators awarded
The Leeds branch of the Association of University Administrators has achieved an award for good practice. The branch was commended for its support of professional development through events on widening participation, faculty restructuring, the University’s brand and opportunities provided to administrators through studying for the postgraduate certificate in professional practice. The award was presented by Dr Peter Knight, vice-chancellor of the University of Central England, at the annual AUA conference at Keele University in April. For further details see www.leeds.ac.uk/aua

Campbell to speak at business forum
Alastair Campbell will address this year’s Chairmen’s Business Forum annual dinner on 15 June at Clothworkers’ Hall in London. The forum allows UK business leaders to meet and discuss under Chatham House rules and members have exclusive access to University libraries and academic expertise. For more information contact Juliet Simons ext 34834 or j.l.simons@adm.leeds.ac.uk

Design successes
Five BA graphic design students have been successful at the 2004 Design & Art Direction student awards. Gemma Phillips and Chris Weston have been nominated for ‘Yellow Pencils’ in the copywriting and packaging categories. Three other students have been commended and will appear in the D&AD Annual – Catherine Winters, John Grimley and Kevin Coatman. This is the first time the school of design has entered students in the competition. Winners will be announced on July 1.

Optimising single parents’ learning
A scheme providing educational opportunities to single parents and carers has won a national award for adult learning. The Optimise project at the office of part-time education has won a New Learning Opportunities Award. The award was presented as part of Adult Learners’ Week to schemes encouraging learning among low-skilled or unemployed adults or people who could benefit most from learning. Tilly Rathmell, a third-year student, who is a lone parent with three children, said: “Returning to learning and study after so many years was daunting but Optimise made university more accessible.” Press release