News in brief
Earth and Environment photo competition
The overall winner of the School of Earth and Environment’s photo competition 2009 is research fellow Dr Mark Thomas, for Man vs the Volcano, taken in Montserrat, in the ‘Dynamic earth’ category. See all the photos online at www.see.leeds.ac.uk/photocomp
Anti-cancer drug trial
A phase 1 clinical trial for a new anti-cancer drug will take place next year at St James’s University Hospital, led by Professor Chris Twelves from Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine.
The trial will involve 30 to 40 patients with advanced solid tumours who have already had all the treatments currently available. The drug being trialled by Cancer Research UK and GlaxoSmithKline is an aurora kinase inhibitor that could potentially play a key role in controlling the division of cancer cells. For details see http://tinyurl.com/nf2oum
Cameron and the Tories
British politics lecturer Dr Victoria Honeyman (School of Politics and International Studies) has written a chapter on foreign and international policy for a new book, The Conservatives under David Cameron: Built to last?, published by Palgrave Macmillan.
The book provides the first definitive analysis of the development of Conservative Party ideology and policy during the tenure of David Cameron’s leadership. It should also appeal to general readers and floating voters in the lead up to the next general election. For details see http://tinyurl.com/cry5gx
The dark side of ketamine
Neuroscientist Dr Gijsbert Stoet (Institute of Psychological Sciences) appears in a new short documentary film about the rising use of the recreational drug ketamine in the UK.
Combining cartoon animation with interview footage, the Leeds-made film Lost in a K Hole? uncovers truths about the motives behind taking the drug as part of clubbing culture, and its effects on the mind and body.
It also asks questions about the effectiveness of treatment services to deal with the increasing number of ketamine users in the UK. Watch the trailer at http://tinyurl.com/nkhz9t
Benefactor marks landmark birthday
Marjorie Ziff celebrated her 80th birthday on 26 May by opening the stunning new student services building which bears her name.
She was joined by Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Arthur and many members of her family at the official opening of the £16 million Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building, when they unveiled a commemorative plaque.
The iconic building provides a lasting monument to her husband Arnold, a longstanding supporter of the University who played a key role in the city’s post-war revival through his company Town Centre Securities, which developed the Merrion Centre. Arnold was closely involved in developing the University’s western campus and relocating the business school.
Earth and Environment photo competition
The overall winner of the School of Earth and Environment’s photo competition 2009 is research fellow Dr Mark Thomas, for Man vs the Volcano, taken in Montserrat, in the ‘Dynamic earth’ category. See all the photos online at www.see.leeds.ac.uk/photocomp
