Perspectives Issue 2 / December 2016

The next generation of crime scene investigators? Our Cranfield Forensic Institute based at Shrivenham has hosted a unique course for teenagers. These young people from all over the UK were the first group to spend a week with us studying the many aspects of forensic engineering, as part of the programmes organised by the Smallpeice Trust which encourages their involvement in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Thirty Year 10-12 students got to learn about and try a host of forensic disciplines on a residential four-day course. As well as working with our academics and research students, they got hands-on with a range of forensic techniques as they investigated a burglary scenario and an abandoned car enquiry. They learned how to analyse the evidence they collected, how to build a case and even the skills they would need to present their evidence in court. PhD student Constantinos Franceskides, who devised the course, said: “PhD students tend to get absorbed in the dynamic world of their research; so what better way to add something different to our routine than teaching young, intelligent and driven students the fundamentals of our science? “As with every new project, we had to adapt to the changes that were required in order to ensure the smooth running of the course, yet not losing focus on what we initially wanted to achieve – to give young people an exciting and interesting introduction to forensic science.” The course was part of the University’s ongoing outreach efforts to encourage young people to consider careers in STEM subjects. This was the first ever forensic engineering course delivered via the Smallpeice Trust, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016.

Recycling continues to improve on the Cranfield campus

The University is leading thinking in the circular economy through research and teaching. It makes sense to apply these principles in the way we manage our own resources.

Considerable efforts to minimise waste and improve recycling facilities across the Cranfield campus have been made over the last few years.

Thanks to the support of staff and students, we recycled nearly 630 tonnes, or 52% of our total waste, in the last academic year (2015-16). This exceeded our target of 50%, although our 2020 target of recycling 75% of waste at source is still some way off. There are opportunities across the campus to improve our targets and we are currently: • replacing cardboard chimney bins and non-standard bins with our standard range of bin options: White Paper; Mixed Paper; Cans and Plastics (all plastics not just bottles); and General • promoting the removal of under-desk bins to encourage recycling • extending food waste collection facilities • communicating more widely on our recycling performance in focused areas • developing ideas for student projects involving campus waste management • looking at ways of reducing our total waste. You can support this campaign, and the circular economy, by making sure you are separating your waste and by using the bins correctly on campus. If you do not have the correct facilities or need advice on recycling, or want to join a network of Green Team members who act as champions for recycling on campus, please email green@cranfield.ac.uk For further recycling information, please visit the intranet homepage: 'Services' tab > 'Energy and environment' > 'Waste management' (right-hand side link).

Who’s been visiting Cranfield lately? We often host visits to help form or strengthen links with organisations and individuals who have a particular interest in an area of our research or teaching and to influence and inform opinion leaders. Some notable visits of late have included: • Lord Adonis, Chair of the National Infrastructure Committee • Dr Hamdi Chaouk, Director General of Civil Aviation, Lebanon • His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, the University’s official Royal visitor Richard Fuller, MP for Bedford Mark Lancaster, MP for Milton Keynes North and Defence Minister (pictured with Jonathan Pratt, see page 6) The Honorable Katrina McFarlane, Acting Assistant Secretary of the US Army (Acquisition, Logistics & Technology) and Army Acquisition Executive Vice Admiral Duncan Potts, Royal Navy Paul Stein, Director of Research and Technology at Rolls-Royce Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South Tom Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Airbus. • • • • • • •

Getting in on the debate Ever wondered what is

going on in Westminster, how you can contribute to policy debates or how you can showcase your work to Government? Then our Public Affairs Manager Chris Leaman is here to help.

Public affairs is a wide-ranging term that means different things to different organisations but at Cranfield the Public Affairs function aims to be an interface between the University and elected politicians. Chris works across all levels of Government from local to European which means working on local projects with Cranfield Parish Council one day and liaising with the European Parliament another. Keeping informed The latest developments from Parliament and Whitehall are tracked and disseminated to colleagues as well as published on the Public Affairs page on the intranet. Developments may include Government announcements relevant to your field of work or opportunities to contribute evidence to policy discussions led by Select Committees and Government departments. Want to receive these development digests? Contact Chris to subscribe. Enhancing our profile Public Affairs is also about enhancing Cranfield’s profile with policymakers and helping articulate Cranfield’s viewpoint to Government on key issues such as visas for international students. Often this done through submitting written evidence to consultations – one of the major projects this year has been the University’s submission to the National Infrastructure Commission’s ‘Cambridge- Milton Keynes-Oxford Growth Corridor’ inquiry. Identifying key political stakeholders, such as a Minister or MP, who we may want to invite to key events, such as a building opening or a report launch, is another area that Chris can assist with. Find out more on the intranet: 'Communications' tab > 'Engaging with Government'.

Big Cranfield Clearout saves 1.6 tonnes from landfill! The Big Cranfield Clearout is an annual collection of goods donated by our students leaving campus at the end of their studies.

This year, more than 1.6 tonnes of clothing, kitchenware and other good quality items were collected. They were donated to the Emmaus charity, based in nearby Carlton village, while other items were donated directly to the Salvation Army drop-off point based in the CSA recycling centre. Our efforts are likely to raise more than £1,000 for Emmaus, as well as funds for the Salvation Army and our own student-led SAFAD charity. A ‘big thank you’ goes out to all the volunteers who helped with sorting the donations.

Gareth Ellis, our Energy and Environment Manager, uses a donated selfie stick to photograph volunteers.

Perspectives online: Intranet > 'Communications' > 'Perspectives'

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