The Research Assessment Exercise 2001 confirms the quality of the Department's Research

The Department is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a grade of 5 in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, the results of which were published today (www.rae.ac.uk). This shows that a significant proportion of our research is judged to be international quality.

Following on from our top marks in the assessment of our teaching in 2000, this latest news confirms our position as the leading UK academic centre dedicated solely to research and teaching in plant and microbial sciences.

The Department's research activities cover many aspects of the biology of healthy and diseased plants and their pathogens, and range over all organisational levels from genes, through cells and whole plants, to communities.

The research and teaching are backed by excellent facilities following a £2 million refurbishment of our main building in the last 3 years and significant investment in new equipment. The Herbarium and Botanic Garden also provide unique resources, particularly for studies of plant systematics and evolution, an area that the Department sees as a focus of growth for the future.

The Department provides excellent PhD training to around 60 students and also hosts a number of independent research fellows funded by BBSRC and The Royal Society. Anyone interested in research opportunities in the Department should contact the Head of Department.

Keith Johnstone appointed University Senior Lecturer

Keith Johnstone has been appointed to the post of University Senior Lecturer w.e.f. 1st October 2001, in recognition of his contributions to teaching, research and administration.

The Great Technician Shuffle

As from the 1st December 2001 Barbara Bottrill will be Acting Chief Teaching Technician. All teaching enquires should be directed towards Barbara from this date.

Colin Denston will be moving into Ray's office as Chief Technician.

Dr Alison Smith awarded Readership

The Department is delighted to announce that the University has awarded a Readership to Dr Alison Smith.

The University appoints Readers "in recognition of authority in a significant field of knowledge based on at least nationally recognised research".

Dr Smith has taken the title of Reader in Plant Metabolism.

Retirements

Professor Peter Grubb and Dr David Briggs retired. Also retired this month, after 44 years at the Department, was Ray Hill.

Married by Elvis

The marriage of John Carr to Alex Murphy took place in Las Vegas in July and was an Elvis themed wedding. The event was filmed and screened through a website, much to the enjoyment of the whole Department.