UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER ANNOUNCES DISCOVERY OF KING RICHARD III

UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER REVEALS:

• Wealth of evidence, including radiocarbon dating, radiological evidence, DNA and bone  analysis and archaeological results, confirms identity of last Plantagenet king who died over 500 years ago

• DNA from skeleton matches TWO of Richard III’s maternal line relatives.  Leicester genealogist verifies living relatives of Richard III’s family

• Individual likely to have been killed by one of two fatal injuries to the skull – one possibly from a sword and one possibly from a halberd

• 10 wounds discovered on skeleton – Richard III killed by trauma to the back of the head.  Part of the skull sliced off

• Radiocarbon dating reveals individual had a high protein diet – including significant amounts of seafood – meaning he was likely to be of high status

• Radiocarbon dating reveals individual died in the second half of the 15th or in the early 16th century – consistent with Richard’s death in 1485

• Skeleton reveals severe scoliosis – onset believed to have occurred at the time of puberty

• Although around 5 feet 8 inches tall (1.72m), condition meant King Richard III would have stood significantly  shorter and his right shoulder may have been higher than the left

• Feet were truncated at an unknown point in the past, but a significant time after the burial

• Corpse was subjected to ‘humiliation injuries’ –including a sword through the right buttock

• Individual had unusually slender, almost feminine, build for a man – in keeping with contemporaneous accounts

• No evidence for ‘withered arm’ –as portrayed by Shakespeare – found

• Possibility that the individual’s hands were tied

• Grave was hastily dug, was not big enough and there was no shroud or coffin

The University of Leicester has confirmed that it has discovered the remains of King Richard III.

At a specially convened media conference, experts from across the University unanimously identified the remains discovered in Leicester city centre as being those of the last Plantagenet king who died in 1485.

Rigorous scientific investigations confirmed the strong circumstantial evidence that the skeleton found at the site of the Grey Friars church in Leicester was indeed that of King Richard III.

University of Leicester researchers have revealed a wealth of evidence – including DNA analysis, radiocarbon dating and skeletal examination – proving the identity of the skeleton.

University of Leicester archaeologists co-director Richard Buckley, the lead archaeologist on the Search for Richard III, said: “It is the academic conclusion of the University of Leicester that the individual exhumed at Grey Friars in August 2012 is indeed King Richard III, the last Plantagenet King of England.

“It has been an honour and privilege for all of us to be at the centre of an academic project that has had such phenomenal global interest and mass public appeal. Rarely have the conclusions of academic research been so eagerly awaited.”

University of Leicester geneticist Dr Turi King confirmed that DNA from the skeleton matches that of two of Richard III’s family descendants – Canadian-born furniture maker Michael Ibsen and a second person who wishes to remain anonymous.

Dr King, of the University’s Department of Genetics, said: “The DNA sequence obtained from the Grey Friars skeletal remains was compared with the two maternal line relatives of Richard III. We were very excited to find that there is a DNA match between the maternal DNA from the family of Richard the Third and the skeletal remains we found at the Grey Friars dig.”

Skeletal analysis carried out by University of Leicester osteoarchaeologist Dr Jo Appleby showed that the individual was male and in his late 20s to late 30s. Richard III was 32 when he was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

The individual had a slender physique and severe scoliosis – a curvature of the spine – possibly with one shoulder visibly higher than the other. This is consistent with descriptions of Richard III’s appearance from the time.

Trauma to the skeleton indicates the individual died after one of two significant wounds to the back of the skull – possibly caused by a sword and a halberd.

This is consistent with contemporary accounts of Richard being killed after receiving a blow to the back of his head.

The skeleton also showed a number of non-fatal injuries to the head, rib and pelvis – believed to have been caused by a wound through the right buttock – which may have been caused by ‘humiliation injuries’ after death.

Dr Appleby’s analysis is backed up by radiological evidence carried out by University of Leicester forensic pathologists and forensic engineering experts.

Dr Appleby, of the University’s School of Archaeology and Ancient History, said: “The skeleton has a number of unusual features: its slender build, the scoliosis and the battle-related trauma. All of these are highly consistent with the information that we have about Richard III in life and about the circumstances of his death. Taken as a whole, the skeletal evidence provides a highly convincing case for identification as Richard III.”

The verdict also drew from circumstantial evidence at the dig site, radiocarbon dating, genealogical evidence and comparison with historical sources.

The University of Leicester, in association with Leicester City Council and the Richard III Society, led the Search for Richard III.

The Search for Richard III is also the subject of a Channel 4 documentary made by Darlow Smithson Productions.

The documentary makers had exclusive access to the search team during the archaeological dig and during the scientific tests to determine the skeleton’s identity.

Their documentary, Richard III: King in the Car Park, can be seen on Channel 4 On Demand.

More information about Channel 4’s Richard III: King in the Car Park documentary can be found at: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/richard-iii-the-king-in-the-car-park/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1

The public can find more information about the University of Leicester’s Search for Richard III at: www.le.ac.uk/richardiii

Source: University of Leicester press office.

 

Leicester City Centre

By Nazeesh Admani

As I write this article, I’m in a lively café sipping a glass of chilled milkshake, in contrast to JK Rowling’s hot cup of coffee. Avid Harry Potter fans will be aware of what I’m talking about! However, I’m not writing a story about a wizard – no matter how much I wish I was! This is to give you guys an insight to the city centre and the buzzing atmosphere surrounding it on a brilliant sunny day.

Much like other cities, Leicester city centre is packed with different stores, malls and restaurants, giving people the perfect opportunity for an outing. A couple of days back, my aunt and I took advantage of the weather and brought her nine month old twins to the heart of Leicester. I remember coming out of the bank, where we’d split our ways, and thinking ‘now I have to look for a lady with a pram’. Honestly, the number of prams that were around on that particular day was almost unbelievable! A conspiracy to confuse me? It definitely felt like it. However, the world doesn’t revolve around me, so I realized quickly enough that on an amazing warm day, a trip to the city centre, and some shopping would provide a perfect opportunity for mothers to make a quick outing with their toddlers.

But why should parents have all the fun? I could also see many teenagers in small groups making their way around from shop to shop, be it exquisite stores like Marks & Spencers and BHS or normal, everyday student stores such as Poundland or 99p Shop. The bookshops were bustling with eager youngsters while some people entertained the crowd with their talent in music right outside.

Shopping, as many see it, is a stress buster and a brilliant way to make use of your free time. Therefore, I once spent a whole morning window shopping  at the malls, Highcross and Haymarket. Before I knew it, I felt peckish and dropped into my favourite restaurant on Granby street, Peri Peri, where the grilled chicken never falls short of my expectations.  Had I been a bit more health conscious, I’d have opted for a baguette from one of the numerous shops around. That was a wonderful morning and I wouldn’t think twice if I had the chance to do it again. I believe it would wind up your day perfectly if you manage to catch the latest movie at the Cinema de lux, situated just behind Highcross Shopping Centre, don’t you think? A clever way to get away from all the stress and tension your ISC teachers pile on you!

For information on Studying at the University of Leicester ISC, please visit the website.

Hoang Nguyet Minh Vu: Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to our very own blogger, Hoang Nguyet Minh Vu, who was recently awarded a High Achievers Scholarship by the University of Leicester. Here she talks about her experience in winning the award.

Hoang Nguyet Minh VU

I heard about the High Achiever’s Award since the beginning of my course at the ISC. That was so appealing to me. However, honestly, I did not think about getting that award at first. It was really competitive. Only after the first term, when I received results for the final exam, was I more confident and hopeful to achieve the award.

The high mark that I got at the final exam of the first term was the motivation and encouragement for me to make more effort in my study. I started with making key notes of the lessons after school. I found that quite helpful because I could learn one more time and also save revision time for exams. Especially for Economics, as it would be my major in university, I did not only make notes after each lesson, but I also read other A-level books as reference. And so lucky my teacher always posted teaching material on blackboard before lessons so I usually went through it beforehand in order to grasp new knowledge better.  Having a good plan for study as well as for exam was my tip to obtain good marks. Each time I came for exam period, I spent at least a week for revision and arranged appropriate time for each subject. Moreover, past papers have always proved effective to me. I often did them over and over again for several times to make sure I really understood the lessons. Last but not least, I did believe patience played an important role in the “somehow success” I have achieved. I did not let difficulties put me off but tried to get over them gradually.
Now I got the award. That was a very meaningful present to me. It was the recognition of my effort and all of my teachers’ dedication to us – students at the ISC. I am deeply thankful to my teachers who guided me through every single step during my foundation year at the ISC, as well as the ISC in general for giving me this award. This used to be the motivation for me to try hard and now it acts as a great support during my undergraduate study at the University of Leicester. I will now regard the award as an important turning point that I have attained, so that I will study and work better in the future to prove that I deserved it.

For more information about studying at the University of Leicester ISC, please visit the website.

New forensic institute at the University of Leicester will help police forces solve ‘unusual crimes’

New Forensic Science Institute named after DNA fingerprinting pioneer Alec Jeffreys

The University of Leicester is establishing a new forensic science Institute which aims to help UK police forces solve unconventional crimes.

The Alec Jeffreys Forensic Science Institute is a new multi-disciplinary centre at the University of Leicester which aims to help police forces with some of the requests handled by the former Forensic Science Service (FSS).

The new Institute aims to be a leader, innovator and agenda setter in the field of forensic science and is named after the world renowned University of Leicester scientist Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, of the University’s Department of Genetics, who pioneered techniques for DNA profiling and fingerprinting which are now used globally by police forces.

Professor Jeffreys said: “This is a very exciting new initiative, and I am so proud to have it named after me. The provision of forensic science in the UK has undergone major and potentially damaging changes in recent years, so this Institute has real potential to provide much-needed breadth and depth of expertise, especially in complex casework, as well as a voice for the proper funding of forensic science research in the UK”.

The Institute will initially involve the departments of Chemistry, Criminology, Engineering, Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine and will involve local and national police agencies in its running.

The project has been undertaken by Dr John Bond, a senior lecturer in Forensic Sciences in the Department of Chemistry who was awarded an OBE last year for his services to forensic science, and Dr Lisa Smith, a lecturer in the Department of Criminology. Dr Bond’s work on Visualizing Fingerprint Corrosion of Metal was voted one of the top 50 inventions of 2008 by Time Magazine and one of the inventions most likely to change the world in 2009 by BBC Focus Magazine

Dr Bond said: “The time is now right for forensic science research in the UK to be put on a sounder footing, with proper funding streams provided by the UK research councils so that institutions such as the University of Leicester can undertake meaningful and productive research to enhance the use of forensic science to detect crime both in the UK and overseas.

“We aim to provide a forum whereby problems in policing can be aired and ways found to overcome them.  We will do this by involving local and national agencies in the running of the Institute and by focussing on problem areas identified to us by the police service.”

The ways in which forensic work is carried out is currently going through a period of change, with much work now contracted out to private companies – but staff at the University of Leicester hope the new Institute will be able to help police forces with unusual requests.

Dr Bond said: “What we do want to offer is the ability to consult on unusual cases or pieces of evidence. A recent example was a request made to the University to oversee the analysis of evidence from a 80-year-old murder case as the University was seen to have specific skills in that area.”

Dr Smith said: “This new Institute is unique in its multidisciplinary approach to forensic science and criminal justice services.  By bringing together the various disciplines at the University (who traditionally work separately from one another), we will be able to provide the Criminal Justice System with a wider range of expert consultancy, research and innovation, teaching and continuing professional development.”

It is hoped existing forensic science courses, including the new distance learning MSc in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice, will be run from the new Institute.

The institute will be formally launched at the University on Monday 19 November in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Robert Burgess and Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys.
Source: The University of Leicester Press Office

Students that take the International Foundation Year at the University of Leicester International Study Centre can progress on to undergraduate degrees including Chemistry, Criminology, Engineering, Genetics, and Biological Sciences. For more information, please visit the website.

Jubilee Celebrations

University of Leicester ISC joined in the Jubilee Celebration today with food, music, raffles and an auction!

Teachers Phil Stiles and Richard Day entertained students and staff to some music, playing their guitar and Ukulele. ISC students could not help but join in with the singing. There is so much talent here.

Head of Centre, James Kingscote, became auctioneer for the afternoon. Some fabulous and amusing donations from staff for the auction such as tickets to the theatre, hair cut at a top Saloon, hand-made cards to essentials such as plate and cooking utensils, all went at amazing prices, helping us raise £180 for Building Futures.

For information on studying at the University of Leicester International Study Centre, visit the website.

Hoang Nguyet Minh Vu-Our Blogger from Vietnam!

Du học Anh luôn là niềm mơ ước của tôi và bây giờ, khi tôi đã là một sinh viên của trường đại học Leicester, Anh Quốc, tôi cảm thấy rất hài lòng với sự lựa chọn của mình.

Đại học Leicester nằm trong top 17 trường đại học hàng đầu nước Anh. Khóa Dự bị Đại học của nhà trường cung cấp cho tôi những kiến thức nền tảng chắc chắn để tự tin bước vào đại học. Với dự định học ngành Tài chính- Ngân hàng, tôi chọn “ Kinh tế, Kinh doanh và Khoa học xã hội” cho năm học dự bị của mình. Đây thực sự là những nền tảng tôi cần. Tôi được học những kiến thức cơ bản về Kinh tế và Kinh doanh – những môn học hoàn toàn mới lạ với học sinh cấp 3 Việt Nam. Các bài giảng được thầy cô chọn lọc để chúng tôi có thể làm quen với hầu hết các kiến thức cơ bản của bộ môn Kinh tế, Kinh Doanh.  Ngoài ra, chúng tôi được tiếp xúc dần với cách giảng dạy trên trường Đại học. Chúng tôi được yêu cầu phát huy tối đa khả năng tự sắp xếp thời gian biểu, tự học dưới sự hướng dẫn tận tình của các thầy cô giáo. Chúng tôi có thể gửi email cho thầy cô về những thắc mắc hoặc tham gia những lớp học thêm miễn phí để củng cố thêm kiến thức của mình. Tôi có ấn tượng đặc biệt với cách học Tiếng Anh ở đây. Khác với chương trình Tiếng Anh được giảng dạy ở trường cấp 3 Việt Nam, chúng tôi không tập trung vào ngữ pháp mà chú trọng phát triển kỹ năng trình bày, thảo luận, nghiên cứu và đặc biệt là viết luận. Viết luận là kỹ năng đặc biệt quan trọng với bậc đại học và sau khi trải qua khóa học dự bị này, tôi cảm thấy tự tin hơn rất nhiều về khả năng viết luận của mình.

Ngoài chương trình giảng dạy phù hợp, đại học Leicester còn hấp dẫn tôi bởi cơ sở vật chất hiện đại và tiện nghi. Thư viện mới được xây dựng cung cấp hàng ngàn đầu sách, từ cơ bản tới chuyện sâu ở tất cả các bộ môn, cùng với các phòng dành riêng cho các buổi học nhóm, phòng học “yên tĩnh” (silent), thư viện thực sự là môi trường học tập lý tưởng. Mặt khác, khu trung tâm thể thao lại là nơi tuyệt vời để rèn luyện sức khỏe, tham gia những môn thể thao tôi yêu thích và kết bạn.

Thành phố Leicester cũng là một sự lựa chọn hợp lý cho sinh viên.  Khu trung tâm mua sắm lớn cùng với khu chợ lớn nhất nhì miền Trung nước Anh là nơi mà bạn có thể tìm mọi thứ mình muốn từ đồ ăn Âu- Á, đồ gia dụng đến các mặt hàng quần áo. Mức chi phí sinh hoạt hợp lý, thấp hơn nhiều thành phố khác cũng là một điểm cộng cho Leicester. Từ đây đi tàu tới các thành phố lớn như London, Birmingham chỉ mất khoảng trên dưới 1 tiếng đồng hồ, rất thích hợp cho những kỳ nghỉ cuối tuần hoặc kỳ nghỉ lễ.

Nói về học sinh Việt Nam tại Leicester, hội học sinh Việt Nam tại đây đã được thành lập 2 năm trước với khoảng trên 40 thành viên. Đây là nơi học sinh Việt Nam nói riêng giúp đỡ nhau trong học tập, sinh hoạt, và đặc biệt cùng nhau tổ chức những buổi liên hoan, dã ngoại. Với riêng cá nhân tôi, tham gia vào một cộng đồng nhờ thế này là điều tuyệt vời khi sống và học tập xa Việt Nam.

Đại học Leicester, cùng  với bước đệm là năm Dự bị Đại học, thật sự là một lựa chọn hợp lý và tôi rất hài lòng với sự lựa chọn này.

You can also read Hoang Nguyet Minh’s article in English:

Studying in the UK has always been my dream. And now, as a student at the University of Leicester, I feel very satisfied with my choice.

The University of Leicester ranks in top 17 best universities in the UK. The Foundation course offered by The University of Leicester International Study Centre builds a firm base for me to step closer to the University. Having an intention of studying Banking and Finance in my undergraduate, I chose “Economics, Business and Social Sciences” for my Foundation year. I realise this is exactly what I need. I am taught basic Economics and Business, which are totally new to high school Vietnamese students. The lessons here are carefully selected by teachers, so that we can cover most essential Economics and Business concepts for further study. In addition, we are familiarised with teaching methods in University. We are required to make the best of our ability for self-study, under detailed instructions from our dedicated teachers. We are always welcome to send emails to our tutors for enquiries, or come to free “Problem Classes” for help with difficulties in learning. Studying English here, at the ISC, has made a good impression on me. Unlike the syllabus in Vietnam which often focuses on grammar, we here are taught presentation, discussion, research and especially writing essays skills. Essays are profoundly important for university study and I, after the Foundation course, feel much more confident in my writing skills.

Besides the well-designed curriculum, the University of Leicester attracts me for its convenient and modern facilities. The newly built library with thousands of books on a wide range of subjects, together with Group Study rooms and Silent Zones, is an ideal learning environment. On the other hand, the Sports Centre is a wonderful place for physical exercises, join favorite sports clubs and make friends.

Leicester city is also a wise choice for students. A busy shopping centre and the second biggest market place in the East Midlands offer a variety of goods from European and Asian foods to famous branded clothing. A reasonable living cost, averagely lower than that in many other cities, is an advantage of Leicester. Moreover, it only takes around 1 hour to travel by train from Leicester to other big cities like London or Birmingham, which is ideal for weekends or holidays.

As for Vietnamese students in Leicester, the Vietnamese community was formed 2 years ago with over 40 members. This is where Vietnamese students help each other with studying, living and especially, holding parties and picnics. To me, specifically, joining such a community is really fantastic when living far from my motherland.

The University of Leicester, together with the International Study Centre, is really a good choice and I am totally satisfied with my right selection.

Find out more about being a student at the University of Leicester ISC by visiting the website.

You can also like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

London 2012 Olympics: New technology will be used to measure impact of extra traffic on pollution levels in the city

University of Leicester research announced as part of Universities Week campaign.

University of Leicester researchers are set to use new technology they have developed to monitor the impact of increased traffic on pollution levels in London during the Olympics.

The announcement has been made during the third annual Universities Week campaign –starting today (Monday April 30)- which aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities. This year’s campaign will look at the contribution that our universities make – and have always made – to the Olympic movement, the sports industry and society as whole.

The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to draw 11m visitors from around the world to the UK’s capital for seven weeks, and 3m extra car journeys are anticipated on the busiest day.

The team of researchers will use their CityScan technology, which gathers scattered sunlight to scan whole cities and take readings of air quality, to investigate the impact of this extra traffic on pollution.

Rather than existing technology, which can only give an accurate reading for certain “hotspots,” CityScan can show the air quality over every point of the city – including individual roads, playgrounds and other buildings.

It will also reveal the days and times when pollution levels are at their highest.

Sensors will be set up on a 30-storey building in North Kensington and a 14-storey building in Chelsea, in the west of the city, as well as a third location which is yet be determined.

The sensors will give readings of nitrogen dioxide, which is produced from traffic emissions and can decrease lung function and increase the risk from respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis and asthma.

Team leader Dr Roland Leigh, of the university’s Earth Observation Science Group, said: “We will be able to map the pollution in 3D to show emissions of nitrogen dioxide and how far they spread.”

“Traditional sensors take in a single point measurement, giving a very accurate measurement that might be by a roadside.

“Between two or three CityScan instruments, we can map out a complete urban area and tell you where the nitrogen dioxide is in that space.”

“CityScan makes the link between emissions and poor air quality downwind, enabling better management of the respiratory health of sensitive individuals.”

“We want to make a practical difference, and contribute to systems which inform people when and where poor air-quality may occur.

The technology is already being tested in Leicester, and the scientists hope their findings will help councils all around the country improve environmental planning and traffic management issues.

Universities Week 2012 follows a successful campaign in 2011, which saw 110 universities and 52 renowned ambassadors take part in showcasing the work of the higher education sector.

This year the week looks to be an even bigger success with a series of high profile ambassadors including Seb Coe, John Inverdale and Dame Kelly Holmes helping to highlight how universities benefit everyone, whether or not they have been to university themselves. Hear what the ambassadors have to say at: youtube.com/universitiesweek2012

From University of Leicester Press Office.

To find out which science programmes are on offer at the University of Leicester ISC, or to find out more about studying at a top UK University in this momentous year in British sporting history, please visit the website.

University of Leicester plans to recreate Leicester’s forgotten Grand Olympic Festival

Celebration on campus commemorates historic Victorian event

The University of Leicester is setting the stage for a celebration of the city’s ‘secret’ Olympic history.

In 1866, thirty years before the first modern Olympic Games in Greece, the city of Leicester hosted its own Grand Olympic Festival – on what is now the University of Leicester campus.

Now plans have been announced to commemorate this unique event with a recreation at the original location. Student athletes will compete in a number of old and modern sporting events – but without the assistance of modern inventions such as spiked running shoes and starting blocks.

The original Grand Olympic Festival was staged on 24 May 1866 in the grounds of the Leicestershire and Rutland Lunatic Asylum. After the First World War, the asylum buildings and grounds were donated to the city by local businessman Thomas Fielding Johnson for the establishment of a University College. That became the University of Leicester in 1957 and the former asylum building was named the Fielding Johnson Building.

Information about the Grand Olympic Festival of 1866 can be found in On the starting line – A history of athletics in Leicestershire by Jim Sharlott. The event was organised by the Leicester Athletic Society and consisted of 15 sporting events.

The Grand Olympic Festival of 2012 will take place on the University campus on 13 June because the exact anniversary falls in the middle of summer exams. Students are being invited to come forward and volunteer to compete in events such as the Hundred Yards Dash, Putting the Stone, the Two Mile Walking Race and Tossing the Cricket Ball.

Kerri Wheeler from the University’s Sports and Recreation service said: “Our Olympic Event this summer is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the University and its sporting heritage. We want as many students and staff from the University to get involved and celebrate Leicester’s Olympic History. The Grand Olympic Festival will be the main event from a week of fun activities, where people can play and try lots of different sports. We are hoping that scheduling this event after the exam period will give the hardworking students a fun and sociable event to look forward to. This event will also hopefully get everyone in Leicester even more excited about the Olympics 2012.”

The event will be open to public spectators and the University will particularly welcome anyone who attends in Victorian costume. Full details of timings will be announced nearer to the date.

The Olympic Games date back to Ancient Greece. They were revived in Athens in 1896, partly inspired by the Much Wenlock Olympic Society which has staged an event in that Shropshire village every year since 1850. Although the Much Wenlock games have become well-known, inspiring the name of one of the 2012 mascots, the Leicester games 16 years later have been almost completely forgotten.

For more about the Grand Olympic Festivals of 1866 and 2012, see www.le.ac.uk/1866festival

From University of Leicester Press Office

University of Leicester and Holland Alexander in Skills Training Boost

University of Leicester works with Holland Alexander to train the next generation of Event Management Professionals

With the graduate job market becoming increasingly competitive, the University of Leicester has launched a new initiative with Holland Alexander to enhance the employability skills of its students.

The Holland Alexander Event Management Challenge gives students invaluable events management and PR experience, and will help them to jump start their future careers.

Director of the Careers Service Bob Athwal said:

“We are delighted to be working closely with Holland Alexander on a number of exciting initiatives to enhance the employability of our students. This challenge represents a fantastic opportunity for students to gain real life experience from one of the region’s leading events management companies.”

Students were required to devise and submit an events proposal to a fictional client: the successful candidates won the opportunity to attend an intensive training day at the Holland Alexander Leicester studios and two candidates will win the chance for on-the-job experience at a future event.

Holland Alexander Director Louise Holland commented:

“We are delighted to be working in close partnership with the University of Leicester this year and giving participants a unique insight into what we expect from graduates entering our business whilst helping them to develop the employability tools to succeed after university.”

The initiative follows the recent announcement that the University has introduced a new Award for Industry Awareness through which students can receive specialised training from graduate recruiters at FTSE 100 company, NEXT. Students receive on the job training at NEXT headquarters in Enderby, Leicester, taking part in business case studies and mock interviews by internal graduate recruiters.

The University of Leicester Careers Service offers a wide range of engagement activities to enhance the employability skills and prospects of students. These include careers fairs, skills workshops, The Leicester Award and a diverse range of activities based within the academic Colleges.

Source: University of Leicester Press Office

Student sleuths sought for CSI-style summer school

Applications open until April 4 for forensic science skills-based course

Issued by University of Leicester Press Office on 20 March 2012

Student sleuths from around the world hoping to enter the field of forensic science are set to take part in the University of Leicester’s CSI-style summer school.

The event which attracts international students to a skills-based course takes place from July 30 to August 17 at the Department of Chemistry.

The CSI Leicester forensic summer school creates a unique learning environment where students can be part of an investigative team and experience what it is like to work at the cutting edge of forensic science.

For three weeks students will immerse themselves in the role of a forensic scientist to investigate a crime scene and, by examining the evidence, to get to the truth of ‘whodunnit’.

The intensive course combines theory and practice and whilst the crime they investigate is a simulation, the materials and equipment are the same as those used by real forensic scientists, making the experience as authentic as possible.

Under the supervision of an international multi-disciplinary teaching team, led by Professor Rob Hillman and Dr John Bond OBE of the Department of Chemistry and Dr Lisa Smith of the Department of Criminology, the investigative team will also visit a national forensic laboratory and a police crime laboratory.

As well as arranged social activities and sight-seeing, the programme culminates in a final formal evening dinner where awards are presented to students and both students and their tutors enjoy a farewell meal.

Dr Bond said: “Over the past few years it has become clear that students have gained a great deal from attending CSI Leicester, not only academically but also in terms of their cultural experience and building friendships with fellow students from across the world.

“It is a real privilege to be able to particulate in such an event as this and I would urge students looking for some experience of working as a forensic scientist, and also wishing for international experience, to register for this course.

“As the home of DNA profiling and the centre for some current world recognised research in forensic science, there is no better location than the University of Leicester for this course.”

The programme is open to anyone from all over the world aged 18 or over and no specific scientific expertise or background is necessary. Applications can be made from now until April 4 via http://www.le.ac.uk/csi-leicester.

Anyone interested in applying for the programme can find out more by contacting Alex Goddard at: csi.info@le.ac.uk

Source: University of Leicester Press Office