Ray Laurence, Professor of Roman History and Archaeology in the Department of Classical & Archaeological Studies, appeared in Channel 4’s documentary Rome’s Sunken Secrets on Sunday 16 April 2017.

Rome’s Sunken Secrets tells the story of the submerged Roman Holiday retreat Baiae, where Emperors and the super-rich enjoyed lavish parties, sought out love affairs and plotted against their political rivals. The documentary follows a series of dives led by underwater archaeologist Dr Barbara Davidde and involving historians and scientists from across the world. They revealed vast villas, priceless statues and breath taking mosaics, as well as heated spas, cobbled streets and even a nymphaeum grotto of pleasure in the city that lies 150 miles south of Rome and 50 north of Pompeii.

In the programme, Ray comments: ‘What is truly amazing about Baiae, as you go under water is you can see every part of the villa landscape. You can see the marble which was used, well preserved mosaics and the size of the rooms. The full villa landscape is preserved under the sea, which is so unusual and is almost unheard of.’

The programme is available to watch on Channel 4’s On Demand service.

The Understanding Unbelief programme at Kent, led by Dr Lois Lee, Research Fellow in the Department of Religious Studies, is the focus of one of the lead articles in this week’s New Scientist magazine, dated 15 April 2017.

New Scientist is a weekly magazine, established in 1956, to focus on all aspects of scientific research. It currently has over 100,000 readers.

The article, entitled ‘Faith of the Faithless: Is Atheism Just Another Religion’ asks whether, if it is impossible to disprove the existence of God, then is atheism just another faith?

‘This idea turns up all the time, and it is very loaded,’ Lois says in the article: ‘When people say ‘atheism is just another religion’, they normally mean it in a pejorative way.’

The issue is currently available in newsagents, and is also available online (via a subscription) here.

Kent staff took part in The University Caterers Organisation’s annual competition (TUCO) held on 10-11 April at Warwick University. The competition saw over 50 members and 150 delegates competing against each other in a wide range of culinary activities.
The TUCO competitions provide an opportunity for members to showcase their skills across a variety of disciplines, from barista skills to speed cooking.

This year the University of Kent was represented by:

• Scott Tulloch, from Cargo in Medway, who wowed the judges with his signature cocktails in the bar skills category.
• Dan Weale, from Mungo’s in Eliot College, who showed off his knack for cold brew coffee in the barista skills category.
• Chinonso Onuigwe and Leighton James, from Dolche Vita and Origins, who together rustled up a tasty three course meal in the Chefs Challenge category.

Despite not returning with a trophy, the four representatives did a fantastic job on behalf of the University of Kent and were thrilled to be a part of the competition.

Scott Tulloch, Bar and Bistro Supervisor, said:
The TUCO Competitions are great because it gives you the motivation and desire to push yourself and learn more about the industry. I have learnt so much from my two days in Warwick.

The Competitions, held at Warwick University, are enhanced with a table-top exhibition from industry suppliers with innovations and new products for delegates to sample, culinary classes, and social dinners.

Sent in by: Phillipa Page

Are you a student in Medway? Complete our Medway catering survey to be in with a chance to win £100 KentOne credit.

We are interested in hearing the views of students to help us shape improvements to No.1, Galvanising Shop Cafe and Cargo. It will approximately take you 10-15 minutes to complete our online survey.

We look forward to receiving your feedback.

Dear Colleagues,

There is currently an issue with the heating plant for Templeman East. This work will affect the heating system, and this is scheduled to be repaired next week. The ventilation plant will not be affected, and this will be adjusted to provide higher heating levels during the period while the heating is off.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have any queries, please contact the Helpdesk on ext 3209.

John Kingsland
Senior Energy Systems Engineer
Estates

On the 6 and 7 April 2017, the University of Kent’s Brussels School of International Studies hosted their annual conference, drawing together students, academics, academics and the curiously minded from all across Europe and beyond. The conference, entitled ‘The Disappearing State? Contested Governance in the 21st Century’, ambitiously aimed to discuss a broad range of the ‘public goods’ that are being contested by both state and non-state actors in the 21st century.

Reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of BSIS, the conference brought together some of the brightest in their fields to discuss topics such as aid and development, Taliban justice in Afghanistan, Education and the future of Iraq, access to the internet, migration and counterterrorism.

The conference and its topics attracted 140 attendees from a great range of backgrounds, including the European Parliament and Commission, think tanks, governmental institutions, current and former professionals and journalists, and many more. Through our lunches, breaks and networking receptions at the end of each day, the panelists and attendees were able to keep the conversation going, sharing even more knowledge and developing contacts that could aid them in the future. This conference allowed those with interest direct access to those with knowledge, and this will only further embolden the will of people to discuss and research the conference topics, many of which are becoming increasingly important in today’s society.

The conference was designed to reflect the overall nature of BSIS, in that it brings together knowledgeable people from a diverse set of backgrounds to discuss the most pressing issues facing the international community today, and aims to ensure all those who spend time at BSIS leave richer for the experience. With the feedback received from attendees and the panelists themselves, we believe this goal had been achieved.

The full story, photos and social media resonance can be followed here, and a post-conference will be available here in the next weeks.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2018!

Canterbury and the Via Francigena: Promoting Heritage through Cultural Routes is a new project organised by the Centre for Heritage at the University of Kent, with the aim of engaging the public with heritage, including a workshop, conference and volunteering opportunities. The project has already been able to offer bursaries for walking the Via Francigena in May.

As part of the project, a workshop on ‘Value-based Heritage Management in Canterbury’ will be held in the Learning Lab at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge on 5 May 2017.

The workshop will extend over a half-day period and will be structured to two sessions, the first session asking ‘What is important in Canterbury that needs protection? Why is it important?’ and the second session asking ‘How to protect and manage Heritage Sites? How to involve local communities’ participation in decision-making processes?’

Spaces are limited so attendance is by invitation only. You may be able to receive an invitation by contacting the organisers directly. If you have any queries, please contact Maria Dimitriou: M.Dimitriou@kent.ac.uk

For full details about the workshop, please see the page here.