Professor Sophia Labadi, Professor of Heritage in the Department of Classical and Archaeological Studies, has published a book entitled The Cultural Turn in International Aid. This volume analyses a wide and comprehensive range of issues related to culture and international aid in a critical and constructive manner.

Assessing why international aid is provided for cultural projects, rather than for other causes, the book also considers whether and how donor-funded cultural projects can address global challenges, including post-conflict recovery, building peace and security, strengthening resilience, or promoting human rights.

With contributions from experts around the globe, the volume critically assesses the impact of international aid, including the diverse power relations and inequalities it creates, and the interests it serves at international, national and local levels. The book also considers projects that have failed and analyses the reasons for their failure, drawing out lessons learnt and considering what could be done better in the future.

Professor Labadi says that ‘this an important book not only for the academic debate on international aid, but also for any funder interested in funding cultural project’.

Kent Colleagues Connect builds on a number of very successful initiatives run by the Academic Division over the last couple of years which has brought together over 700 participants. The initiative provides opportunities for informal meetings between all colleagues across the university, whether based in schools or in central departments, either in an academic or a professional service capacity. The initiative is run with support from Commercial Services.

We are happy to announce that the first scheme we are bring back is Coffee with a Mystery colleague!

What? Complimentary (non-alcoholic) drink for two at one of the University’s catering outlets. This gives staff the opportunity to meet a colleague that may not normally get the chance to network with, as you will randomly be matched with a “mystery colleague”.

Who? This scheme is open to all staff across the University!

When? Drink vouchers will be redeemable for the whole of November and December 2019.

Where? Canterbury and Medway University catering outlets. 

How? Register by Friday 1st November.

To register for this scheme, visit the Learning and Organisational Development and complete the online booking form.

Paul March-Russell, Lecturer in the Department of Comparative Literature, has agreed to be the guest editor for a special issue of Humanities on “Modernism and Science Fiction”.

The issue assembles a special issue that explores the relationship between modernism and science fiction. Topics may include (but are not limited to): science fiction elements in the work of modernist writers and artists, technoculture and the avant-garde, science fiction, modernism and cinema, and more!

Manuscripts are welcomed and should be submitted online. For further questions, contact Paul March-Russell at P.A.March-Russell@kent.ac.uk.

The Estates Department has been collaborating with Kent Union to create a new outdoor space called Giles Courtyard.  This area, located next to the Wellbeing Services at Keynes College, is designed to support wellbeing and encourage people to take a break away from studying and working.

The creation of Giles Courtyard involved consultation with key stakeholders including Kent Union, Student Wellbeing and Counselling Service, Keynes Master’s Office and the Sustainability Team, to ensure that the plans would support biodiversity as well as people.  To meet this requirement, Landscape & Grounds Management reviewed the existing large Japonicas, keeping the larger trees to retain height and valuable nesting, foraging and perching opportunities for birds.  This has led to increased light exposure to the garden, allowing a greater diversity of plant species to grow and invertebrates to thrive in this space.  Staff and students will now have the opportunity to grow their own herbs and produce in the new raised beds and can contact sustainability@kent.ac.uk for more details about how to do this.

The space for quiet conversations has been encouraged by installing screened off seating areas, surrounded by fragrant plants.  This provides a secluded room-like feel to the garden as well as encouraging a wide range of plant species.

This is one of a number of projects Estates is assisting Kent Union with to improve outdoor spaces with emphasis on wellbeing, and has been driven by the feedback gathered by Kent Union relating to improvements students would like to see. To find out more about these projects, or other work the Landscape & Grounds Management team are working on, follow them on Twitter @UniKentGrounds

Want to have a break from your routine and try something new? The term 1 Let’s Play timetable includes netball, basketball, badminton, running, This Girl Can Lift, Beginners hockey and touch tennis. Why not get active, have fun, meet friends and join us for any of the sessions?

This is your chance to give these activities a go! Sessions are free to staff and student Kent Sport Premium Plus and Premium members; or pay £2 per person per session with Plus and Pay to Play membership. Kent Sport membership benefits and prices are available on the website.

“My life in Kent would definitely have been different without Let’s Play. I never thought playing sports would be that amusing; but now I actually fall in love with it, especially badminton. Let’s Play is very enjoyable and carefree as it is all about having fun. I like the variety of sports provided which enables me to try out different things and learn new skills. It is also nice to make new friends during the activities and have fun together.” Karen – Let’s Play participant.

For more information about the activities visit the Let’s Play webpage. Or pop into the University of Kent Sports Centre and pick up our Active Kent activities booklet. To keep up to date, follow @LetsPlayKent on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

See you at the next session!