Author: Cerri Evans

As part of a series of lectures which offer an opportunity to hear about the research work of some of the newest Professors in the College of Social Science, Professor Alina Rodrequez will deliver a talk on 26th October.

Her talk is titled Combining Approaches: In Search of the Origins of Neurodevelopment.

Professor Rodrequez said: “The diversity of the human psyche has always been a source of intrigue. Are we a product of our genes or of our environment?  Today, the belief is that we are a product of both, and that the interplay between environment and genetic factors varies across development.

“I will focus on the prenatal environment – the first environment to interact with our genes.  This talk critically explores biologically plausible mechanisms and presents studies using a variety of methodological approaches, epidemiological, experimental, and molecular to examine evidence for prenatal programming of neurodevelopment: growth and development of the brain.

“Research provides evidence that the exposure to maternal stress, depression and obesity during pregnancy negatively contributes to child neurodevelopment, manifesting as behavioural, cognitive, and emotional difficulties. The goal of my research is to understand the underlying mechanisms and to identify markers of poor developmental trajectories so that they can be identified and targeted early on, which is crucial.  Humans are the most plastic – or  amenable to change – early in life, which makes early health promotion strategies efficient and cost-effective.  The talk concludes by looking forward to my research agenda at University of Lincoln.”

The presentation will conclude at 7pm with refreshments and an opportunity for networking and to continue any discussions arising from the lecture.

This lecture is free to attend, however booking is required. Guests are asked to arrive for 5.30pm for a 6pm start. To find out more about the event and to register for a place, click here.

Please feel free to forward this invitation to any friends you feel may be interested.

To enable essential upgrades and maintenance to the electrical power infrastructure on the south side of the Brayford Pool campus, there will be a power shutdown on Sunday 4th September, beginning at 8:00am and lasting for up to eight hours.

During the shutdown period access to all ICT services will be affected both for those on and off campus. This includes Blackboard, Email, Network File Storage and the University Phone System.

The Security team will be available by telephone on 07843 658 942 in the event of an emergency during the shutdown period.

In addition, there will be no mains electricity to the following buildings, which will be locked throughout the shutdown period. These buildings will be locked as normal on Saturday 3 September and reopened as normal on Monday 5 September.

• AAD Building (East and West)
• Enterprise Building (North and South)
• Isaac Newton Building
• LPAC
• Science Centre
• Sports Centre & Human Performance Centre
• Students’ Union
• University Library
• Witham House

The following essential work will be carried out during the shutdown period:

• Connection of the high-voltage transformer for Isaac Newton Building Phase 2 to the south side high-voltage ring main, enabling the completion of the building
• Installation of new electricity meters for the AAD Building and the Science Centre, enabling more effective management of electricity consumption in those buildings
• Planned replacement of the uninterruptible power supply batteries for the Minerva Building data centre, maintaining the resilience of the University’s ICT services
• Correction of an issue with the power supply to the University Library comms room

Academic colleagues are asked to share this message with any students who may be affected.

If you have any concerns about the disruption to ICT services, please email the ICT Service Desk ICT@lincoln.ac.uk or telephone on 01522 886 500.

For any other concerns, please contact the Estates Support Desk estatessupport@lincoln.ac.uk or telephone on 01522 886 777.

Public Health England and Universities UK are asking students across the UK to check that they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine in the past, following an increase in confirmed cases of measles in some areas of the country over the past few weeks.

Cases have mainly been confirmed in unimmunised adolescents and young adults, some of which are known to be university students in the South of England. Many of these cases have been admitted to hospital.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. It’s now uncommon in the UK because of the effective MMR vaccination programme. Although it may be a mild illness in children, measles can be more severe in adults. Those who are unvaccinated, or not fully vaccinated, remain susceptible to the disease.

It’s never too late to have the vaccine. Students who have not received two doses of the vaccine in the past – or who are unsure – should speak to their GP. There’s no harm in receiving an additional dose if there is any uncertainty. Students can either arrange to be vaccinated while they are at University, or they can check their vaccination status when they are back at home and arrange to catch up with any vaccinations that they missed when they were younger.

Students are also asked to remain alert to measles, which can include cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, a high temperature or a red-brown blotchy rash. Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention, but phone ahead before visiting GP surgeries so arrangements can be made to prevent others from being infected. Those who have been in close contact with someone who has measles should also see their GP, if they have not been fully vaccinated (had two doses of the MMR vaccine) or haven’t had the infection before – particularly those who are immunosuppressed, pregnant or infants.

Two doses of MMR vaccine are routinely provided as part of the NHS Childhood Immunisation Programme in England. Uptake is now high with more than 90% of children receiving one dose of the vaccine by two years of age, but uptake of the vaccine was lower at the time the majority of current university students were offered the vaccine as children.

Public Health England has published a blog on the avoidable health threats every student should know about.

To register or book an appointment at the University Health Centre, call 01522 870010 or visit during opening hours (9am-6.30pm Monday to Friday).