Photographic exhibition at Keele for Refugee week, 16-22 June

Siobhan Holohan and Ala Sirriyeh, along with colleagues from Humanities, have been organising a photographic exhibition for Refugee Week (16-22 June). Refugee Week is a UK-wide festival of arts, cultural and educational events to celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK and to encourage greater understanding of refugee experiences. The importance and benefits of sanctuary to both ‘host’ communities and refugees is persistently questioned by hostile media coverage. Keele University values and promotes a culture of welcome, and this year, for the first time, Keele joins Refugee Week and its profusion of activities taking place across the country from 16th till 22nd June. Keele campus will host a week-long photographic exhibition which aims to capture the different stages of displaced lives in search of sanctuary. From routes to home, the images will chart the difficult and challenging – often unsuccessful – journeys to safety. The pictures represent original work collected by sociologist Dr Ala Sirriyeh (Keele) and anthropologist Sebastien Bachelet (Edinburgh) during their field research in the UK and Morocco, respectively.

Refugee Week at Keele will open officially on 16th June with a wine reception in the Claus Moser building at 5.30 pm. The launch aims to gather together senior representatives of the university, academic staff, students, as well as members of the community to celebrate the history, the present and the future of refugees in the UK. This opening event will also feature a 15 minutes music performance by Dr Kelcey Swain (Bristol); for this occasion Kelcey has composed an electroacoustic piece which aims to conjure up ideas of displacement , uprooting, dislocation, yearning to belong. Music and images brought to Keele University for Refugee Week will engage the audience in contemporary refugee matters and will also offer alternative portrayals of migrants – not just victims, but actively involved in shaping their future. Come along, spread the word, and join us for Refugee Week at Keele!

Organising committee: Rachel Bright, Siobhan Holohan, Mariangela Palladino, Ala Sirriyeh.
For further information, please contact one of the organisers by email: r.bright@keele.ac.uk; s.holohan@keele.ac.uk; m.palladino@keele.ac.uk; a.sirriyeh@keele.ac.uk

More happening for Keele Refugee Week:

Keele University Creative Writing Students and the KPA (Keele Postgraduate Association) will host

Open mic poetry and music on seeking sanctuary and human displacement.   This will take place at the KPA, Keele University Campus, on 9^th June at 6pm.  Contact Patrick Atack: v6p67@students.keele.ac.uk

(https://www.facebook.com/Keelepostgrads)

Sociology in the news: 'Keele academic brings Spanish graffiti to North Staffordshire'

Dr Andrzej Zieleniec's exhibition of Spanish urban art has recently been featured in a local newspaper.  The exhibition is a result of his study of three cities in Spain and the full article gives some further background to the project.  

This display of photographs is in the the Art Gallery, Chancellor's Building, Keele University until Wednesday 4th June and is free for all to visit.         

New publication - 'The origins of conflict in dependent drug treatment: Lessons for partnership working' by Sam Weston

Polarised ideologies about the treatment of dependent drug use have been long lasting features in the field of drug treatment. In her most recent paper, published in the British Journal of Community Justice, Dr Sam Weston discusses the potential origins of such disagreements. Through the analysis of drug policy and guidance documents developed since the publication of the 1998 UK Drug Strategy and interviews with practitioners from the field Sam argues that the reframing of drug policy, from one concerned with harm reduction to one that is punitive and abstinence based, has resulted in the articulation of inconsistent messages. These messages, she argues, not only provide opportunities for the development of varying interpretations of drug policy but may have reinforced the polarised treatment ideologies observed in professionals working with dependent drug users.

PhD Studentships Available in Criminology and Sociology

Are you interested in pursuing a PhD in Criminology or Sociology? We are offering PhD funding opportunities to work with us.  The deadline for applications is 30th May 2014.  As a first step, contact Dr Mark Featherstone, Postgraduate Research Director, to discuss your research interests. 

Postgraduate Funding Opportunities in Social Policy for 2014-2015

Keele University - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Location:	Keele
Salary:	£13,863 stipend plus tuition fee (£3,996).
Hours:	Full Time
Contract:	Contract / Temporary

Placed on:	1st May 2014
Closes:	30th May 2014

The interdisciplinary research Centre for Social Policy in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Keele University is home to world-class scholars and research groups. In the 2008 RAE, 65% of the Centre’s research was classified as world-leading and of international importance. The Centre brings together over 40 active researchers and 130 postgraduate research students in a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment. Our facilities include dedicated PGR office suites and meeting rooms, transferable skills training and funding to support research expenses and conference attendance.

For 2014-2015, the Centre is offering a range of studentship opportunities across its research areas:

• Sociology
• Criminology
• Human Geography
• Education
• Social Work
• Health Management
• Gerontology

For further details of our specific research specialisms and the expertise of our supervisors please visit: http://www.keele.ac.uk/risocsci/researchcentres/socialpolicy/

Our postgraduate funding opportunities for 2014-15 include:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (PhD)
• Full Studentships (PhD)
• Bursaries and Fee Waivers (PhD)

A full studentship includes an annual tax-free stipend at RCUK rate (£13,863 for 2014/15) plus tuition fee (£3,996).

Applicants are strongly advised to discuss their interests with the Postgraduate Research Director, Dr. Mark Featherstone (m.a.featherstone@keele.ac.uk) and prospective supervisors. Please liaise with Helen Farrell for advice on the most appropriate contact point: socialsciences.phd@keele.ac.uk; tel. +44 (0)1782 733641.

The closing date for applications is Friday 30 May 2014.