Figures behind the Figures: Dr Natalia Sobrevilla Perea

Each term I feature a different Kent award winner in the Research Services newsletter, looking at their research and discussing their career path and funding track record. I thought it would be worth adding these to the Blog. In February I featured Prof Adrian Podoleanu; today the spotlight falls on Dr Natalia Sobrevilla Perea, Reader in Hispanic Studies in the School of European Culture and Languages.

Dr Natalia Sobrevilla Perea

When I showed Dr Natalia Sobrevilla Perea a list of her applications and awards over the last seven years, she seemed genuinely shocked. ‘I’d forgotten about some of these,’ she said as she looked down the list, ‘but it does show that perseverance pays off.’

And how. Natalia, a Reader in Hispanic Studies, has put in 11 applications and got five awards, totalling almost £100,000. Her first two applications were unsuccessful, but she never gave up. ‘I had in mind a larger project, and submitted a series of applications to allow me to explore different facets of it.’

Her research, she laughingly admits, is focussed on an area ‘that nobody cares about’: nineteenth century Peru. The secret of her success has been her ability to ‘translate’ her interest to those outside the area, and demonstrate its relevance to wider history, policy, and culture. It’s a crucial skill for anyone putting together a funding application.

Marky McSpenceface

First output from NERC/M&S
Collaboration:
'Chocky McChockface'

Following the exciting news of the NERC/M&S link up, the CEO of M&S, Steve 'Cod' Rowe announced plans to 'learn from the best in engaging with our customers'.

As a result they have decided to follow NERC's lead and hold a competition to rename all their foodstuffs. 'What could possibly go wrong?' asked Rowe.

Meanwhile, in M&S...

A NERC scientist chats happily to an M&S worker. Possibly

It was announced yesterday that NERC and Marks and Spencer would share data. Now read on.

The check out of Marks and Spencer’s. A woman is at the check out with a Per Una top and a plastic box of chocolate bites.

Check out Assistant: That will be £53.99, please. Can I interest you in our store card?

Customer (fumbling for her credit card): Um, no, that’s alright, thanks.

Check out Assistant: You get an extra 10% off today’s purchase.

Customer: No, I’m fine, thank you.

Check out Assistant: You can spread the payments. Help you to manage your costs.

Customer: No, I really am fine, thanks.

Check out Assistant; Very reasonable rates.

Customer: No.

Check out Assistant: No problem madam. We do have an offer on the chocolate bites today. Buy two, get a third half price.

Customer: No, thanks. I only want the one.

Check out Assistant: I understand madam. Can I interest you in a Research Strategy?

A Hundred Years of Haldane

Philosopher-politician Richard Haldane

It was a very odd experience to read about the higher education green paper as I sat on a train rattling past Romford and Chelmsford. I was on my way to the first Eastern Academic Research Consortium conference at the University of Essex, and I was receiving emails and tweets about the approaching tsunami.

“If all its measures are enacted as planned,” suggested one commentator, “[it] will represent the biggest changes to the higher education sector since 1992.” I looked out the window. Chelmsford looked pretty much like it had always done. There was no evidence of “sweeping changes”, no apparent “battle lines drawn”. Just a grey autumn morning, rows of houses and early-morning dog walkers.