People
Award for computer games pioneer
Dr Richard Bartle, a Visiting Professor in the Department
of Electronic Systems Engineering, has been awarded an international award
in recognition of his pioneering work in computer game design undertaken
whilst an undergraduate at Essex.
As
co-creator of Multi-User Dungeons (MUDs) in 1978, Dr Bartle paved the way
for many of today's hugely popular multiplayer online role-playing and
persistent-world games. He received the International Game Developers
Association (IGDA) First Penguin award at a ceremony in San Francisco.
The First Penguin award honours those who have had the courage to
develop ideas in the face of uncertainty and subsequently inspire others.
With more than 1,670 MUD games in existence, Dr Bartle continues to be an
important player in the industry.
New SU team
The new Students’ Union team for 2005-2006 has been
elected, headed by Siobhan Kinealy, who will be the new President.
Siobhan campaigned within the Sabb X team, along with Steve Tighe, who
was elected VP Sports and Societies.
The other three sabbatical posts were won by members of the Thunder
Sabbs: Richard Brabner, incoming Vice President (VP) Student Development,
Bav Patel incoming VP Academic and Welfare, and Gareth Barrett in coming
VP Finance and Services.
The new officers will take up their posts at the start of the next
academic year.
The new SU team, from left, Richard Brabner, Bav Patel, Steve Tighe,
Siobhan Kinealy, and Gareth Barrett
International book honour for Law academic
Dr Karen Hulme of the Department of Law has awarded an
international prize for her book on the law of armed conflict.
War Torn Environment: Interpreting the Legal Threshold, Dr Hulme's,
first book, was awarded The Francis Lieber Prize for 2004 by the American
Society of International Law’s Lieber Society. The Society aims to foster
the study of international law and to promote the establishment and
maintenance of international relations on the basis of law and justice.
The Lieber Prize is awarded annually to an author aged 35 years or
younger for outstanding scholarship in the field of the law of armed
conflict.
Also in the printed May edition of Wyvern:
- El Greco expert heads for Essex
- John Powers retires
- Experts discuss human rights indicators
