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Welcome to in Focus Update… |
Past Issues << | Issue 215: 5 October 2010 |
Work officially began on the brand - new £20 million sports centre at UEL's Docklands Campus last Thursday. The project, which will take until early 2012 to complete, was celebrated with a commemorative ‘turning of the first turf’ with the University's Vice - Chancellor, Professor Patrick McGhee, UEL's Director of Sport, David Cosford, UK Mixed Martial Arts Champion Djo Lema, Paralympic powerlifter Ali Jawad and international rowing star John Collins, along with members of the England basketball team. The centre will open in early 2012 in plenty of time for the London Olympic and Paralympic games, when it will be used by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as its primary base for athlete performance services and logistical operations. For full story, click HERE.
The pioneering work of the late education campaigner and former Cass School for Education board - member, Manuel Alvarado, was honoured in a poignant ceremony at UEL’s Stratford Campus on Tuesday. A high-tech performing arts studio used by teacher-training students at the school was renamed in Mr Alvarado’s honour, while a glass commemorative plaque marking the event was unveiled by his widow Tana Wollen. Speaking at the event Ms Wollen said: “Manuel would have been absolutely delighted to have been honoured in this way. His first great love was music and the performing arts and he, along with many others, worked extremely hard at UEL to ensure that education here was funded adequately." For full story, visit HERE
As some of you will be aware there have been a few changes that have taken place over the summer with regard to the Students’ Union and its functionality for this academic year and the future. It has been agreed the Students’ Union will no longer manage Aqua East or The Underground Bar, and the Docklands Atrium Shop is now run by John Smith's, however, we do still have an active Students’ Union, UELSU, which the University recognises, funds and supports. For a full update please visit: uel.ac.uk/studentservices/helpdesk/union.htm
The University of East London celebrated the success of its fundraising programme this week with the first ever Annual Fund Awards Ceremony hosted by guest of honour
and UEL patron, Baroness Prosser of Battersea. Hundreds of donors and UEL supporters came together at the event to congratulate UEL’s Annual Fund and its support of successful researchers and students.
The Annual Fund was launched in autumn 2008 and provides an exciting opportunity for the Friends of UEL to support and invest in the future development plans of the University. Thanks to the generous support from the UEL community, UEL is awarding five Student Hardship grants valued at £500 each and five Start-up Research Grants each valued at £2,000. For full story click HERE
Five students from the School of Civil Engineering and Information Technology at the University of East London have been awarded bursaries by Thames Water which should keep them afloat financially. Imran Ahmed, Ruhul Amin Choudory and Iscandar Almahruqi, who will begin their studies in Civil Engineering this year at UEL, along with Abdul Raouf and Kawser Alom, who are studying Electronic Engineering, were all presented with a certificate by the CEO of Thames Water, Martin Baggs. The bursary will pay half of each of the five students’ tuition fees for the year. They will also have two paid summer work placements each with Thames Water, providing them with valuable work experience. For full story click HERE
The Graduate School is delighted
to announce a record haul of Research Council studentships have been gained over the summer of 2010. Congratulations to Madeline Clements, Ali Ali, and James McNally, all of 
whom have been awarded funding by the Arts and Humanities Research Council to help them support doctoral studies; to Mary Sutton, who has been awarded funding to support a Master's followed by a PhD by the Economic and Social Research Council and finally to Laura Golbuff, who has been awarded doctoral funding through a competition run by the ESRC’s UK Transport Research Centre. All five students will be based in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
For information on other sources of postgraduate research funding, including the newly-acquired Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding, please see the Graduate School’s Postgraduate Funding webpage, uel.ac.uk/gradschool/current/Researchstudentfunding.htm
Professor Anthony Heath is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Oxford and Co-Director of the Centre for Research into Elections and Social Trends. His research interests include social mobility, class and educational opportunity, and nationalism and identity, and his talk will focus on the results of a study carried out earlier this summer into the voting behaviour of minority ethnic groups, and the conclusions to be drawn in relation to political engagement and national identity. Professor Heath will be speaking at the West Building Lecture Theatre, Docklands Campus on Wednesday 20 October 2010, 6pm – 9pm. Professor Molly Andrews from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences will chair the event. A 45 - minute question and answer session, followed by a buffet reception, will take place after his talk. Attendance is free of charge for all staff, students and alumni. For further information, or to reserve your place, please contact the Development & Alumni Office via 020 8223 2222 or alumni@uel.ac.uk no later than Wednesday 13 October.
This October will see the first - ever UK Student PassivHaus Conference. Taking place bat UEL on 10 October 2010, the conference will gather architecture and environmental students, researchers and their lecturers, giving them a chance to share, debate and discuss the work we do. Hosted by UEL MA Architecture: Sustainability and Design, this one - day event will be an opportunity to discuss and compare the work we do, what we have learnt, how it applies in practice and where we go from here. Being held on the 10th day of the 10th month holds more significance than just a date. The 10.10 campaign, which has been lobbying for a 10% CO2 emission reduction in 2010, is rapidly gaining momentum and this conference will be an opportunity for students to establish networks and links, while also bringing together industry experts. The conference is a free event, though registration is required. To register your interest in attending, please click here
Colleagues from The Cass School of Education and Education and Community Partnerships delivered a pilot training programme for 20 informal science educators during the 
summer. As part of a successful Challenge Fund bid attendees from a number of organisations including London Zoo and the Lee Valley Park attended a day that was developed and led by Cass School of Education's Sheila Morrissey and Anna Portch from the London Education Environmental Forum. The next challenge for the project group is to build on the success of the pilot day with a viable and costed training programme that will be offered on a rolling basis to the sector.For more information contact either Neil Herrington (n.herrington@uel.ac.uk) or Maggie McLinden (m.mclinden@uel.ac.uk )
For the latest on our activities visit the news releases section of our website www.uel.ac.uk/news
A to Z of Knowledge Transfer: A guide to the workings of a Knowledge Transfer Department 15 October 2010
The Senate House, University of London
Visit the KnowledgeLondon website to book your place and for full programme.
UEL Open Days
Book online at uel.ac.uk/openday
For more information about Open Days, contact Vicky Rossiter on v.rossiter@uel.ac.uk
Open Day |
Saturday 16 October |
12 – 4pm |
Stratford/ Docklands |
All start dates |
Alumni reception with Professor Anthony Heath, 20 October 6- 9pm
Professor Anthony Heath, Oxford Professor of Sociology is visiting UEL to give a talk to our students, staff and alumni at the West Building Lecture Theatre. The lecture will be followed by a buffet and drinks reception. We will be expecting at least 70 alumni plus students and staff. For more background information about Professor Heath click HERE
National Energy Saving Week 25- 29 October
We want everyone to contribute to reducing UEL's carbon footprint and will be hosting a range of activities to encourage staff and students to save energy. From competitions in halls to staff events, there will be something for everyone! For further information, please visit uel.ac.uk/greenthing
Widening Participation for Postgraduates: Research, Policy and Practice, 
27 October 2010, 10.30 - 16.00
KD 2.13, University of East London, Docklands Campus
This free one - day conference from UEL is focused around the current widening participation agenda at postgraduate level, which is both under - researched and underdeveloped in terms of policy and practice.
To book a place on the conference, click HERE
WISE UP! UEL Health, Safety and Wellbeing Events
A wide range of health, safety and wellbeing exhibitors will be present. There will also be several competitions and our ever - popular goody bags. So whether you want to check your fitness levels, get some advice on healthy eating, find out about stress management or have a soothing massage, put the dates in your diary now. Staff and Students ALL WELCOME
- Tuesday 2 November Stratford Campus Computer Centre, 10am - 4pm
- Tuesday 9 November Docklands Campus East Building, 10am - 4pm
The Writing Centre Presents 'A conversation with Martina Cole' 3 November (lecture theatre, Docklands) WBG.02 from 2.30pm - 5pm
An exciting event that gives past and present students the chance to meet a successful author and discuss writing, literature and psychology. For further information, please contact events@uel.ac.uk
Annual Staff Planning Conference 22nd November, Excel Centre, 9am - 2pm
The theme is The Student Experience: excellence in the eyes of our students. Lunch will be provided, if you fill in your evaluation form. This conference is the next step in implementing our strategy, Transformation for Excellence. The conference is open to all UEL staff regardless of grade or role. If you would like to attend the conference, please email Lara Amuwa in the Planning Team at o.amuwa@uel.ac.uk.
See Events Calendar for a full listing: www.uel.ac.uk/marketing/support/eventscalendar.htm
Sports Clubs looking forward to a successful yearUELSports clubs have started training for their competitive year, and are looking for more staff to get involved. All clubs are open for the whole UEL community, with the newly formed triathlon club having a committee fully made up of staff.
Please the training/contact list for each club below, and make contact with the relevant club if you wish to offer your assistance, get involved practically or offer any advice.
Club/Sport |
Day |
Time |
Venue |
Contact |
Athletics |
Monday |
18.30 – 20.30 |
Terrance McMillan Athletics Stadium |
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Wednesday |
18.30 – 20.30 |
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Badminton |
Thursday |
18.00 – 20.00 |
Rokeby School |
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Basketball Men’s |
Monday |
20.00 – 22.00 |
New Rokeby School (Canning Town) |
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Friday |
20.00 – 22.00 |
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Basketball Women’s |
Monday |
20.00 – 22.00 |
New Rokeby School (Canning Town) |
|
Friday |
20.00 – 22.00 |
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Boxing |
Wednesday |
15.00 – 17.00 |
West Ham Amateur Boxing Club |
|
Thursday |
16.00 – 18.00 |
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Cheerleading |
Wednesday |
14.00 – 16.00 |
Excel Centre, Hall N5 |
|
Cricket |
Tuesday |
18.00 – 20.00 |
Newvic College |
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Cycling |
Various |
TBC |
Various around London |
|
Dance |
Tuesday |
18.30 – 19.30 pm (B) |
UEL I-Pad, Trinity Buoy Wharf |
|
19.30 – 20.30 pm (A) |
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Football Men’s (1st + 2nd) |
Monday |
18.30 – 19.30 |
Memorial Park |
|
Friday |
17.00 – 18.00 |
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Football Men’s (3rd) |
Monday |
17.00 – 18.30 |
Memorial Park |
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Football Women’s |
Monday |
17.00 – 18.30 |
Memorial Park |
|
Gaelic Football Men’s |
Wednesday |
18.00 – 20.00 |
East London Rugby Club |
|
Gaelic Football Women’s |
Wednesday |
18.00 – 20.00 |
East London Rugby Club |
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Gymnastics |
Wednesday |
TBC |
TBC |
|
Handball |
Wednesday |
17.30 – 19.00 |
Newham Leisure Centre |
|
Hockey Men’s |
Monday |
18.00 – 19.00 |
Kingsford Community School |
|
Hockey Women’s |
Monday |
18.00 – 19.00 |
Kingsford Community School |
|
Judo |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC |
|
Ju Jitsu |
TBC |
TBC |
Carpenters and Docklands Centre (Stratford) |
The European Commission, Directorate General for Environment. Call for Tenders: Supporting Green Infrastructure Efficiency and Implementation. Deadline 25 October 2010. The overall objective of this call for tender is to support the implementation of nature and biodiversity policy, especially by improving the knowledge base on the topic and assessing the implementation and efficiency of green infrastructure in Europe. The contract is worth € 260,000 for 12 months. Please visit here for more information.
The European Commission is organising a public debate on the Digital Agenda for Europe Strategy, successor to 'i2010', on 25 October in Brussels. The event is organised around the following six priority action areas: Digital single market; Trust and security; Digital literacy, skills and inclusion; Interoperability and standards; Fast and ultra-fast internet access; and ICT-enabled benefits for EU society. This event is an excellent opportunity to liaise with European experts and build up partnership, for future collaborations. Further information and registration can be obtained from the European Commission website on the event.
British Sociological Association (BSA), Call for BSA Regional Postgraduate Day School Events. Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 12 November 2010. The BSA would like expressions of interest from postgraduate students interested in organising a regional postgraduate day event in 2010-11. BSA is looking for postgraduate organisers willing to co-ordinate with speakers and the BSA to organise a day event at the student’s institution. The BSA will provide upto £1,000 support for the event, which should be free for BSA members to attend. The grant can be used to pay for room hire, speakers, lunch and refreshments. The BSA Office will also promote and publicise the Postgraduate day schools through a number of outlets including flyers in membership packs, the BSA website and member e-newsletters. Please email all expressions of interest to BSA Membership Services Director, Howard Wollman at h.wollman@napier.ac.uk .
Address all correspondence: BSA REGIONAL POSTGRADUATE EVENTS. Expressions of interest should include name and institution, but may also include proposed dates, proposed programme, potential speakers, etc.
ESRC National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM), Networks for Methodological Innovation. Deadline: 15 November 2010. The aim of the scheme is to enable networks of researchers to meet in order to stimulate debate and develop ideas (with associated outputs) in relation to methodological innovation. Networks consist of a series of network-based events and related activities over a period of up to one year and will normally be of two kinds: (1) Catalysing activities: stimulating research and promoting debate on new methodological challenges among academic researchers, users and research funding bodies; (2) synthesising activities: reviewing research in a specific methodological field, or identifying commonalities between research in different methodological fields. Visit the NCRM’s website for information.
Action Medical Research, Project Grants. Deadline for outline applications: 23 November 2010. The Charity supports research that focuses on child health to include problems affecting pregnancy, childbirth, babies, children and young people. There are ongoing projects described on our website from our previous wider remit that have several years to run but all new applications must focus on child health. Within child health, we support a broad spectrum of research with the objective of: preventing disease and disability; and alleviating physical disability. Visit the Action Medical Research for information.
EPSRC, Novel Technologies for Cross-Disciplinary Research. Deadline: 24 November 2010, 4.00pm. The EPSRC is inviting proposals for the development of novel technologies to support the needs of cross-disciplinary science and engineering in the 21st century. Generic novel technology research is a priority for the Cross-disciplinary interfaces programme at EPSRC. Proposals will be supported from multi-disciplinary research teams with the capability to deliver the most promising novel technology ideas that will contribute to the development of a generic technology base, which can be adapted to a diverse range of scientific research problems. Please see the call’s webpage for information.
Royal Society, International Joint Projects cost share: India and Ireland; and International Joint Projects: direct. Deadlines: 25 November 2010. The Royal Society International Joint Project programme is designed to enable international collaboration by providing a mobility grant for researchers and members of their research teams to cover travel, subsistence and research expenses. It also aims to provide seed money for research that will lead to further collaboration and greater funding in the future from larger funding bodies. Please follow the link for information.
African Studies Association of the UK, Sponsorship for Conferences and Workshops. Deadline: Open. The ASAUK is able to consider applications from organisers ONLY for up to £500 to support UK academic workshops/conferences. Up to four grants may be made in any one calendar year. The ASAUK will consider any element of workshop/conference costs but is particularly keen to contribute to the bringing of African scholars to UK conferences. Visit the ASAUK’s website for information.
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Knowledge Exchange Scheme. The ESRC is issuing a harmonised call for four schemes, providing funding to undertake additional knowledge exchange and impact generation activities that can demonstrate the potential for economic, social, policy and/or practice benefit(s). Please note, the schemes are not designed to fund new research. These are: Follow -on funding Scheme; Knowledge Exchange Small Grants Scheme; Business Placement Fellowships; and Third Sector Placement Fellowships. The Call for Applications to the Scheme will be open between the 5 November 2010 and 13 January 2011. Visit the scheme’s website for more information.
The European Commission, Directorate General for Research and Innovation. Call for proposal: Marie Curie Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways IAPP. Deadline 7 December 2010. An IAPP aims to increase industry-academia cooperation by supporting the creation, development, reinforcement and execution of strategic partnerships with at least one commercial enterprise and one academic organisation in two different European states. The program includes the creation of diverse career possibilities for experienced researchers through secondments, recruitment and networking activities. The project can be up to 48 months and it envisages at least 50% of research time to be spent in secondments. Please visit this webpage for the work programme and guide for applicants.
The European Commission, Directorate General for Research and Innovation. Call for proposal: Initial Training Networks ITN. Deadline 26 January 2011.
An ITN aims at offering a series of fellowships to early-stage researchers through a joint training programme including complementary skills modules. It covers the costs of networking and the organisation of short training events with an option to recruit visiting scientists. An ITN has both industrial and academic partners from at least three different European countries, whereby the industry must be either a full partner or a provider of specific training opportunities. Please visit this webpage for further info on the work programme and guidelines.
Missed an update? All previously advertised funding opportunities are archived until their date of expiry at uel.ac.uk/gradschool/research/ResearchUpdate.htm or uel.ac.uk/gradschool/research/euroupdate.htm
Please send comments or contributions for in Focus Update to: infocus@uel.ac.uk
To contribute a UEL news item please supply a headline (c. 10 words), short paragraph (c. 50-100 words) with a call to action (email / web link or phone) together with a photo.
To contribute a UEL event please supply a headline (c. 10 words), date, time, location, short description, with call to action (email / web link or phone)
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