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Welcome to in Focus Update… |
Past Issues << | Issue 265: 12 October 2011 |
Dear colleagues,
As you will be aware, we have successfully moved to a new Schools structure with effect from August this year following extensive consultation with students, staff and other stakeholders. The underlying rationale for the new School structure was to re-align a number of our academic strengths with emerging external opportunities whilst working to deliver the strategic objectives set out in our University Strategy, Transformation for Excellence.
The successful move to the new School structure was only made possible due to the hard work and sustained effort made by a large number of staff over the spring and summer period. I wanted to express my grateful thanks to all staff who played a role in the restructuring, however large or small. It would not have been possible to move to the new structure in the tight time-frame and in light of other UEL-wide initiatives without the commitment and dedication of a large number of staff. You are to be heartily congratulated on what is a major achievement.
We will continue to work on any outstanding issues arising from the new structure and look forward to the continued growth and development of our academic base.
Yours sincerely,
Professor John Joughin
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Next year will be an exciting year for UEL with the summer 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Please find below some important dates for this period:
6 – 9 July: occupation begins of the Halls of Residencies, The Edge cafeteria, Trading Floor and SportsDock on Docklands Campus, and the Cass School of Education and Communities
Building and Great Hall (University House) on Stratford Campus
20 July: temporary teaching block occupation begins
27 July – 12 Aug: London 2012 Olympic Games
13 – 19 August: partners vacate the Cass School of Education and Communities
Building and Great Hall (University House) on Stratford Campus, and the Halls of Residencies, The Edge cafeteria, Great Hall, Trading floor and parts of SportsDock on Docklands Campus
22 – 29 August: reoccupation of Halls of Residencies and Cass School of Education and Communities
Building
29 August – 9 September: London 2012 Paralympic Games
9 – 15 September: all partners vacate
For further information see the staffing FAQs at www.uel.ac.uk/2012/office/staffing-faqs.htm or email 2012inquiries@uel.ac.uk
A special event to celebrate the achievements of the 2010/2011 Undergraduate Research Interns took place at Docklands Campus last week. The purpose of the event was to highlight the outstanding and innovative research projects, which both UEL interns and their academic supervisors have been working on over the past year. As part of the evening, interns and their supervisors each made a contribution to a special poster exhibition to offer staff and students a candid insight into their respective areas of research. During the ceremony, interns and academics were handed awards by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Joughin, to commend them for the superb contribution they have made to UEL research during the 2010/2011 academic year.
The winners were Eva Martinez – supervised by Rachel Aldred: New options for family transport: is there a market for cargo bikes in Hackney, London?; Aaron Brace – supervised by Anna Stone Factors: Influencing belief in alternative therapies; Aja Kaddy Jaiteh – supervised by Pippa Dell: Female genital cutting amongst West African women: An exploration of the lived experience of a cut body.
To find more about the 2011/12 Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme that was launched this week visit www.uel.ac.uk/reds/ints2012.htm The deadline for applications is Monday 14 November 2011, 5pm.
When popular Channel 5 technology programme the Gadget Show was looking for someone to design a novel interactive comic for them, they went straight to UEL graduate Matt Gibson. Interactive Media Design graduate Matt, now marketing and production director for London-based digital agency Cyber-Duck, was approached by the show to design and produce an interactive version of the classic horror story Dracula. For the full story see bit.ly/virtualcomic
During October you can help protect your local parks and playing fields from being built on and show that you want your children to have green spaces to play on in the future. No sites in Newham have been nominated yet. Why not ask Newham council to join the QEII Fields Challenge? Visit qe2fields.com
UEL’s steadfast commitment to health and safety was further endorsed by the successful completion of the IOSH accredited ‘Safety for Senior Executives’ training, by Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick McGhee (pictured) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor John Joughin. UEL’s Health and Safety Manager, Del Basi, was impressed by the excellent level of existing knowledge from the participants and the high calibre of questions posed to the trainer. Due to the success of this valuable training session another ‘Safety for Senior Executives’ date is already being planned and UEL looks forward to welcoming new and future VCG and UMT members onto the course.
The 2012 Games is the key global event next summer, and it’s taking place here in London! It will not only be fantastic for sport but also fantastic for business. The Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Marketing and the 2012 Games Conference will be held at the Docklands Campus at 6pm on 29 November. As sponsor, we have a limited number of free places for staff and students. To reserve your place please email Aidan Kelly at a.j.kelly@uel.ac.uk For more information see cimlondon.co.uk/cim_glr_events/marketing-and-the-2012-games-conference
Health and Safety Manager, Del Basi, had the pleasure of welcoming a party of 6 government delegates from the Chinese city of Ningbo, last week (pictured). The delegates were on a study tour of the UK, with a view to further understanding of native Health and Safety management perspectives. The delegation spent half a day with the Unit, during which an interactive presentation was delivered, followed by an extensive Q & A session. The feedback from the group was extremely positive and the delegation expressed their appreciation to the Health and Safety Manager for his hospitality.
UEL Christmas Party 2011UEL will be holding it’s annual Christmas Party again this year, and require a team of eager volunteers to organise it. If you think you have some good ideas for the party (and we know many of you do) and would like to get involved, email staffparty@uel.ac.uk to register your interest and get the party started!
For the latest on our activities visit the news releases section of our website www.uel.ac.uk/news
School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering presents guest speakers discussing the legacy and impacts of the London 2012 Olympic Games: Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 October, 6.30pm (AVA Building Atrium, Docklands Campus)
All welcome to two evenings of talks with Mark Brearley (Head of Design for London), Eleanor Fawcett (Head of Design at the Olympic Park Legacy Company), Alison Crawshaw (of muf art and architecture) and Tom Holbrook (Director of 5th Studio architecture practice). For further details email h.f.liang@uel.ac.uk
PSF Showcase: Tuesday 18 October, 4.30pm (EB.1.03, Docklands Campus)
All staff are invited to afternoon tea to hear the experiences of colleagues who have become Fellows of the HEA through our CPD Route, to hear initial evaluations of research being undertaken into UEL’s Professional Standards Framework, to share colleagues’ good practice and to meet other Fellows. Please RSVP to Dallas Davis: d.j.davis@uel.ac.uk For more on the PSF process see www.uel.ac.uk/apse/professional/framework.htm
Talks from the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff network in association with the National Mentoring Consortium: Wednesday 19 October, 5.30 – 8pm (EB.0.14, Docklands Campus)
Dr Gil Robinson, Acting Associate Dean Royal Docks Business School will be speaking on ‘Succeeding in Higher Education and the creation of Black History Month’, and Robin Landman, OBE Chief Executive NBP, will be speaking on ‘The Network of Black Professionals: tapping into the national network to enhance your successful future’. The presentations will be of benefit to all staff and students.
Migrant workers and camel jockeys: a look at exploitation in the Gulf: Wednesday 26 October, 3.30 – 5pm (Room 110, Duncan House)
David Keane, Lecturer, Department of Law, Middlesex University. Refreshments provided, all welcome. For further information visit www.uel.ac.uk/chrc or contact Johanna Herman on j.herman@uel.ac.uk
Gender-based violence in war and the question of accountability: the case of Bosnia: Wednesday 9 November, 3.30 – 5pm (Room 110, Duncan House)
Maja Korac, Reader, School of Law and Social Sciences, and Olga Martin-Ortega, Senior Research Fellow, Centre on Human Rights in Conflict, School of Law and Social Sciences (UEL). Chair: Johanna Herman, Centre on Human Rights in Conflict, UEL. For further information visit www.uel.ac.uk/chrc or contact Johanna Herman on j.herman@uel.ac.uk
The Centre of Excellence for Women Entrepreneurship (CEWE) Conference: Thursday 17 November, 9am – 4.30pm (Honourable Artillery Company, Moorgate)
Registration is now open for the CEWE Conference and networking session. The event will bring together women entrepreneurs and their supporters to share knowledge, experiences and challenges. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your networks! Early bird discount applies if you book before 5pm on 30 September. Please see www.uel.ac.uk/cewe/conference.htm for more information and to book now.
The Human-Rights Compliance of UK Anti-Terrorism Legislation in the Light of Domestic and International Case Law: Wednesday 23 November, 3.30 – 5pm (Room 110, Duncan House)
Carmen Draghici, Lecturer, School of Law, City University. For further information visit www.uel.ac.uk/chrc or contact Johanna Herman on j.herman@uel.ac.uk
See Events Calendar for a full listing: www.uel.ac.uk/marketing/support/eventscalendar.htm
Spotlight on staff 
"Hi, I am Jess Dickie and I recently, joined the jogging club on Tuesday lunchtimes thinking I would be jogging around in a circle until I got tired, I had no idea how wrong I was!
"We meet outside the main reception and walk/jog to Westham Park where we meet Winnie, our coach.
"Winnie is great. She finds out how we all are and changes the session to accommodate us all. We warm up doing some stretching and running exercises Once we are warmed up we set off running round the park. This week we did what’s called Fartlek training (yes that's what I said) you run for 30 seconds, walk for 20 seconds, run for 30 seconds, etc. We continue doing it for 13 minutes.
"It's great fun and there is lots of encouragement from other members of the club as well as from Winnie. I was so pleased with my performance this week, after only a few weeks I've gone from someone who couldn't run 100 metres to someone who ran and walked for 13 minutes without collapsing!"
For more information on lunchtime jogging sessions email y.abidou@uel.ac.uk
Welcome to the Green Thing, a regular section full of info on environmental projects, tips and ideas for staff at UEL.
Visit our website www.uel.ac.uk/greenthing, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/uel_greenthing or get in touch via greenthing@uel.ac.uk W e’d love to hear from you!
Environment Team
Facilities
Following on from last week’s inFocus article on Sustainable Fish, Sustain, an organisation campaigning for better food and farming, came to campus last week to promote the Sustainable Fish City campaign. Sustain spoke to over a hundred students and staff, and spread the word about how to choose sustainable fish. To find out more and to enter a competition to win a £50 Wahaca voucher visit www.sustainablefishcity.net
UEL’s very own Bicycle User Group (BUG) exists to promote the interests of UEL staff who cycle (ranging from those who regularly cycle to work to more occasional bicycle users) and more broadly to encourage cycling among UEL staff. The next meeting of BUG is taking place on Thursday 13 October at 1pm in EB.G.07 (Docklands Campus) and all are welcome. More information on the group is available at www.uel-cyclists.co.uk BUG also aims to work together with the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) on wider issues for cyclists. One such problem is the plans for re-development of Blackfriars junction. Join a Flashride to support a better Blackfriars on Wednesday 12 October at 6pm. More information is on the LCC website lcc.org.uk/pages/blackfriars
…that UEL has sent 106.4 tonnes of waste to be recycled this year so far? That’s almost double the amount recycled in the same period last year! Look up the stats in the monthly UEL Waste Reports, coming soon!
Highlights
ESRC The Knowledge Exchange Opportunities scheme - For knowledge exchange activities at any stage of the research lifecycle, aimed at maximising the impact of social science research outside academia, to encourage applicants to think creatively about knowledge exchange. Eligible activities include vodcasts, networks, social theatre, museum & virtual exhibitions, & online resources. Requires co-funding. ESRC will fund up to a maximum amount of £100,000. Grant for up to one year. Closes 27-Oct-11
The Social Investment Business for the Cabinet Office Social Action Fund (SAF) - To deliver new or additional social action opportunities that will expand giving of time, money, knowledge or assets in priority areas & groups: 1) Social action in the community; 2) Social action inspired by the Olympics & Paralympics; & 3) Social action for all ages. Large & ambitious projects of £1 million plus are encouraged. Minimum of £100,000, no maximum, at 100%. Grant Up to 2 years. Closes 02-Nov-11
Nuffield Foundation Africa Programme - Supports the development of research & professional expertise required for African countries to grow their economies & deliver health, education & other services. £5,000 - £150,000 grant. Closes 04-Nov-11.
British Academy Small Research Grant Scheme - To support a clearly defined, discrete piece of collaborative or individual primary research in the humanities & social sciences. To facilitate initial project planning & development; to support the direct costs of research; & to enable the advancement of research through workshops or conferences, or visits by or to partner scholars. Applicants may seek support for any combination of eligible activity. £500 - £10,000 Grant Up to 24 months. Closes 09-Nov-11
UKRC CATALYSTS Call (Public Engagement with Research) - To embed public engagement with research within the policies, procedures & practices of HEIs by building on current activity & implementing good practice developed by Beacons for Public Engagement initiative, as showcased by the NCCPE. Up to £300,000 (80% fEC) Grant Up to 3 years. Closes 17-Nov-11
EPSRC & MOD Data Intensive Systems (DaISy) - To support academic research & collaboration to address the growing challenges associated with the effective management & use of data, to improve understanding in academia of key Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) issues related to data intensive systems in defence and security so as to provide focus for high quality research with potential for real impact. Themes: 1) Extracting meaningful information; 2) Safe & secure cloud computing; 3)Ensuring confidence in collaborative working. £2.5m fund total Grant 12 months (average). Closes 22-Nov-11
ESRC Professorial Fellowships 2011-12 - To support leading social scientists working in the UK, by providing them with the freedom to pursue their own innovative & creative research agendas (an open call). The three priorities are: 1) Economic Performance & Sustainable Growth, 2) Influencing Behaviour & Informing Interventions, & 3) A Vibrant & Fair Society. Fellowships may start from October 2012. Up to 60% salary + superannuation & NI Fellowship Minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 years. Closes 06-Dec-11
AHRC & ESRC Joint Connected Communities Call - Community Engagement & Mobilisation A joint call for outline proposals for 2 large research grants; it is expected that one large grant, drawing on insights from across the social sciences & arts & humanities will be made in each of the following areas: Making of Engagement, & Regulation of Engagement. Up to £2.4m fec grant each. Closes 14-Dec-11 - Additional Calls have been announced by the AHRC, please check the spreadsheets.
Leverhulme Trust Research Programme Grants - To explore significant thematic issues. It is possible for a research team to study a significant theme in depth by conducting a group of interlinked research projects which taken together can lead to new understanding. The themes for this cycle are: Conspiracies; Patronage; Value. Contact ReDS if interested. Min £500,000, max £1.75 million Grant Up to 5 years. Closes 11-Jan-12
Royal Society Brian Mercer Feasibility Award - To provide initial support to test the feasibility of a project & enable holders to investigate the technical & economical feasibility of commercialising an aspect of their scientific research. These awards operate on a rolling basis; there is one round per financial year which will remain open until all funds have been awarded. £30,000 Grant Up to 12 months. Apply Anytime.
UK Research FCO/BIS Science Innovation Network (SIN) & Innovation China UK (ICUK) Call for Participants of UK-China Innovation Forum & Technology Partnering Workshop on Internet of Things - This event will bring together over 80 companies & research institutes from UK & China & provide a great opportunity for you to present your products & technologies, seek R&D & business partners, & exchange innovative ideas. Areas of particular interest inc advanced sensors, control chips, integrated systems, open platform standards, in the application areas of automobile electronics, security, intelligent city management (transportation, logistic, building) & manufacturing processes, & novel business models for IoT applications. ICUK is now recruiting UK technology-based companies including HEI spin-out to participate the event. A travel grant of £600 & 5 nights free accommodation in China funded by BIS will be offered to 8-10 successful applicants. Registration closes 14-Oct-11 - contact ReDS for an application form.
The full spreadsheets of opportunities are available from a secure page on the ReDS website - login with your UEL username and password at https://www.uel.ac.uk/secure/reds/current-opportunities/index.htm. Current external funding opportunities and other announcements also go out on the ReDS Twitter feed - http://twitter.com/#!/UEL_ReDS.
The ReDS team provide administrative and development support to all research and knowledge exchange projects across UEL. Please contact on 020 8223 7776 or email reds@uel.ac.uk if you would like to discuss any opportunities. Do let us know as soon as possible if you’re developing a proposal – thank you!
Please send comments or contributions for in Focus Update to: infocus@uel.ac.uk
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© 2011
