Campus News
New macOS update coming soon
November 10th, 2020
Apple have announced a new version of macOS – 11.0 Big Sur.
The official public release date will be Thursday 12 November, but Information Services would strongly recommend that users do not perform the upgrade until the impact of the changes are fully assessed.
The new operating system could affect the use of some key University software due to unknown compatibility issues. Further communications and guidance will be shared once testing takes place.
If you do decide to upgrade before Information Services carries out some software tests, the following considerations are strongly recommended before upgrading:
- All users – Take time to prepare for the upgrade as most application issues can be easily resolved by updating before the OS upgrade.
- Users with a University managed device – Applications on University Macs can be easily updated with Mac management facilities like Munki and Jamf, by using ‘Managed Software Centre’ and ‘Self Service’, if you are not already enrolled in these systems then please ask Campus IT Support for guidance on how to get on board.
- All users – We recommend waiting a couple of releases before upgrading as this allows for any early bug fixes to be resolved by Apple.
If you have any questions about the upgrade, please contact Campus IT Support.
Tags: Information Services, MacOs, system update
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on New macOS update coming soon
Professor Doreen Boyd from UoN Rights Lab recognised with GEO award
November 9th, 2020
Professor Doreen Boyd has been awarded the 2020 GEO SDG special category award in ‘Academia’ for the use of Earth Observation to identify and track the scars left on Earth by industries known to have high levels of exploitative labour practices.
Professor Boyd, Professor of Earth Observation in the School of Geography, is an Associate Director of the Rights Lab, a Beacon of Excellence that brings together the world’s largest and leading group of modern slavery scholars at the University of Nottingham, with the aim of delivering research to help to eradicate modern slavery.
Together, they have built a large-scale research platform for ending modern slavery, responding to the UN Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7. Through five main research programmes, including the Data and Measurement Programme directed by Professor Boyd, they deliver new and cutting-edge research that provides rigorous data, evidence and discoveries for the global antislavery effort.
The satellite Earth Observation (EO)-driven ‘Slavery from Space‘ project, led by Professor Boyd and drawing expertise from multiple UoN Faculties, affords understanding of distribution and prevalence of a form of human rights abuse typified by hidden populations (modern slavery) – a crucial first step in its eradication.
The team uses Earth Observation to identify and track over time the scars left on the Earth by the industries known to have high levels of exploitative labour practices.
Since Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 intersects with other Sustainable Development Goals, in delivering against it, the Rights Lab contributes to the wider sustainable development agenda.
As such, a number of governments and Non-Governmental Organisations now use the EO-derived intelligence.
Professor Boyd said: “The work we are doing is all about the Freedom Dividend. If we can free every single slave, we can live in a safer world, a greener world and a more prosperous world and that’s what’s driving our work.
My work has always been driven by the link between people and pixels – and looking at what is happening on Earth is something I’ve always done. I’m now excited by the prospect of using the ever-advancing technologies we have to help eradicate modern slavery.”
Launched last year, the GEO SDG Awards Program, led by the EO4SDG initiative, recognizes institutions, organizations and countries that are applying Earth observations towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Find out more here.
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on Professor Doreen Boyd from UoN Rights Lab recognised with GEO award
Parking restrictions lifted
November 6th, 2020
University parking enforcement has been suspended to coincide with the period of national COVID-19 restrictions.
Between Thursday 5 November and Wednesday 2 December, anyone will be able to drive to the University Campuses and park without displaying a parking permit.
The University will remain open as now, and continue as planned with current research activities and our blended approach to teaching-in-person where it is safe to do so, and otherwise online.
Action Required
Staff who have paid for permits for the year
For staff or associates who have paid for their permit in full for the year 2020-21 please email the Parking Team on parking@nottingham.ac.uk to arrange a refund for the month of November. Please include your payroll number in your email.
Staff on monthly payments
For staff members who pay monthly, your payment for November will be cancelled automatically and there is nothing further for you to do.
Staff using vouchers
If you have a voucher permit please keep your vouchers and do not use them until the end of the period of national restrictions.
Students
If you are a student you can either request an extension to your current parking permit for the period of the restrictions or you can request a refund by e-mailing parking@nottingham.ac.uk. Please include your student ID number in your email.
The parking team are working in a COVID secure office and as such are a small team. Please be patient while they work to process the refunds.
Tags: parking, parking on campus, Parking restrictions
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on Parking restrictions lifted
Excel in Science: virtual explorer event
November 6th, 2020
The University of Nottingham and National Geographic are thrilled to invite you to an upcoming virtual Explorer event as part of the Excel in Science initiative.
Wednesday 25 November 2020: 5pm – 6.30pm GMT.
Click here to register your place.
The Excel in Science programme is an innovative new educational programme for students from all backgrounds and ethnicities, which aims to enable students to examine the ethos and philosophy of science, whilst being equipped with the knowledge and skills to forge a new, inclusive and diverse generation of scientists.
Everyone across the UK and beyond are all welcome to join in for this insightful and inspiring conversation with four National Geographic Explorers. Find out more about their work and their experiences pursuing science and research careers.
You will be hearing from:
LYDIA GIBSON
Anthropologist and ecologist with a BSc in Maths and Biology from the University of Bristol and a MSc and PhD in Anthropology from UCL. Lydia’s PhD looks at the impact Jamaica’s growing conservation scene has on forest-based traditional practices using interdisciplinary approaches from anthropology, ecology, geography, and sociology and includes mapping, oral histories, social theory, and ecological data.
RICARDO ROCHA
Biologist from Madeira Island, Portugal. Ricardo conducts interdisciplinary research at the interface of conservation science and ecology. His research has taken him to the tropics and subtropics, working extensively in the Central Brazilian Amazon, Madagascar, Kenya and throughout the Madeira Archipelago.
NATALIE SINCLAIR
Scottish marine biologist and conservationist. Her work in conservation policy, with Scottish Natural Heritage, led to the implementation of remote time-lapse photographic monitoring of seabirds in the Northern Isles of Scotland. Natalie’s passion for interdisciplinary research has brought together researchers from biology, music and philosophy to create collaborative studies of both human and non-human cultures.
KASIM RAFIQ
Wildlife biologist, National Geographic Explorer, and Fulbright Scholar studying African large predator behaviour and conservation. Kasim’s work includes understanding the impacts of climate change on wildlife behaviour and developing new tools for species monitoring and has included extensive fieldwork in remote bush camps in the Okavango Delta.
Tags: Excel in science, national geographic
Posted in Announcements, News, Opportunities | 5 Comments »
Our commitment to research as we enter new national restrictions – Professor Dame Jessica Corner
November 6th, 2020
England has entered a further period of national restrictions until Wednesday 2 December. I am sure I am not alone in experiencing a range of emotions as we grapple with the huge impact the pandemic continues to have on every aspect of our lives.
I am very happy that universities are remaining open for both teaching and research. We have made tremendous progress in the past weeks and months and by working together and following the rules, our campuses will remain Covid-secure environments.
I am also confident that our research will continue to recover and grow as together we navigate this latest challenge.
Our guidance for researchers is in line with the UK Government’s guidance for higher education.
Please read my blog for details and look out for further updates.
Professor Dame Jessica Corner
Tags: professor dame jessica corner, research, Research and Knowledge Exchange, town halls, Virtual town halls
Posted in Announcements, News, Research | Comments Off on Our commitment to research as we enter new national restrictions – Professor Dame Jessica Corner
New national restrictions – update from Professor Andy Long
November 4th, 2020
Dear colleagues,
From Thursday 5 November to Wednesday 2 December, new national restrictions will be in force in England to help combat a rise in COVID-19 rates across the country. The University will remain open throughout this period.
You can review the Government guidelines for universities here and read our detailed FAQs, but I offer a short summary of the key points below.
Teaching and learning
The Government has emphasised the importance of education and that schools and universities should remain open during this period to prioritise the wellbeing and long-term futures of students.
The University will remain open as now, and continue as planned with current research activities and our blended approach to teaching-in-person where it is safe to do so, and otherwise online.
Travel remains permitted for work and education purposes and you will still be able to access buildings, libraries, study spaces and campus services throughout the period.
Research
Researchers and research students will be able to continue in-person research activities, if the research work cannot reasonably be conducted from home.
Laboratory and field based research can also continue, subject to the appropriate risk assessments being in place and COVID-19 measures being observed at all times. Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research and Knowledge Exchange, will update further on research in her blog later this week.
Libraries and study facilities
Access to our libraries will remain unchanged and we are continuing to extend Study Spaces on campus to support students in their academic work. For the latest, visit the Libraries website.
Catering on campus
There will be changes in the availability of catering facilities on campus, with many outlets becoming takeaway-only, in line with government restrictions.
Staff already working from home
As per our current arrangements staff who fall into Phase 3 of our Return to Work principles should continue working from home.
Health and wellbeing
As I wrote in my blog last week the pandemic affects all of us in different ways. We continue to make significant investment in our wellbeing services to support staff and students and I urge you to make use of our health and wellbeing sports and HR resources and ensure you are getting the support you need, whatever that might be.
Support for students
I have written to all students today setting out how these changes affect them and the support available. You can read a copy of this communication here.
Hands, Face, Space
I would remind us all of the three key steps we can take as individuals to help suppress transmission of COVID-19 – wearing a face covering, regular handwashing, and maintaining a safe distance all make an enormous difference.
Within our University the number of active cases of COVID-19 continues to decline and while this demonstrates that our COVID security measures are working, there is no room for complacency.
Thank you as always for your hard work, patience and willingness to support each other in these challenging times which gives me great confidence that we will manage this period in a manner which is true to the spirit and values of our University community.
Best wishes, Andy
Tags: COVID guidelines, COVID-19, COVID-19 update, Professor Andy Long, support
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on New national restrictions – update from Professor Andy Long
December payroll update
November 3rd, 2020
The pay day for this December falls on Thursday 17 December 2020.
Please note that the final date for submissions to be included in the December payroll is 12 noon on Friday 4 December.
This is the final date when submissions received by Payroll and Pensions will be guaranteed for the December pay day.
Please also check with your department regarding timesheet submissions as they may have earlier deadlines so that they can sign and collate data in the department before sending to the Payroll and Pensions team.
For more information, visit the Finance webpage.
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on December payroll update
New national restrictions – message from Professor Andy Long
November 3rd, 2020
As the Government announces a second national lockdown, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chanellor Professor Andy Long writes to all staff and students.
Dear colleagues and students,
Last night the Government announced a full national lockdown would come into force in England from Thursday November 5 following a continuing rise in COVID-19 rates across the country.
In his speech Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasised the importance of education and that the government would prioritise the wellbeing and long-term futures of students by keeping schools and universities open.
We are awaiting further details as to how new restrictions affect our activities, but in the meantime current teaching, research and working patterns continue.
The new restrictions offer further guidance on travel for students living at university either in shared halls or off campus. The guidance states that students must not move back and forth between their permanent home and student home during term time. They should only return home at the end of term.
In Nottingham we have a working group putting a plan in place that will make use of our Asymptomatic Testing Service and to allow for the safe movement of students who wish to travel home for the Christmas break and back again in January. This may include things such as the option for students to be tested before they go home and/or a temporary phased approach to online learning leading up to the break or at the beginning of the next year. As soon as these plans are fully developed, we will be sharing them with staff and students.
In addition to courses that require blended learning as part of a professional qualification i.e. nursing or teaching, we firmly believe that face-to-face learning brings significant value to a cohort of young people who have faced numerous barriers to their learning this year.
We have been pleased to see broad feedback across our student community about the positive impact face-to-face contact is having on their mental health and wellbeing. The provision of COVID-secure face-to-face activities, libraries, essential support services, study spaces and sporting activities is providing a fuller educational experience for students. Even with additional restrictions in place, we know being at university is playing a significant role in preventing isolation, loneliness and depression.
We have taken significant steps to provide a COVID-secure environment on our campuses and the wellbeing of our community remains our priority.
Within our University the number of active cases of COVID-19 continues to fall and are now at very low numbers. While this may show our COVID-19 security measures are working, there is no room for complacency, and we need to work together and follow the rules to keep everyone safe.
We will write to you again early next week with more details as soon as we have them.
Best wishes,
Professor Andy Long, FREng
Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor
University of Nottingham
Following the government’s announcement of this new national lockdown, Minister of State for Universities, Michelle Donelan, has written to all Vice Chancellors and students to reiterate its key points and confirm that new guidance for universities will be published shortly.
Tags: Andy Long, coronavirus, COVID-19, deputy vice chancellor, lockdown, national
Posted in Announcements, News | Comments Off on New national restrictions – message from Professor Andy Long
Online town halls: discuss the future of research at the University
November 2nd, 2020
Anyone with an interest in the University’s research strategy for a post-COVID world is invited to a new series of online town halls.
The town halls are conducted via Microsoft Teams and are open to all. Researchers from across the University, colleagues who support research and anyone with an interest in how our discoveries can help secure a fairer and more sustainable future are invited to take part and contribute their views.
Please see the town hall programme below and register for the event of interest to you.
Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “I do hope you will welcome this opportunity to discuss the future for research at Nottingham.
“Our online town hall events are proving a highly valued forum to discuss how we work together to grow and develop our research activities in a post-COVID world.
“The programme also underlines the University’s commitment to research and its power to help transcend complex problems and secure a better future.”
| Date | Time | Town hall |
| Thursday 5 November | 11am-12.30pm | Faculty of Social Sciences Professor John Gathergood, Faculty AVPC for RKE Register here |
| Monday 9 November | 11am – 12:30pm | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Professor Richard Emes, Faculty AVPC for RKE Register here |
| Wednesday 11 November | 1.30-3pm | Faculty of Science Professor Zoe Wilson, Faculty AVPC for RKE Register here |
| Wednesday 18 November | 11am-12.30pm | Faculty of Arts Professor Lynda Pratt, Faculty AVPC for RKE Register here |
| Monday 23 November | 2-3.30pm | Faculty of Engineering Professor Chris Tuck, Faculty AVPC for RKE Register here |
| Wednesday 2 December | 10 -11.30am | The future of knowledge exchange Professor Chris Gerada, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Industrial Strategy, Business Engagement and Impact Register here |
| Tuesday 15 December | 12-1.30pm | Research staff (technicians, postdoctoral researchers, early career research fellows on internal and external fellowships and colleagues on research contracts) Professor Dame Jessica Corner Register here |
Dame Jessica will be joined by respective Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellors for Research and Knowledge Exchange, who will seek your input on faculty-level concerns and suggestions, as well as your thoughts on developing our broader research strategy.
There is an opportunity to ask a question in advance when you register.
Conversation events with the Vice-Chancellor
We are also holding a series of virtual discussions hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West, inviting colleagues from all levels of our research community to explore how we can seize opportunities to do research differently and better.
This is to facilitate a purposeful round-table conversation, while ensuring we capture input from across disciplines and fairly represent colleagues at all levels and from diverse backgrounds from all three of our campuses.
Join us and help shape our research strategy
Input from all our town halls and the Vice-Chancellor in conversation events, school and faculty engagements will help develop our thinking on the University’s future research strategy and its goals to:
- Increase research quality and impact: locally, nationally and internationally, and how we can contribute to government agendas and to global Sustainable Development Goals.
- Achieve a dynamic and inclusive research culture: our shared vision of supporting each other to achieve exceptional quality and impact.
These discussions will also inform our response to the Government’s UK Research and Development Roadmap.
Dame Jessica added: “This comprehensive programme will take us towards the end of term and the beginning of a new year, when we will take stock and apply your insights to support a creative, bold and sustainable vision for research.”
Tags: professor dame jessica corner, research, Research and Knowledge Exchange, town halls, Virtual town halls
Posted in Announcements, News, Research | Comments Off on Online town halls: discuss the future of research at the University