Campus News
Institute for Policy and Engagement launches at the University
February 13th, 2019
The Institute for Policy and Engagement has been unveiled to colleagues across the University of Nottingham.
This was a landmark for us, and celebrated our transition from a bright idea, first discussed three years ago, to a real thing, writes Director of the Institute Stephen Meek:
“It was tremendously exciting, and not a little humbling, to see so many people packed into the Senate Chamber to wish us well and hear more about our plans for the coming year, including high-profile events to introduce the Institute to a wider public.
Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shearer West, set out how the Institute fits with her vision of a university without borders, and how the Institute is a vehicle to facilitate our engagement with the world around us, starting with the communities in which we live.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Professor Dame Jessica Corner, talked about how the Institute is a vital pillar of our research strategy, with its ambition to transform lives.
I set out my vision for the Institute, and what it will do over the coming year. I want to focus here on the purpose and vision; in future posts I’ll set out detail on our programme of activity.
To illustrate the Institute’s purpose, I’ll start from my own experience, as a policymaker for over a quarter of a century. During that time the challenge of offering good advice got harder. The challenge of navigating intelligently more information than you can possibly hope to process, against ever tighter deadlines, in an increasingly polarised political environment, and in an always-on news cycle where opportunities for reflection are limited and pressure to do something, anything, is often overwhelming.
And I’ve not just been a policymaker – like all of us I am a citizen, navigating in my daily life big decisions on things that affect me, my family and generations to come, whether that is how I vote, how I spend, what I eat, how I travel… And here too I am bombarded by information; some great, some worthless. It often hard to tell which is which.
Universities are uniquely well-placed to help policymakers and public navigate this complex environment.
Of course universities aren’t just there just to provide policy impact or promote public understanding through engagement. But I would argue this is exactly why Universities are so well-placed to help people navigate a complex world – their primary purpose isn’t to influence, but to pursue truth.
There are many other groups that play a navigating role for public and policymakers, and many do it well. Thinktanks, lobby groups, NGOs all have an important and valuable part to play in debate in a pluralist society – or at least those who are transparent about their funding do.
But the difference between them and us is that fundamentally their stock in trade is influence; and their funders will often shape not just what they look at but how they frame their solutions.
We are different. Why? Because we can be driven by curiosity, because our success is to have got close to some kind of truth – indeed because we spend an inordinate amount of time worrying what truth is. This gives us a different perspective.
And this is why we can help people – from global policymakers to the communities around us – sort the signal from the noise.
The Institute is here to help make that happen.
The energy and interest in the room from so many inspirational colleagues dedicated to changing lives through transformational research and the sharing of knowledge, gives me confidence that we can make a real difference.”
Get in touch with the Institute of Policy and Engagement:
- Email: theinstitute@nottingham.ac.uk
- Twitter: @UoN_Institute
Tags: Institute for Policy and Engagement, Stephen Meek
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Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity
February 12th, 2019
The Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity sees the University of Nottingham join forces with Nottingham Trent, the City Council and more partners to bring interactive science activities to the people of Nottingham.
The festival, now in its fifth year, is partially funded by the newly launched Institute for Policy and Engagement and is looking to be the biggest edition yet. Events will take place across the city from Wednesday 13 – Wednesday 20 February, featuring a number of scientists from the University of Nottingham.
Some of the festival highlights include:
Real Science in School Symposium, Thurs 14 Feb, 3.30pm – 5.30pm with formal start at 4pm – A celebration of authentic scientific research being undertaken by pupils in Nottingham schools, with attendees including pupils, teachers, MPs, councillors and researchers.
Baby Ambulance, Sat 16 Feb, 1-4pm, outside intu Broadmarsh, Listergate Square – University of Nottingham Researcher Dr Lorelei Gherman has developed an incubator system for ambulance transport that improves comfort and removes stress for neo-natal babies. The ambulance and researchers will be showcasing their project and talking to members of the public.
The New Curiosity Shop, Sat 16 Feb, 10am – 4pm, Place at Sneinton Market – Members of the public are invited to come and ask their questions to our board of curiosity. Professional scientists will be present along with cabinets full of items of curiosity.
Libraries Programme, Mon 18 (Meadows), Tues 19 (Clifton), Weds 20 (Strelley), 10am – 2pm – Lots of free interactive activities in local libraries. There will be festival events in every city library in the festival programme.
Urban Greening Conference, Tues 19 Feb, 38 Carrington Street, 5.30 – 7.30pm – Featuring talks from high-profile researchers in the fields of vertical gardening and urban greening.
To find out more about the festival and view the whole programme of events, visit the Festival of Science and Curiosity website.
Tags: Festival, festival of science and curiosity, science
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Getting your data in order for 2019
February 12th, 2019
Do you have a New Year’s resolution to be more organised, or to get some papers published, or win a grant?
The new Research Data Management (RDM) online course is designed to help you get on track with your research plans. The course teaches you about RDM generally, about the new University of Nottingham RDM policy, and about how to write a Data Management Plan.
The University of Nottingham is positioning itself at the forefront of data management by asking for:
- all research projects to have a Data Management Plan
- data to be shared alongside publications (where possible)
- data access statements to be included in all publications
The new policy in full can be read online: View document.
Further guidance and support can be found on the Digital Research pages.
Tags: Information Services, RDM, Research Data Management
Posted in News, Research, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Reducing waste on campus — 20p off vending machine drinks when you use your own cup
February 11th, 2019
As part of our campaign to reduce waste at the University of Nottingham, you can now use your own reusable cup at all hot drink vending machines across our UK campuses. Plus, each time you use your own reusable cup at vending machines you can receive 20p off the purchase price of your drink!
The new Lavazza branded machines have a cup shelf which detect when a customer’s own cup is presented, and automatically apply the 20p discount. The machines are compatible with the University of Nottingham KeepCups (12oz size) and will accommodate most standard sized mugs.
As well as providing a way to purchase hot drinks outside of typical working hours, the new machines are more energy efficient and allow customers to use cashless payment including Apple Pay or Google Pay.
The introduction of the discount system at vending machines is the latest development in our WasteNott campaign. This campaign aims to reduce the amount of single-use plastic used across our campuses. Our targets — developed based on feedback from staff and students — include reducing hot drinks cup waste by 50% by August 2020 across our UK campuses.
Tags: Coffee cup, recycling, Single use plastic, sustainability, waste, waste reduction, WasteNott
Posted in Announcements, Environment, News | 1 Comment »
Dr Roger Godfrey, 1930-2019
February 11th, 2019
Dr Roger Godfrey, former President of Council, has died at the age of 89.
Dr Godfrey entered University College Nottingham as a student in 1947, just before it became the University of Nottingham. He was one of the first undergraduates in the newly established Department of Law and graduated with first class honours degree in 1950.
He joined University Council in 1954, elected by Convocation, and represented fellow graduates for 26 years. He was appointed Deputy Treasurer in 1980 after being a long-standing member, and then Chair, of Finance Committee. He went on to become President of Council from 1983 to 1993 and Pro-Chancellor from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 1996. He served a total of 42 years on Council.
Dr Godfrey practised law at the family firm, Cecil Godfrey and Son, where he became a senior partner. Greatly respected in the profession, he served at various points on the Council of the Nottinghamshire Law Society, serving as its President for the year 1987-88.
He was awarded an Honorary Degree in July 1991. In his speech awarding the degree, Professor JC Smith said: Roger Godfrey continues to find the time from a busy professional life to give us the benefit of his experience and skill in the management of our affairs. He has done so for more than 40 years in the quiet, modest and unassuming manner that is characteristic of him. We owe him a great debt.”
Tags: Alunmi, community, Council, Dr Roger Godfrey, graduate, law
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DailyBites meal card allowance
February 8th, 2019
Between Friday 1 February and Sunday 3 February there was a technical issue with the DailyBites meal card system that meant users could not access their allowance.
This issue affected the majority of service users – primarily students in catered accommodation and a handful of staff – who were unable to access their remaining balance.
We apologise for the inconvenience and have now contacted all staff and students who were affected by this issue.
We are now asking for the support of staff in signposting students to their University email addresses where they will find an email addressing the situation and offering recompense for the inconvenience caused.
If you or a student that you are aware of were affected by this issue but have not received an email, please contact bh-lenton-hurst-finance@nottingham.ac.uk.
Tags: DailyBites, meal card allowance, meal cards
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A52 Derby Road reopens between QMC and Priory Island
February 8th, 2019
Derby Road A52 has been reopened between Priory Island and the QMC, following the removal of a dangerous tree overhanging the road.
Some traffic may continue this afternoon and hopper bus passengers are advised to factor in extra time to their journeys.
For the latest updates, visit www.twitter.com/Transport_Nottm.
Tags: A52, commute, hopper bus
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Nottingham Impact Accelerator KE Annual Prize 2019 — £40k prize fund
February 8th, 2019
Researchers who register for the KE Prize event taking place on Friday 22 March can also apply for up to £40k prize money to support KE activities.
The funding call is now open with a deadline of Friday 1 March 2019.
Limited places are also still available for the NIA KE ‘Lunch & Learn’ programme. Please visit the NIA webpage or email the NIA team directly for further details.
Tags: knowledge exchange, NIA, Nottingham Impact Accelerator, research
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International Women’s Day 2019 at the University of Nottingham
February 7th, 2019
To celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March 2019, we have a combination of cross university events, specialists events led by faculties and an online celebration of inspirational women taking place throughout March.
We hope that many of our staff and student colleagues will take part in these events in recognition of the outstanding contribution that women staff and students make to our University.
- Women in Aerodynamics
12-1pm, Monday 4 March: C24, Coates Building, University Park
Organised by the Faculty of Engineering. Register at www.tinyurl.com/WiA2019.- ‘Future Concept Aircraft Engineering’: Ms Sophie Harker, Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer, BAE Systems Air
An insight into concept engineering in one of the biggest aerospace companies in the world, BAE Systems, together with a glimpse into what the future aerospace environment might look like. - ‘You don’t look like an Engineer, Sweetheart’: Dr Genora Joseph, Research Fellow in Agricultural Aerodynamics, University of Birmingham
Why we need to dismantle pervasive stereotypes and notions that women are not suited for engineering professions, and advocate for more female participation in engineering disciplines, particularly aerodynamics research.
- ‘Future Concept Aircraft Engineering’: Ms Sophie Harker, Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer, BAE Systems Air
- From guts to bones and back again: Inaugural Lecture by professor Felicity Rose, Professor of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy
5pm, Wednesday 6 March: Lecture Theatre B34, Boots Science Building, University Park
Chaired by Professor Kevin Shakesheff, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Science, and organised by the School of Pharmacy.
All welcome. To book, please contact anannya.chatterjee@nottingham.ac.uk. - Balancing Acts (18+)
7pm, Wednesday 6 March: Canalhouse, 48-52 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7EH
A stand-up comedy evening featuring women performers from the University of Nottingham. With headliner Tanyalee Davis.
Tickets are £4 + booking fee. All ticket revenue will be donated to the Nottingham Women’s Centre.
Booking required: www.balancingactsnotts.eventbrite.co.uk. For more details, contact sarah.cosgriff@gmail.com. - Women in Chemistry 2019 – Conference and Careers Event
9.30am-7pm, Friday 8 March: Senate Chamber, Trent Building, University Park
An event bringing together inspirational women leaders from varying research areas in both academia and industry. The conference will host a stimulating and innovative forum to highlight issues of equality and diversity in chemistry careers and provide career advice to attendees of all genders. Organised by the School of Chemistry.
Register your place: www.nottingham.ac.uk/go/women-in-chemistry. For more details, contact dara.obrien@nottingham.ac.uk. - Role models are all around us
12.30-2pm, Friday 8 March: Dearing Building Atrium, Jubilee Campus.
Celebrate International Women’s Day 2019 by joining us for lunch! The theme for this year’s event is ‘role models are all around us‘. Women from all areas and levels of work will share their stories and experiences, their achievements, but also challenges they face. The focus is to highlight diversity of role models present across the University, and encourage women to celebrate and support each other.
We will also be having a collection of ‘bags for balance’ – you can donate an old/pre-loved handbag and place useful items such as sanitary products, deodorant, shampoo etc. in it. The bags are then handed out at the women’s centre to the homeless and those in need. A collection box will be available at the School of Education reception throughout the week commencing 4th March. For more information on Bags for Balance, please visit Campus News.
This event is hosted by the School of Education, with the support of the Faculty of Social Sciences. All staff and students are welcome to attend the event.
Lunch and networking will follow. To register attendance click here. - Joint University of Nottingham/Nottingham Trent University IWD 2019 event
9.30am-2pm, Friday 8 March: Newton Building, Nottingham Trent University
The University of Nottingham is delighted to once again be working in partnership with Nottingham Trent University and the Women’s Staff Networks from both institutions, to host a celebratory event in recognition of International Women’s Day 2019.
Both university communities will come together to deliver a motivating and inspirational event celebrating the achievements of women in Nottingham and beyond, and discuss how to #balanceforbetter.
Speakers will share a range of experiences from within academia, professional services and industry, giving valuable insight into how we can support gender equality and intersectionality within our university communities, higher education, and more broadly.
The Women’s Staff Networks from both universities will be putting on an exciting range of activities throughout the day for staff and students to enjoy, as well as additional events across the week.
For more information, and to book a place, please visit the EventBrite page. - Angela Saini: how science got women wrong
6-7.30pm, Friday 8 March
Award-winning science journalist Angela Saini talks about science’s failure to understand women. - Pressing for Progress – An evening discussing why we still need feminism at the workplace
6pm-8pm, Wednesday 13 March: A40, Clive Granger Building
This event will be hosted by UoN feminists and features a variety of speakers, including Dr Maria Augusta Arruda – manager of the Drug Discovery Programme in Nottingham – and Scarlett Clark of Smart Girl Tribe. Smart Girl Tribe is an international female empowerment organisation magazine focusing on developing an outlet for young women to disscuss the issues that impact women’s lives. This is an opportunity to gain a real insight into how feminism affects different areas of professional workplaces, and the continuing struggles women face. - Inspirational Women #balanceforbetter Digital Project
To celebrate International Women’s Day, female staff and students in all professions and grades and across the UK, China and Malaysia, are sought to appear in a digital photo campaign to support this year’s #balanceforbetter theme.
Staff and students were recently invited to nominate female colleagues by explaining their inspirational contribution to the University. Nominations have now closed – and nominees, as decided by a small group of representatives from UK, China and Malaysia, will be approached to give their consent to being featured and asked to submit an image of themselves, or something that represents them or their work.
The campaign will run throughout March 2019. - My Business My Way
Following the recent successful launch of the ‘my business my way’ women’s entrepreneurial toolkit by Nottingham University Business School academic, Dr Isobel O’Neil, NatWest and HSBC are working with Isobel and her team to host workshops and networking events for women in business to celebrate IWD:- NatWest’s workshop is open to the public and will be held on Tuesday 5 March at the Ingenuity Centre, Jubilee Campus.
- HSBC’s workshop will be held on Tuesday 19 March in Nottingham City Centre.
For more information, contact isobel.o’neil@nottingham.ac.uk.
Tags: edi, Equality Diversity and Inclusion, International Women's Day 2019, IWD 2019, women
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Campus Solutions training and support
February 6th, 2019
For colleagues using the new Campus Solutions student records system
If you are a user of Campus Solutions, we would like to remind you of the comprehensive range of support and help available to you as you start using the new system. This flexible support model has been designed in consultation with the Campus Solutions User Groups and provides you with a range of options.
Online support materials
A number of help guides and video guides are available for you to view on Workspace, which have specifically been designed for new users of Campus Solutions. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you feel like there are any gaps in the materials that have been created, or require a specific guide that does not exist. If you experience any problems viewing or downloading files on Workspace, please try using the Google Chrome browser.
You can also take part in webinars and drop-in sessions where you can see a live demonstration of the system and ask any questions that you may have. We will arrange further webinars and drop-in sessions as required.
Expert Users and Support Coordinators
Colleagues in your School, Faculty or Business Unit have taken on the following roles to support you:
- Expert Users can provide you with guidance on how to use Campus Solutions or direct you to relevant sources of information. They can raise questions with the network of Expert Users and can request additional training materials for you.
- If you experience a problem when using Campus Solutions, such as accessing the system or viewing specific information within it, please contact one of your local Support Coordinators. They will be able to advise you or, if required, will raise a call with the IT Service Desk. Support Coordinators take part in a daily call to raise any common themes, contribute to the prioritisation of issues and find out about issue resolution.
Campus Solutions requires that there is a connection made between an Academic and a student before the student record can be seen. These associations have been built using the information that you have provided to us. If you are an Academic and you cannot see a student association that you should have in the Academic Work Centre part of Campus Solutions, please use the form on Workspace to advise us of this.
Access to Campus Solutions
If you do not have access to Campus Solutions and require it to complete you day-to-day work, please discuss this with your line manager who will be able to raise an access request for you.
Contacting us
For further information please email br-cs-training@nottingham.ac.uk.
Tags: campus solutions, IT systems, training
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