Campus News

UNICAS: sign up for sandpits and apply for interdisciplinary research funding

September 26th, 2023

UNICAS, a university scheme that brings together cross-disciplinary groups and provides pump-prime funding for exciting, novel research projects, is welcoming registrations to a new series of sandpits, which facilitate networking and are an essential springboard to developing collaborative projects between teams drawn from across the university. 

UNICAS is also seeking new committee members for its 2023-2024 funding call. They are asked to chair one of the sandpit events held between October and December. The committee is made up of academic, technical and professional staff from around the university representing all faculties. It meets four times per year to plan the delivery of sandpits and to make funding decisions. 

UNICAS is keen to have a representative group on the committee in support of researchers across the university. 

To register your interest in becoming a UNICAS committee member, please complete the short MS Form. 

Deadline for applications is Friday 6 October 2023 at 5pm. 

UNICAS sandpits

Sandpits are an essential part of face-to-face networking, fostering collaboration and supporting the development of new, excellent interdisciplinary research projects. 

This year (2023-24), there will be four in-person events to allow researchers to network, showcase their expertise, discuss research challenges and find solutions.  

Following these events, researchers (including PGR students) will be able to apply for funding for an interdisciplinary research project.  

Register to attend a sandpit 

Funding will be available to fund activities up to 31July 2024, with two streams open to researchers from all faculties: 

  • UNICAS grants of up to £15,000 (lead applicant must be a member of Research, Academic or Technical staff in a position to apply for external grants). 
  • UNICAS at Researcher Academy grants of up to £5,000 (lead applicant must a member of Research [R&T4A-R, 4-R or 5-R] or Technical staff or a PhD student [2nd year or above]). 

Information on funding and eligibility

More information on UNICAS 

Any questions?

Please email  BB-UNICAS@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk. 

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International Research Collaboration Fund: apply now

September 26th, 2023

The university’s International Research Collaboration Fund (IRCF) is welcoming new applications. The £450,000 fund supports international research collaboration and mobility for colleagues across the UK campuses.  

Funding is available up to 31 July 2024 and is open for two streams: 

  • International mobility grants of up to £5,000 for early career researchers (ECRs), established researchers, technical, and APM staff (level 5 and above), to initiate and deepen high-quality international partnerships. 
  • Partnership accelerator grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 for ECRs, established researchers, technical, and APM staff (level 5 and above), to support more substantial activity accelerating high-quality international partnerships. 

The IRCF particularly welcomes applications from colleagues seeking to establish or grow links with world-leading research groups and institutions that will lead to excellent research outputs.  It operates via a rolling-call model with a quick, straightforward application and monthly approvals process. 

As the university develops an ambitious new International Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy over the coming months, and following the UK’s rejoining of Horizon Europe, the IRCF will continue to be a cornerstone of our efforts to support high-quality research, as well as our global reputation, influence and impact. 

Find out more and apply 

Any questions?

Please email  BB-InternalFunding@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk. 

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Researcher Academy unveils new training programmes and bids farewell to champion of research culture

September 26th, 2023

The Researcher Academy is set to release its new training and development programmes for researchers across the university. 

The news comes as the university says farewell to Professor Lucy Donaldson, who, as Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Researcher Academy and Researcher Career Development, has played a key role in building a positive research culture and establishing the Researcher Academy which supports researchers and research enablers at Nottingham.

Jane Wellens, Head of the Researcher Academy, said: “Lucy’s approach to her role as APVC for the Researcher Academy and Researcher Career Development has been underpinned by her passionate belief that a supportive and thriving research culture and environment is a collective effort and a pre-requisite to the delivery of excellent research.   

“She has been an active champion of all those involved in research, no matter what their career stage or job family. Her commitment to tackling some of the more intractable, long-standing and, in many cases, sector-wide challenges that researchers experience has been relentless. We will miss her enthusiasm and wisdom but I know that she will take this with her to her new role at Versus Arthritis, where she will continue to influence and inspire.” 

New training and development programme

The Researcher Academy provides training and development opportunities for all researchers at the university, from postgraduate researchers through to senior research leaders.  

The academy’s training for the new academic year will be released for booking on 10 October.   

Please visit its SharePoint Training Hub to view the courses in Researcher Fundamentals and to book a place on a thematic programme: 

  • Innovation and Knowledge Exchange 
  • Policy Engagement 
  • Public Engagement 
  • Research Administration and Management 
  • Research Methods 
  • Coaching and Peer Mentoring 

These programmes are open to all researchers from doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers through to academics looking to upskill in new areas of interest. Programmes and courses run from 1 November.   

In recognition of this sector-leading provision, the researcher training and development team has been shortlisted for a Professional Services Award for ‘Supporting Potential’. 

Victoria Sedman, Head of Researcher Development, said: “Our researcher community is at the very heart of everything we do and we take great pride in the sheer number of opportunities we are able to offer them. 

“Our new, specialist training programmes connect researchers with the skills they need to take their specialism out into the wider world.” 

Victoria added: “Our faculty-based inductions will be taking place over the next month where you can hear about how the Researcher Academy can support you as a researcher – these are useful for researchers new to the university and those who are looking for a refresher.” 

Farewell and thanks to Professor Lucy Donaldson

Lucy Donaldson is Professor of Sensory Physiology in the School of Life Sciences and served as Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Researcher Academy from 2018 until September 2023. She began her career as a dentist before studying neuroscience and developing an interest  – “somewhat ironically for a former dentist!” – in the neurophysiology of pain. 

For the past decade at Nottingham, Professor Donaldson led research programmes focused on mechanisms of acute and chronic inflammatory pain, most recently with a focus on the contributions of alternative RNA splicing, vascular endothelial growth factor splice variants, and nerve, support cell and blood vessel contributions to pain. 

Her research work led directly to the foundation of three companies. Exonate Ltd and Emenda Therapeutics Ltd are focused on the development of novel inhibitors of alternative RNA splicing for various clinical uses, including treatment of pain, while Ranvier Healthcare Ltd is developing medical diagnostic tests for anxiety and depression based on taste perception.   

Professor Donaldson is leaving the university for a new role as Director of Research and Health Intelligence at Versus Arthritis, working to deliver direct positive impact for people living with arthritis. 

She said: “I am sorry to be saying au revoir to all my friends and colleagues, particularly in Life Sciences and the Researcher Academy.

“It has been an enormous privilege and joy to work with so many amazing people, across schools, faculties and departments of the University of Nottingham, where I have made so many great friends and had opportunities for professional and personal development that I would not have found elsewhere.” 

Professor Clive Roberts, Interim Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, said: “In her time in the School of Life Sciences, despite her substantial university- level role, Professor Lucy Donaldson made a significant contribution to our research in her area of neuronal signalling in chronic pain, working towards more effective pain treatments.

“Just as impactfully, Lucy brought great positivity to our research culture, personally supporting many of our PhD students and early career researchers and academics with highly valued advice and mentorship.” 

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Thanks and farewell to Research & Innovation’s Pip Peakman as further support for researchers is rolled out

September 26th, 2023

Research and Innovation (R&I) is rolling out further improvements and enhanced programmes designed to improve the researcher experience and strengthen support throughout the research project lifecycle. 

Its latest programme has focused on delivering faster sign-off of research contracts, which are fundamental to getting collaborative projects off the ground and releasing funding. Contracts frequently involve multiple partners and demand complex assurance to protect the integrity of the university. 

Enhanced support on research contracts

R&I’s contracts team may have more than 1,000 contracts on their books at any one time but investment in additional resources and optimising processes means more projects are getting their contracts completed faster and the team have seen a 60% reduction in completion times since 2020. The next phase will focus on securing the all-important project code, so that research projects can get off the ground and retention of researchers is improved. 

The new approach will lead to low-risk projects getting a code quicker, rather than waiting for full contract sign-off. Where sign-off on contracts may be held-up by partners, for example, a letter of intent will secure progress. Such advances will be adapted and applied across the full spectrum of research contracts over the coming months. 

Farewell and thanks to Pip Peakman

This progress has been achieved as part of the R&I Roadmap which was delivered under the leadership of R&I Director Pip Peakman, who is leaving the university at the end of September. Over the past four years Pip has overseen the transition of Research and Innovation to a new operating structure, which has strengthened support to academics and allowed R&I to be more agile in anticipating and seizing funding opportunities.  

Pip said: “I have been consistently humbled and impressed by the knowledge, skills and dedication shown by so many of my colleagues. We can all take pride in our fantastic achievements. 

“We are better equipped to meet the challenges of our industry. Research funding is a complex, competitive and regulated environment and we have worked hard to provide faster and more agile responses and enhancing the delivery of support services. 

“R&I is also continuing to work towards securing the position of the Researcher Academy as sector-leading in terms of the support and training we offer to researchers at every stage of their career.” 

‘Tremendous contribution’

Professor Sam Kingman, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “Pip has made a tremendous contribution to the enabling and delivery of world-class research at the University of Nottingham. 

“Under the new joint leadership of Niall O’Loughlin, Director of RKE Excellence and Strategy, and Rachel Brereton, Director of Research & Innovation Operations, we can look forward to further progress in improving the researcher experience, focus on key areas to support the delivery of the university’s research strategy, and preparations for the next Research Excellence Framework.” 

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Knowledge Exchange and Impact Awards: still time to get involved

September 25th, 2023

There’s still time to get involved in the Knowledge Exchange and Impact (KEI) awards 2024.

Just a few weeks remain before the application deadline for the prestigious awards, which recognise and celebrate knowledge exchange and impact arising from all disciplines at the university.

Organisers of the KEI awards, which take place in February 2024, are pleased by the response so far, with a range of entries reflecting different disciplines. And, with the impending deadline of Monday 16 October, anyone wishing to shine the spotlight on a significant research-related collaboration between universities and external partners still has time to apply.

The 2024 ceremony will be the fourth KEI Awards for Nottingham – but the first since 2018, when the Covid-19 pandemic put the awards on hold. As the brainchild of the IP Commercialisation office within R&I, the awards present an exciting opportunity for researchers to celebrate their achievements with colleagues and raise awareness of the exceptional work that is taking place.

There are seven different award categories, covering Knowledge Exchange and impact – be it commercial, societal, or policy. They include one category for each of the university’s five faculties – Arts, Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science, and Social Sciences – as well as a “Rising Star” award and a Vice Chancellor’s award.

It’s easy to make an application to the awards – all entries are made electronically, using nomination forms available at the Knowledge Exchange and Impact awards 2024 SharePoint site.

On the site you’ll find detailed instructions, full details of the award categories and information about the judging process. Key dates for the nomination process are as follows:

  • The entry deadline is Monday 16 October 2023 (midnight UK time).
  • Shortlisted entries will be announced on Wednesday 1 November 2023.
  • The winners will be formally announced, and awards presented, at the ceremony on Thursday 1 February 2024.

The ceremony will be hosted by Vice Chancellor Shearer West at the East Midlands Conference Centre on Thursday 1 February 2024. Professor West said: “The Knowledge Exchange and Impact Awards allow us to recognise the societal and economic impact of our research in its many forms.

“Every faculty across the university participates in research, and I look forward to celebrating our success alongside colleagues, collaborators, funders and beneficiaries.”

More information about the awards, as well as entry forms, can be found at the Knowledge Exchange and Impact Awards 2024 SharePoint site.

Alternatively, anyone who has questions or would like to speak to someone about the awards in more detail can contact the team.

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USS update: Take part in member consultation

September 25th, 2023

Earlier this year, initial results were released for the 2023 USS valuation which has shown a strong improvement in the funding level of the scheme.

Given this, and in keeping with the joint statement announced by UUK and UCU earlier this year, proposed improvements have been made for benefits to return to pre-April 2022 levels, with effect from 1 April 2024.

Further to this, the required level of contributions is also expected to fall.

In order for this to occur a consultation is required with active members of the USS Pension scheme and those eligible to join.

The consultation opens on Monday 25 September 2023 at 9am. The closing date for responses is 5pm on 24 November 2023. Please do take this opportunity to contribute your views on this important issue.

This member consultation seeks comments on these potential benefit changes (details below) which, subject to the appropriate governance process, will then see an update to the scheme rules and implementation in due course.

Summary of proposed changes

1. Salary Threshold

The salary threshold is currently £41,004. For salary up to this point you currently accrue benefits in the defined benefit part of the scheme, with any contributions above this going towards the defined contribution part of the scheme. This currently increases annually in line with inflation (CPI), capped at 2.5%.

It is proposed that this increases to within the range of £66,000 – 73,000 (the exact figure will be known on publication of the annual rate of inflation to September 2023). Furthermore, the cap will increase annually in line with inflation, subject to the following where:

  • CPI is 5% or less, increase will be matched in full
  • CPI is >5%, but <15%, increase will be 5%, plus ½ of the increase over 5%
  •  CPI is >15%, increase will be capped at 10%

 2. Better accrual rate

The current accrual rate is 1/85th of salary (up to the salary threshold), plus a 3/85th lump sum. This is proposed to improve to 1/75th of salary (up to the salary threshold), plus a 3/75th lump sum.

3. Higher cap for future pension increases

This currently increases annually in line with inflation. As part of the changes introduced in 2022 this was due to be capped at 2.5%, but its introduction was deferred with the following in place since then:

  • Where CPI is 5% or less, increase is matched in full
  • Where CPI is >5%, but <15%, the increase will be 5%, plus ½ of the increase over 5%
  • CPI is >15%, increase will be capped at 10%

As part of the changes, it is proposed that the above is formally adopted back into the Scheme rules.

Consultation

We would encourage all relevant individuals to visit the consultation website, where you can find out more about the changes, use the modelling tool, and also give an anonymous response on your thoughts to the proposals.

All responses received during the consultation period will be considered and a summary of these will be fed back to the appropriate governing bodies.

Should you prefer, you are also free to give a response direct to the university.

Further information is published at USS resources and more background to the 2020 scheme valuation is published at USS 2020 Valuation.

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October is Black History Month

September 25th, 2023

Every year our university community comes together to celebrate Black history, culture, and achievements during Black History Month in October. 

Black History Month is a time to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black people to British society. It also serves as an opportunity to inspire and empower future generations. 

This year’s national theme for Black History Month is ‘Saluting our sisters’ – highlighting black women’s critical role in shaping black history, culture and communities. Read more on the theme on the official Black History Month website. 

We have a rich programme of events throughout the university coming up – including talks by alumni, poetry readings, and film screenings.

Find a full list of events here.

If you have anything planned, please get in touch with the EDI Coordinators for your event to be featured in the central programme.  

In the meantime, you can access recordings of some of the amazing events we have held over the years.  

In our 2020 highlight compilation, you can find recordings of the following events: 

  • What is Black Joy? 
  • Why we need Black Radicalism?  
  • Is the University Colonial? Critical Conversations on Its Past 
  • Black, Other: Underappreciated Narratives on Race and Science 
  • Ubuntu: A decolonial epistemic shift for education 

In 2021 we held the following events: 

  • If Black History Month Were Every Month
  • Is God black or is God white? A multifaith panel discussion on ethnic identities in faith
  • A Conversation on Race and Health Inequalities
  • Excel in Science welcomes Miranda Lowe from the Natural History Museum
  • Black History Month: The role of BAME Scientists in Modern Agriculture

In 2022 we held a wide variety of events, many of which were in person. You can watch the recording of our central event from here: 

We have also held some thought-provoking events with our Chancellor, including 

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Professional Services Awards 2023: shortlist announced

September 25th, 2023

On Monday 2 October, we’re looking forward to welcoming around 300 Professional Services colleagues to come together and celebrate our collective achievements from 2022/23 at our second Professional Services Awards Ceremony.

The event will be held at East Midlands Conference Centre where attendees from shortlisted teams and representatives from Professional Services will enjoy an evening of globally inspired food together with their peers, the Professional Services Executive Group, host Jeremy Gregory and special guest, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shearer West.

Winners for each of the eight award categories will be announced by the Professional Services Executive Group; David Hill, Paul Greatrix, Jaspal Kaur and Margaret Monckton.

We received an amazing 286 nominations for the Awards from across faculties, departments and our global campuses, making it a near impossible task for the judging panel to choose shortlisted nominations, which are listed below:

A full list of all the nominations can be viewed via our Event Sway.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. We look forward to sharing more details of Winners and Highly Commended submissions after the event.

Shortlisted Categories

Embodying University Values

  • Digital Core
  • DTS People Board
  • HE Technicians Summit Delivery Team
  • RAA Assessments, DTS, RAA Faculty Liaison
  • School and Faculty Workload Planning Leads

Enhancing the Campus Experience

  • Childcare Services
  • DTS< Learning Technologies, UNNC
  • Estates & Facilities Grounds Team
  • Events Team UNNC
  • Support & Wellbeing Team

Contributing to Sustainability

  • Institute for Policy & Engagement
  • Project Thallo
  • Technical Sustainability Working Group
  • Managed Print Service Team
  • Various members of the UoN Sport Team

Fostering Creativity & Discovery

  • Assessment Rehearsal Team EACIT, RAA, DTS, Infosys
  • Business Information Team
  • Careers Advisory Service UNM
  • ESE Team School of Economics & Alumni Volunteering

Embedding Collaboration

  • Assessment Rehearsal Team
  • Chaplaincy and Faith Support
  • F&I Risk Management Project Team
  • Fusion Project Team
  • Research Operations

Supporting Potential

  • Chemical Engineering Lab Technicians
  • Comms & Development Team RAA
  • Primary Partnerships Team WP & Outreach
  • Researcher Training and Development Team
  • UoN Sport Club Development Team

Solving Problems & Improving Lives

  • Aquatics Team
  • TALENT Team
  • Residential Experience Team
  • UoN Houses & Campus Services

Team of the Year

  • Assessment Response Team
  • CMC Programme Team
  • Major Sports Events
  • RKE Hub UNM
  • Security, Safety and Community UNM
  • School of Life Sciences Research Development Team
  • Silver Incident Response Team

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Digital skills support for students – updated for 2023/24

September 25th, 2023

The Digital Student, a programme of free digital skills resources on Moodle available for all students, has been updated for the new academic year.  

Students who enrol on Digital Student can assess their current digital competencies to identify their strength and areas to focus on, and then work through resources at their own pace to develop their knowledge and confidence in those areas.  

More than 4,500 students have used the resource so far. Areas covered include:  

  • Communication, Collaboration and Participation 
  • Information, Media and Data 
  • Proficiency and productivity 
  • Creativity, Innovation and Problem-Solving 
  • Digital Learning
  • Digital Identity and Wellbeing 

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Be part of 100 ways to change the world

September 22nd, 2023

There are so many ways to change the world – and the University of Nottingham is a great place to start. 

Our university transforms lives in communities here in Nottingham, the UK and across the world. 

And we’re asking students and colleagues from all job families to help us celebrate the university’s 100 ways to change the world. 

We’re proud to be one of the one of the world’s top 100 universities* and over the coming year we will share 100 ways we make a difference to people’s lives and are helping to secure a fairer world. 

We want your help in suggesting inspiring stories to include in our forthcoming 100 ways to change the world website. 

We’ll be featuring stories about how our pioneering researchers deliver solutions to complex global challenges. 

We’ll also celebrate how our work with communities, locally and globally, makes a difference.  

In our teaching and all that we do as a university, we’re committed to helping achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.  

Tell us about what inspires you. What are we doing that supports our vision to change the world for the better? 

From October, we’ll begin sharing your stories over the next academic year. There will be plenty of opportunities to be involved and submit ideas until June 2024. 

Please send your stories to changetheworld@nottingham.ac.uk.  

Join our campaign and be part of 100 ways to change the world. 

*QS World University Rankings 2023

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