Campus News

Investigating responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI)

July 26th, 2023

The University of Nottingham is part of a consortium recently awarded £31m by the UKRI to bring together researchers across the UK to understand how to shape and develop responsible Artificial Intelligence to benefit people, communities and society.

RAI UK will draw on a wide range of academic disciplines to conduct and fund research into responsible AI. We are now looking to establish a University of Nottingham-wide network to include academics, researchers, students and staff with an interest in investigating responsible AI.
We recognise that there are many AI-related research projects already being conducted at the University, along with several applications for AI research funding in process.

The aim of this network is to build a well-rounded group of experts and lay persons with an interest in getting (further) involved and/or contributing towards research focussing on responsible AI, public engagement activity and policy initiatives in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. We hope the network will also grow into a central contact point to start wider conversations and act as a reputable and well recognised mechanism for dissemination about matters relating to responsible AI.

If you are interested in joining the network or would like to find out more, please get in touch by completing this form.

RAI UK have just announced their first funding call. Details about the Accelerator funding can be found here, and the closing date for submissions is Thursday 7 September 2023.

 

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University hosts largest ever Digital Accessibility conference

July 25th, 2023

The university’s Learning Technology department recently organised and facilitated a conference on Digital Accessibility – which was a resounding success with more than 250 people coming from all over the world to attend in person.

Hosted by the Learning Technology team, this was the largest Digital Accessibility conference ever held, funded by Libraries, and Education and Student Experience. The conference centred on the theme of accessibility and cultural change, highlighting the importance of envisaging a better future, creating conditions for change, and sustaining that change. It encompassed three key themes:

Theme One: Achieving Lasting Change
Focuses on the institutional mechanisms necessary for sustainable transformation. The discussions delved into leadership, vision, programme and project management, institutional roles and legal considerations, empowering attendees to drive lasting change within their organisations through collaboration and shared learning.

Theme Two: Embedding Best Practice
Addresses the multifaceted elements required to comprehensively tackle accessibility challenges. Professionals from various roles, including learning technology, libraries, professional development, student experience, and support services, gained insights into program and project management, change management, engagement strategies, promotion and communication techniques, and training and support frameworks essential for fostering accessibility.

Theme Three: An Inclusive Curriculum
Highlighted the significance of creating an inclusive learning experience. Discussions revolved around digital learning materials, learning design and the student experience, with a focus on core accessibility, technical standards, universal design for learning and content challenges. Attendees gained valuable insights from media specialists, learning technologists, librarians and content developers, equipping them with tools and technologies to create an inclusive teaching and learning environment.

Attendees at the conference explored innovative solutions, shared best practice and identified the challenges that lay ahead. Delegate discussions went beyond the technical aspects of accessibility, focusing on the importance of empathy, understanding and collaboration.

The conference was a success and its impact will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the interested parties involved in digital accessibility across HE in instigating positive change and fostering a community of shared vision and collaboration.

Attendees praised the organisation of the event, the quality of the presentations, and the venues and refreshments both in person and online.

Recordings of the presentations will be available soon from the conference website.

For further information about digital accessibility, and future developments please contact a faculty Digital Learning Director. Information can be found on the Digital learning Director website.

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Researchers and community partners needed for next cycle of PhD project development

July 25th, 2023

The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University are looking to Nottingham residents and community groups to co-create new research projects that will make a real difference to the lives of ordinary people living in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Co(l)laboratory is a pioneering initiative shaped by communities, for communities, and we need your help.

Co(l)laboratory’s next round of PhD research project co-creation runs from June through to September 2023.

This development phase is a core part of our programme where we bring together Nottingham academics and a wide range of partners from local community-focused organisations to work together to co-create new PhD research projects which address challenges relevant to Nottingham and Nottinghamshire communities.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to become proactive members of a growing community of people who want to support real, meaningful change for Nottingham’s communities through research.

We need academics who want to help us drive forward an agenda of community-engaged research, and community partners who can provide a strong link to real-life practice and experiences that can help ensure our research is relevant and responsive to the needs of local communities.

Why should you get involved?

For academics, Co(l)laboratory presents an opportunity to be part of a pioneering, cross-institutional project which is challenging the way that doctoral research is created, led, and delivered. Our highly collaborative approach creates opportunities for researchers to broaden their networks, skillsets, and experiences, as well as to help contribute to positive change within research and in our local communities.

Through this, we aim to foster stronger connections between academics at UoN and NTU, support more embedded collaborations with external partners, and ultimately support the production of higher quality, more inclusive and therefore more impactful research.

Furthermore, project teams, including their fully funded PhD candidates, will become part of a unique community of creative and innovative individuals and will receive dedicated support and resources focused on partnership management, civically engaged research and more.

How do I express my interest?

To get involved with our latest PhD Research Project Co-Creation phase, please submit some brief details in the online expression of interest form.

The Co(l)laboratory team will use these details to contact you about our information webinars and co-creation workshops, as well as to put you in contact with other potential academic and/or community partners with whom you might be interested in collaborating on a proposal.

The next co-creation workshop is on Monday 4 September 2023 and the project submission deadline is Friday 20 September 2023.

To find out more about the next phase of PhD research project co-creation workshops and events, please visit the Collaboratory website.

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Upcoming changes to the App Store in Microsoft Teams

July 24th, 2023

From Wednesday 26 July 2023, Digital and Technology Services (DTS) will be restricting some third-party apps which are currently available for use within the Microsoft Teams app store.

We are doing this to protect important data and ensure that only trusted software vendors can be used. Not only does this help keep staff and students safe, but it also helps us comply with research funding requirements as well.

This change will only affect apps within Teams itself. It will not affect your desktop or web browsing experience.

I am only using apps from Microsoft. Will I be affected?

If you are using any of the existing Microsoft specific apps available within Teams (for example Microsoft Forms, SharePoint etc), you will not be affected by this change and do not need to take any action.

Which third-party apps can be used?

A list of the approved apps can be found on the Third party apps in M365 SharePoint site. At the time of writing, this includes Adobe Reader and Echo360.

I am using additional third-party app in Teams. What should I do?

If you are using an app within Teams that was not created by Microsoft and not on the list of approved apps, please remove your data, delete any integrations, and remove your university IT account from those third-party systems as soon as possible.

I am using an app built by the university. Will this be blocked?

No, the team have excluded any apps created by the university that have been through governance review.

What should I do if I have further questions?

We hope that any information you may need can be found on the Third party apps in M365 SharePoint site, but should you have further questions, please contact the IT Service Desk.

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Djanogly Learning Resource Centre closed on 27 and 28 July

July 21st, 2023

Djanogly Learning Resource Centre and the 24/7 computer room at the top of the building will be closed on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 July for essential maintenance to the entry doors.

We apologise for the disruption and any inconvenience this may cause. Guidance is included below on accessing study spaces and printed materials during the closure period.

If you have any questions, please ask a member of Library staff or get in touch via email, phone or live chat.

Study space

The computer room at the top of the library will be closed overnight on Thursday 27 July but it should re-open for the evening of Friday 28 July.

Alternative study space is available in the Exchange building and Business Library (Business School South).

The Exchange building can be accessed 24/7 but during the evening access is by University Card only.

Access to resources

If you require access to books, please place a Click and Collect request on NUsearch.

Library staff will transfer items to the Business Library for you to collect.

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Lord Dearing Awards holders 2023 announced

July 20th, 2023

The Lord Dearing Awards have been announced for 2023.

The Lord Dearing Award Scheme has, since 1999, celebrated the world-class contribution made by university staff to creating a nurturing, creative and innovative learning environment.

The scheme was supported personally by Lord Ronald Dearing, the fifth Chancellor of The University of Nottingham, and it has seen more than 200 individual members of staff and over 50 teams receive an award for high quality teaching, the support of learning, and the student experience.

The Awards are held annually, with nominations from staff and students. Awards are made to individuals, teams and a school or department based on demonstrating impact on student learning, outcomes, and experience.

In 2023, 51 individuals and 8 teams received Lord Dearing Awards across our three campuses and one Excellence in the Learning Environment award was made to a single school or department.

The full list of recipients can be seen here.

Many congratulations to all of our award holders for 2023.

For more information about the Lord Dearing Awards, please visit the Professional Development website.

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Second round research seed funding with Ukrainian Catholic University

July 18th, 2023

Following an initial round call for research seed funding of up to £15,000 related to UoN’s twinning programme with Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU), we are pleased to confirm that several projects have now been funded which bring together researchers from both institutions.

A second round call is now active, once again offering seed funding of up to £15,000 for collaborative research projects with UCU in the areas of War and Resilience, Religion and War, Moral and Legal Considerations of Wartime Actors, or Integral Human Development and Sustainable Reconstruction.

The call provides an opportunity to develop broader and deeper collaborations in areas of strategic focus for each institution, with the expectation that funded projects will lead to more substantive engagement between the two institutions.

A copy of the application form  can be downloaded here.

Full details and guidelines for the call  can be found here, however please note that these are the first round guidelines and contain an incorrect deadline.

The deadline for the second call for submissions is midnight on Friday 11 August 2023.

Please note that current guidelines contain a deadline for spending funds received by 31 August 2023. We are currently seeking clarification on this from the funder and will update interested parties once further information is obtained.

This call is open to all academic staff at UoN and UCU, though must include at least one member of staff from each institution. Projects incorporating Early Career Researchers or postgraduate research students are strongly encouraged.

To apply, UoN staff should email a copy of the completed application form along with CV’s of researchers involved to uonglobal@nottingham.ac.uk by the deadline.

UCU lead applicants should email a copy of the completed application form and CV’s to researchsupport@ucu.edu.ua and international@ucu.edu.ua.

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Funding for Black History Month 2023 celebrations now open

July 17th, 2023

As part of the university’s ongoing commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we are inviting applications for the celebration of Black history, culture, and achievements to take place during Black History Month in October 2023.

For funding applications, please complete this form by Thursday 7 September 2023.  

This year’s national theme is ‘Saluting our sisters’ – highlighting black women’s critical role in shaping black history, culture and communities.

Funding will be awarded to host local events or activities to a maximum of £200, with applications to be assessed by the race equality theme leads.

Your events need to align with our EDI priorities for the year, and their impact will need to be evaluated.

Learn more about Black History Month on the official website.

How to get involved

For funding applications, please complete this form by Thursday 7 September 2023.

For any queries, please contact the EDI Coordinators.

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Professional Services Awards 2023: only one week left to nominate

July 17th, 2023

Nominations for this year’s Professional Services Awards are now open to staff and students at the university – and there’s only one week left for people to nominate.

Building on the success of the 2022 Professional Services Awards, 2022-23 has been another challenging and extraordinary year for Professional Services staff.

With unprecedented investment in our physical and digital estate, Professional Services teams have moved on from ‘building back’ to leading and supporting the delivery of an ambitious programme of strategic change that will transform ways of working, our academic offering and the wider student experience.

The theme of this year’s Professional Services Awards is ‘Ambition’ and we’re looking forward to hearing how teams have reached even higher since the last awards, not only ensuring our Professional Services and campus operations run smoothly, but developing new services, capabilities and support for our fantastic global UoN community.

Our second awards will aim to capture the authenticity and team spirit that was so prevalent for the inaugural event. While we will be updating the format to include entertainment, digital streams and video summaries of nominations, the primary focus will still be to hold an evening of celebration and reflection with the focus upon showcasing all that our teams have achieved amongst the fantastic backdrop of our stunning EMCC conference centre venue.

Any member of the university’s staff or student community can nominate a team and Professional Services staff will also be able to self-nominate for any of the categories.

Activities on which nominations are based should have taken place between 24 April 2022 – 23 July 2023.

Who are Professional Services?

Professional Services includes all of Administrative Professional and Managerial (APM), Legal Services, Technical Services, Operations & Facilities and Childcare Job Families, including roles based in Schools and Faculties as well as central functions.

You can find a full list of staff groups that fall under ‘Professional Services’ here.

Nomination categories

To fully reflect the breadth and depth of services that are supported by our Professional Services teams, we have maintained the eight nomination categories identified for the inaugural awards that align to university core goals and values. All nominations are team-based to reflect the extraordinary collective efforts that we have witnessed during the course of the last year

Team of the Year
For teams who have demonstrated outstanding effort and contribution that has gone above and beyond to deliver services of value to the university

Team award for embodying university values
For teams that continually uphold and exhibit the university values of Fairness, Respect, Inclusivity, Ambition, Openness in their everyday duties

Team awards for enhancing the Campus Experience
For teams who have demonstrated a collective effort to enhance the student, staff or visitor experience on campus (this could be a physical activity or process or supporting technology)

Team award for contribution to sustainability
For teams whose activities have demonstrated value to the university but also a strong consideration for future sustainability (e.g. developing a sustainable service or way of working)

Team award for fostering creativity and discovery
For teams that are innovative and think out of the box when solving issues or are proactive in identifying new solutions

Team award for embedding collaboration
For teams who have truly embraced collaborative working in a cross-functional way with other university areas/teams

Team award for supporting potential
For teams that have encouraged each other or those they are engaged with to grow and thrive

Team award for solving problems and improving lives
For teams who have delivered solutions, services or activities that have made a significant difference to individuals or communities

Nomination process

Please nominate a team using the button below or find out more on our Professional Services Awards webpages.

We want to hear about colleagues whose achievements have been ambitious, who have inspired others and made a difference to those around them.

Colleagues can vote in as many categories as they like as long as they relate to a UoN Professional Services team. We ask that all nominations are appropriately tailored to the category and that the same wording is used for no more than two nomination categories.

Size and scale of activity is not a primary factor and all submissions are welcome against any of the eight defined categories. We actively encourage nominations from Professional Services staff from all communities, locations and job families.

Nominations will be open between Monday 26 June – Sunday 23 July 2023 and there will be the choice of either submitting nominations digitally via the event website (maximum 300 words), using a printed nomination form or by submitting a video/audio clip.

Physical forms will be distributed to key staff and student networks by the end of June.

Nominees will be notified by mid-August 2023.

If you have any questions or queries about the Professional Services Awards or would like to volunteer to be involved in the celebratory event on Monday 2 October 2023, please contact us via our specialist event mailbox – ps-awards@nottingham.ac.uk.

Find out more about the Professional Services Awards 2023 here.

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Changes to enhance university email filtering and protections

July 14th, 2023

On Tuesday 18 July 2023, Digital and Technology Services will be enhancing university email protections to help prevent people receiving phishing messages, viruses, and spam emails.

With 90% of cyberattacks starting with malicious emails, these enhancements form a key part in the protection of our systems and data.  

Care should be taken when reviewing all emails. If you are unsure about the content of any email, please contact our help and support teams for advice. 

The change on 18 July will replace our existing email filtering solution, PureMessage, and replace this with Microsoft’s own security service, Defender. A summary of the new enhancements are explained below:  

Visible phishing indicators

Multiple phishing indicators are now visible in emails to help you identify messages that may not be legitimate.  

  1. Adding a question mark to the sender’s photo if a message is detected as potentially being phishing 
  2. Adding “via” tag to a senders email address (John Smith <john@contoso.com via fabrikam.com>) when the sender’s email address and sending servers do not match. 
  3. Adding a “first contact” safety tip the first time you get a message from a new sender, or a sender that does not often contact you

Checking of links in Emails, Office documents and Teams message

An additional layer of protection has been added to check links in emails, Teams messages and office documents for any phishing or malware as the time that you click them and will block access to malicious content.

Scanning links at the time you click them helps prevent cases when malware is added to a site just after the email has been delivered to your inbox. 

Enhanced checking of attachments

All email attachments are now comprehensively scanned for viruses and malware before they are delivered to your inbox.

As the full scan can take several minutes to complete, messages may be initially delivered to your inbox with just a placeholder message informing you an “ATP Scan In Progress” and a link to a safe preview of the message.

As soon as the scan has completed the placeholder is removed and the attachments are made available as normal. 

Integrated quarantine with the ability to review and self-release messages that are held

While the detected malicious messages are automatically blocked, messages where the systems are unable to determine if the message is legitimate or malicious may be quarantined.

From the 18 July future quarantines messages will continue from ‘reports@nottingham.ac.uk’ informing you that one or more messages are being held in quarantine.

Further details for the quarantine process can be found on the Microsoft website.

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