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Weekly
Newsletter |
1st May 2006 | ||
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Contents |
News from Head of SchoolIndustrial Advisory Board Last week saw the first meeting of the Schools newly constituted Industrial Advisory Board. This replaces several existing forums for seeking advice from colleagues in industry on teaching, research and technology transfer. The inaugural event, which was extremely well attended, concentrated on the proposed changes to our UG curriculum, and led to a stimulating debate. There was general endorsement for the approach we are exploring, but it was interesting to hear similar ideas presented from a different perspective. It was particularly striking that the message from representatives of companies as diverse as EA (computer games) and IBM (IT services) was very similar. All endorsed the continuing need for deep knowledge and skills in core CS, but equally there was unanimity on the need for individuals with the knowledge and skills base to work effectively as members of multi-disciplinary teams. The event also generated offers of practical help with guest lectures and organising events for schoolchildren and/or potential students. Many were also interested in discussing UG and PGT projects and placements. Bernard and the staff in External Affairs will follow up these offers and ensure we continue the momentum by keeping all the Board members engaged with the School. Action Short of a StrikeWe are clearly reaching the stage where the action short of a strike is in danger of causing significant disruption, unless it is resolved very soon. As you will have seen, the University has promised all students that their graduation (or progression) will not be delayed by the action. There is, as yet, no guidance to Schools on how this is to be achieved, but it is expected imminently. I am pleased that the University has chosen to take a non-confrontational, no-blame approach to the action, but also believe it is right that we have now made this commitment to our students. Given the constructive approach that you have all taken thus far, I am extremely hopeful that we will be able to meet our obligations to students without great difficulty, even if the action continues. Clearly, some flexibility will be required, and there may be concerns over standards, but I believe that we have a duty to ensure that results are issued in a timely way, and that no student is disadvantaged in the process. I hope (and believe) that you all agree. Impressive Run in
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Congratulations to John Halliwell who completed the 2006 Flora London Marathon in 3:13:46, just outside his PB time of last year (3:08:42), but still classed as Good for Age! The sub 3:15 time also gives John automatic entry in the race for the next two years. |
Events this
Week
top
Grid: Agreement Terms 2 May 06
One of a series on sharing Grid resources, hosted by ESNW
Zhu Tan, Michael Parkin, Marco Fargetta, Viktor Yarmolenko, Mike Daw
1400 1700, Room 1.10
Any questions, email Dean Kuo or visit wiki.
Ontologies and the Semantic Web Cancelled 3 May 06
Professor Ian Horrocks.
1415 1515, Lecture Theatre 1.5,
Proteome Annotation Exploiting GRID Technology 3 May 06
Professor Michael Sternberg,
1600 1700,
Publishing your Pedagogic Research 4 May 06
Bland Tomkinson, University Advisor for Pedagogic Development
An interactive session bring your ideas for potential books, papers etc.
1200 1330, Whitworth Council Chamber (lunch included)
Email to book (for catering purposes)at least two days in advance
Regular Seminar Series
See links
in contents bar for information on seminar series organised by the
Future School
BCS/IEE Accreditation Visit 17-18 May 06
Those who will definitely need to be involved should already know and have these dates in their diaries, but could all staff involved in teaching please note the dates and try to ensure they will be available if required. PLEASE NOTE there was a misunderstanding over dates and this was originally advertised as taking place on the 18 19 May.
Requriements
and Technologies for Provenance New
23 May 06
ENSW technical meeting. Volunteers required to give 10-15 min presentations.
1400 1700, Atlas 1
Research Retreat 29-30 Jun 06
Palace Hotel, Buxton
Programme under development, input welcomed (email Ursula)
School UG Graduation Party New 5 Jul 06
We will (hopefully) be celebrating their graduation with our UG students
1430 1530, prize-giving 1445, graduation ceremony 1645.
Future External Events top
Ask the President 5 May 06
All staff are being invited to submit questions
for an interview with President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Gilbert
which will be broadcast on the web during May. Questions should be
submitted in advance by email (type `President's
Webcast' in the subject line), or in person to the Internal Communications
Office,
OPEN MEETING ON
You are invited to an Open Meeting on eLearning at which Professor Bob Munn, Vice-President for Teaching and Learning, will make a brief presentation and respond to questions about current initiatives to enhance e-learning. Full details
Building the Business Infrastructure for the 21st Century New 11 May 06
North West Grid Seminar hosted by the Advanced
Internet Methods and Emergent Systems (AIMES) Centre,
0930 1230, AIMES Centre,
More
Information and Registration
Metamorphosis Induction Issues New 11 May 06
So how can we encourage students to use the academic and non-academic support systems that are available so that they will achieve their full potential? What additional support strategies need to be put in place? A range of speakers will consider the development of student support strategies particularly induction programmes from a student perspective, discuss the issues that need to be addressed, and what the student satisfaction survey can tell us.
1200 1330 (lunch included),CEU Suite, 4th Floor,
Email to book (for catering purposes)at least two days in
advance.
TRDN Annual Symposium New 23 May 06
Alison Johns, Head of Leadership, Governance and Management, HEFCE
In addition to the keynote address, there will be sessions dealing with the University as a community, and with its relationships with the wider community both locally and nationally/internationally. Posters are invited on the theme of 'community' or on wider educational issues.
1000 1500, Hulme Hall
Email Veronique Rizzuto to book or offer a poster
EPSRC Regional Academic Seminars New 26 May & 14 June 06
The EPSRC regional academic seminars offer the
opportunity to discuss issues of interest with colleagues from Higher
Education Institutions.
There are two seminars coming up in Spring
2006.
26 May 2006
The seminars will include a presentation
from Professor John O'Reilly, Chief Executive of EPSRC, a Question and
Answer session, and a session on Peer Review and the grant application
process. At the
Lunchtime Yoga Classes Karon Mee Tues & Thurs
People have been practicing yoga for over 3, 000 years. The benefits of practice can be experienced on many levels, physical and spiritual. A healthy spine, improvement to physical health and body awareness in general is experienced through asana (postures), while calmness of the mind and improved use of the respiratory system are effects of meditation and breath awareness. Classes are non-competitive and suitable for all levels. Do not eat at least an hour prior to class. UMSA members £1.50; non-UMSA £2.00 per class
1200 1300 Tuesdays, 1310 1400 Thursdays, Staff House
Funding Opportunities top
BBSRC International Scientific Interchange Scheme
(
BBSRC's International Scientific Interchange
Scheme (ISIS) provides support to help scientists make and establish new
contacts with their international counterparts. Funding is available to
BBSRC grantholders, and researchers working on BBSRC-supported projects at
BBSRC-sponsored Institutes for travel and subsistence for three main types
of visit. The scheme is open to bids at any time (at least 6 weeks before
travel) with payments being made in advance of any visits. Please note
BBSRC-supported students are not eligible to travel under
Wellcome Trust Equipment Grants Apr/May 06
The Wellcome Trust consider applications for multi-user items of equipment, including equipment required to create a central resource for a number of disparate scientific programmes. The maximum amount awarded is £1 million. It is expected that applications will include a contribution from the university, or other source, proportional to the total request. Applications for less than £10 000 will not normally be considered under this scheme. Small, project-dedicated items of equipment can, however, form part of a project, programme or fellowship application.
RAEng Industrial Secondment Scheme Open
The Industrial Secondment Scheme provides an
invaluable opportunity for university lecturers in engineering to gain
state-of-the-art industrial experience.
Applicable to engineers of all
disciplines, the Scheme's objective is to enable the secondees to impart
the fruits of this experience to their students through teaching, through
case studies using up-to-date material and, in the longer term, through
course design. The benefits also accrue to the host organisation which
gains a temporary but highly qualified member of staff, and to the
university which has the opportunity of strengthening its links with
industry. The Scheme provides funding for the university to employ a
temporary replacement for the secondee. In this way it minimises the
effects on the normal flow of teaching, and makes it easier for
universities to release members of staff for secondment. The Scheme has
also been well received by industry, and many organisations have indicated
a willingness to offer places to engineering academics: where possible The
Royal Academy of Engineering helps in the 'matchmaking
process'.
RAEng Global Research Awards Open
Global Research Awards provide an opportunity for
engineers currently engaged in research and development to undertake
projects in centres of excellence overseas. Projects should focus on
activities which could help stimulate wealth creation and improvements in
the quality of life, supporting the international development of research
networks and encouraging the uptake of globally competitive technology in
the
Prize and Award Opportunities top
We have acknowledged the need to raise the profile of the School both nationally and internationally. Nominating individuals for awards, and working actively with others to ensure that deserving individuals are nominated is one way of doing that.
Renι Descartes
Prizes
4 May 06
The European Commission is inviting proposals under its framework 6 science and society programme for Rene Descartes prizes. These are to recognise excellence in research and science communication. Prizes for research will be at least 200000 euros each, and projects must include legal entities from 2 different member or associated states, and include at least one member state or associated candidate country.
The IEEE Richard W. Hamming Medal 1 Jul 06
The IEEE Richard W. Hamming Medal was established by the Board of Directors in 1986 'for exceptional contributions to information sciences, systems and technology.' The award is named in honour of Dr. Richard W. Hamming, who has had a central role in the development of computer and computing science, and whose many significant contributions in the area of information science include his error-correcting codes. Recipient selection is administered by the IEEE Medals Council through the IEEE Awards Board. It may be presented to an individual or group, up to three in number. The award consists of a gold medal, bronze replica, certificate, and honorarium.
The IEEE John von Neumann Medal 1 Jul 06
The IEEE John von Neumann Medal was established by the Board of Directors in 1990 and may be presented annually 'for outstanding achievements in computer-related science and technology.' The achievements may be theoretical, technological, or entrepreneurial, and need not have been made immediately prior to the date of the award. Recipient selection is administered through the IEEE Medals Council of the IEEE Awards Board. It may be presented to an individual or group, up to two in number. The award consists of a gold medal, bronze replica, certificate and honorarium.
Research Awards top
None this week
Staff News top
Awards and Promotions
None this week
Academic Arrivals
None this week
Academic Departures
None this week
Research Arrivals
June Finch Project Manager, IMG
Neil Swainston Research Associate, IMG/Faculty of Life Sciences
Pierre F J-M Cart-Grandjean Software Engineer, BHIG/ESNW
Terry Child Software Engineer, BHIG/ESNW
Research Departures
None this week
Administrative Arrivals
None this week
Administrative Departures
None this week
Sabbatical Leave
Andrei
Voronkov: Microsoft Research,
Aug 05 Aug
06.
Ian
Horrocks:
Feb 06 Sep
06.
Peter
Aczel:
Jan 06
Sep 06.
Alasdair
Rawsthorne: 80% secondment to
Transitive Technologies
Oct 05 Sep 06.
Alvaro
Fernandes: IBM Almaden Research Centre
Jul Dec 06.
Vacancies top
Academic Staff
Chair in Computational Systems Biology
Research Staff
Research Associate in Automated Reasoning and Web Ontologies
Administrative Staff
None