From: Chris Taylor
Sent: 30 October 2006 00:19
To: 'Chris Taylor'
Subject: CS_Newsletter_2006-10-30.doc

 

 

MANCHESTER

           1824

School of Computer Science

Weekly Newsletter

30 October 2006

Contents

News from HoS

This Week

School Events

External Events

Funding Opps

Prize & Award Opps

Research Awards

Staff News

Vacancies

 

Links

Newsletter Archive

School Strategy

School Intranet

School Seminars

ESNW Seminars

NaCTeM Seminars

 

News from Head of School

Congratulations on Excellent Teaching Results

We have recently received feedback from the Course Unit Questionnaire Survey 05/06 showing that the School did well across the board, with no units in the ‘cause for concern’ category, and many achieving very high levels of approval.  The Associate Dean for Teaching & Learning has singled out the following for praise on achieving exceptionally high scores: Linda Brackenbury (CS2241), Barry Cheetham (CS3282), Fumie Costen (CS2272), Jim Garside (CS1242),  Toby Howard (CS2072), Mary McGee Wood (CS3421),  Jim Miles (CS1242), Steve Pettifer (CS2072), Ian Pratt-Hartmann (CS2442), Konstantin Korovin & Andrei Voronkov (CS2142), and Jon Shapiro (CS6482 & CS2411).  Overall, the results are highly commendable, and I would like to applaud everyone involved in delivering our teaching programmes.  I’m sure that you would all like to join me in congratulating the individuals with the very highest scores.

Media Success

An article in New Scientist on 21 October reported on Robert Stevens’ work on a version of MySpace for scientists. It is hoped the site will become ‘a marketplace for swapping and modifying the software tools that bioinformaticians use to identify and characterise genes’.  This follows on several recent successes in gaining media coverage for the School, and I’d like to thank all those involved.

More Information

Appointment of new Environment Officer

Eamon Griffin has been appointed as the new School Environment Officer, following the retirement of Colin Wallis.  He currently works in the Estates-STARS group, where he has been a Senior Engineering Supervisor, and will take up the position on the 5th December 06.  In the meantime, Hilary Kahn has generously agreed to continue filling the void left by Colin’s departure.

Student Recruitment and External Affairs Office

Over the coming weeks the Student Recruitment and External Affairs Office will be restructuring to accommodate changes brought about by the acquisition of both staff and teaching programmes from the School of Informatics. This will see new members brought into the team and changes to the responsibilities of existing staff.  The first of these changes is that Sarah Lowe has taken over from Christine Shaw as PGR secretary, with Christine moving to work with Sue Wolfenden on recruitment and admission to existing and new PGT programmes.  All PGR enquiries should therefore be directed to Sarah from now on.

Fellowship Applications

The School is extremely keen to increase the number of applications for externally funded fellowships submitted by staff and students.  The Research Office understands that circumstances may often result in such applications being completed close to the deadline, but it is essential that the Office has advance notice of applications, so they can ensure that all the necessary paperwork is in place in time for submission. In particular, most fellowship applications require a statement of support from the Head of School so please give me the time and information I need to write a statement (usually with input from the academic sponsor), that provides the strongest possible support for your application.

 

Events this Week                                                             top

Epistemic logics for time and space bounded reasoning                    1 Nov 06

Dr Natasha Alechina. University of Nottingham

1415, Lecture Theatre 1.5, Kilburn Building

More Information

Research Students' Symposium                                                             1-3 Nov 06

All academic and research staff are encouraged to attend the School Research Students' Symposium, which features a collection of talks and posters by current research students.   Students transferring from Informatics have not been asked to contribute, since the notice would have been too short, but all are very welcome to attend.

More Information

Using Taverna for Research in Drug Discovery                                     2 Nov 06

Pierre Cart-GrandJean, ESNW

One of the major challenges in drug discovery is to identify potential drugs
through using virtual screening of the billions of possible structures that
could be synthesized. This presentation will demonstrate the use of Taverna
with commercial algorithms and our own customization to select the best
candidates for a given therapeutic target. The application of this approach
will give Chimatica a competitive advantage in the current market.

1230-1330, Atlas 1

Exploring the interface between Maths and Bioscience                      2 Nov 06

A Networking Workshop staged  by Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre (MIB) and the School of Mathematics to consider potential opportunities for collaborations at the interface between mathematics and bioscience.  It is hoped that some of the ideas that emerge during the event can be developed into new research proposals. We strongly encourage researchers from any School working in either quantitative bioscience, mathematics or modelling to attend.  If you wish attend the workshop please email Dr Rachel Woolley

Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition                     Applications 3 Nov 06

The Society's most prestigious event of the year and an opportunity for staff to showcase your research to the public, post-16 and potential university students, scientists, policy makers, MPs, captains of industry, representatives from funding bodies and research councils, teachers  and the wider scientific community. Please contact Bernard Strutt if you are interested.

More Information

Regular Seminar Series

See links in contents bar for information on seminar series organised by the School of CS, E-Science North West and National Centre for Text Mining.

 

Future School Events                                                        top

On Dynamic Pattern Analysis and Recognition New                              8 Nov 06

Dr Ke Chen, School of Computer Science

1415, Lecture Theatre 1.5, Kilburn Building

More Information

Technology, Media, Communities and Learning New                  from 8 Nov 06

A series of 10 workshops open to all from inside and outside the University.  The series will be specifically concerned with convergences between: Social software, New media-capable hardware devices, Interactive / broadcast media, Community formation and maintenance, Learning and e-learning, Greater inclusion, and the growth of social capital.  The aim of the series is to build knowledge and skills in these topics and their intersections. To find out more about the series of workshops, please contact: Mark Van Harmelen

More Information

Children in Need / Christies Book Sale New                                             1 Dec 06

The 4th Annual (!) Computer Science Charity Booksale will take place this year on Friday 1 December, with proceeds going to Children In Need and Christies Hospital. This year has a new twist, in that we are holding the event in conjunction with Manchester Computing, so we hope the sale will be bigger and better than ever!  This year we're concentrating on books, CDs and DVDs, so if you have any unwanted items at home or in your office that you'd like to donate to the sale, please bring them in ASAP and either leave them with ACSO (Room 2.127), or with Toby (Room 2.93). Thank you to those who have already contributed! We welcome other things too, computers, stereos, golf clubs, cars, etc, which we will sell by Web auction.  Please help us make this year's sale another roaring success!

President’s Visit                                                                                             28 Feb 07

The President and Vice-Chancellor will be visiting the School.  Please make a diary note – more details nearer the time.

1400-1600

Mathematical and Statistical Aspects of Molecular Biology         29-30 Mar 07

For participants from mathematics, statistics, computer science, bioinformatics, biology and related fields to exchange of ideas in methodological and applied research. Research students and scientists newly entering the field of genomic research are particularly welcome.

More Information

 

Future External Events                                                      top

New Techniques in High Resolution Laser Spectroscopy                  8 Nov 06

Professor Wolfgang Demtroder (PSI Fellow 2006)

1430, Moseley Lecture Theatre, Schuster Building

More Information

Climate Warming / Climate Change                                                            9 Nov 06

Sir David King, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government

1430-1530, Whitworth Hall.  Email Lesley Sisson for tickets.

Expanding Your Horizons                                                                            9 Nov 06

A one-day conference for fixed-term researchers with presentations by:

Professor Simon Gaskell, Vice President (Research)

Professor Nigel Vincent, Vice President (Graduate Education)

Dr Iain Cameron, RCUK and UKHerd Task Force Member.

Plus presentations and discussions with former fixed term researchers who have gone on to achieve excellence in academia and beyond. Places are strictly limited and can be reserved by contacting Susan Hogan.

0900 – 1600, Chancellors Conference Centre

More Information

Young Engineers Presentations – House of Commons                     17 Nov 06

The annual poster presentation for Young Engineers at the House of Commons, coorganised by SET for Britain, is an opportunity to bring the work of the School to a different and important audience, enhance your CV and, potentially, win a prize.  It is relevant to all PhD students and junior RAs in the School, and those who have attended in the past have thoroughly enjoyed the event.

More Information

IST 2006 Event Helsinki                                                                         21-23 Nov 06

This year's edition of the most important European event in the field of Information Society Technologies will coincide with the launch of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Development.

More Information

Grantsmanship Workshop                                                                         29 Nov 06

This popular one day course is aimed at both new staff and more established members of staff who have not had recent interactions with the EPSRC either as applicants, grant holders or referee/panel members.  To register your interest please email Louise Rogers

 

Funding Opportunities                                                       top

ESF Research Networking Programmes                                                 30 Oct 06

Bringing together nationally funded research activities for four to five years, to address a major scientific issue or a science-driven topic of research infrastructure, at the European level with the aim of advancing the frontiers of science. 

More Information

Royal Society Research Grants                                                                  1 Nov 06

Seed corn funding for new projects. For research scientists at an early stage of their career or established scientists wishing to change the direction of their research. 

More Information

Royal Society University Research Fellowships 2007                          1 Nov 06

More Information

EPSRC 2007 Senior Research Fellowships                                             1 Nov 06

Applications are invited for the 2007 Senior Research Fellowships exercise.  Senior Research Fellowships are awarded to outstanding academic scientists and engineers of international repute with a minimum of 10 years post doctoral experience.  Fellows will be released from their current teaching and administration loads to devote themselves to research for the period of the award (up to 5 years). 

 More Information

AHRC-EPSRC-JISC e-Science Research Projects Scheme                2 Nov 06

EPSRC is a partner in this new e-Science Initiative. The aim of the scheme is to advance research in the Arts and Humanities through the use and development of e-Science technologies.  In addition to a total budget of £2 million, six four-year PhD project studentships are available either as part of an e-Science Research Grant or as a stand alone.

More Information

EPSRC 2007 Advanced Research Fellowships                                      9 Nov 06

Applications are invited for the 2007 Advanced Research Fellowships exercise.  Advanced Research Fellowships are awarded to outstanding researchers with 3 – 10 years of postdoctoral experience. More Information

Teaching & Learning (T&L) Innovation Funding                                  20 Nov 06

The third round of bids for Teaching and Learning Funding for Schools is now open. Please contact Pete Jinks (the School Learning Enhancement Officer) if you are interested.

More Information

BBSRC Systems Biology (SABR)                                                            27 Nov 06

Recently, the BBSRC announced a new Systems Biology call.  As Manchester already has a Systems Biology Centre (MCISB, see www.mcisb.org), we are in a very good position to apply for funding.  Dieter Weichart, on behalf of Prof. Doug Kell (Director of the MCISB), would like to take the initiative in coordinating potential SABR bid(s) from the University (but not bids to the related ESB initiative).  If you are interested in participating in a proposal please send a brief (few sentences) response to Dieter Weichart, cc to Douglas Kell outlining your proposed research.

More Information

International Research Mobility Scheme                                                30 Nov 06

Research opportunities from one week to six months in the US, China and mainland Europe for staff and postgraduate students.

More Information

IBM-UoM Partners Programme                                                                  30 Nov 06

Last year Kung-Kiu Lau became one of the first “University of Manchester-IBM Partners”. Academic staff are now invited to apply for the 2007/8 scheme.  It is important to the School that we grasp this opportunity to engage with the company, who have much to offer all our activities.

More Information

Royal Society Conference Grants                                                               1 Dec 06

The conference grants scheme supports UK based scientists to either present their own paper/poster or chair a session at an overseas conference, where conference participation is the main or sole purpose of visit. The objectives of this scheme are to enable scientists to disseminate research findings, establish collaborations and build international reputations.

More Information

Leverhulme Trust Research Leadership Awards                                   1 Dec 06

To support researchers confronted with the task of building a research team of sufficient scale to tackle an identified but distinctive research objective.  Each award will be at a level of up to £800,000 in total for up to five years of work. The intent is that the funds be used to provide each awardee with ten 'post-doctoral assistant years' and ten 'research student years' for the grant period, though other patterns would be permissible.

More Information

Toshiba Fellowhips                                                                                      15 Dec 06

Toshiba in association with the EPSRC invites applications from European scientists to join one of its high technology research teams in Japan.

More Information

EPSRC ICT Platform Grants                                                                               Open

EPSRC invites outline proposals for its information and communication technology platform grants. Platform grants aim to provide world-leading UK groups with continuity of funding for strategic development, longer-term research and international networking.

More Information

Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chairs                                        Open

The Royal Academy of Engineering invites applications for its research chairs. 
Research Chairs are full-time professorial appointments, in any engineering-related subject. The academy particularly welcomes proposals of a multidisciplinary nature. Funding is provided for 5 years.

More Information

RAEng Industrial Secondment Scheme                                                          Open

An opportunity for university lecturers in engineering to gain state-of-the-art industrial experience.

More Information

BBSRC International Scientific Interchange Scheme (ISIS)                       Open

To help scientists make and establish new contacts with their international counterparts.

More Information

RAEng Global Research Awards                                                                      Open

Projects in centres of excellence overseas focussing on stimulating wealth creation and improvements in the quality of life.

More Information

EPSRC Engineering Visits                                                                                  Open

Support for salary costs and travel subsistence for scientists and engineers of acknowledged standing, either from within the UK or abroad, to visit the investigator's organisation.

More Information

 

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.

ACM Turing Award                                                                                         31 Oct 06

ACM's most prestigious technical award is accompanied by a prize of $100,000. It is given to an individual selected for contributions of a technical nature made to the computing community. The contributions should be of lasting and major technical importance to the computer field. Financial support of the Turing Award is provided by the Intel Corporation.

More Information

ACM Grace Murray Hopper Award                                                             31 Oct 06

A prize of $15,000 awarded to the outstanding young computer professional of the year.

More Information

EPSRC Computer Science Writing Competition 2006/07                   31 Jan 07

We want unpublished articles of up to 750 words about research that’s part of any EPSRC-funded computer science project.  For this competition, computer science means the study of methods for acquiring, storing, processing, communicating and reasoning about information, and the role of interactivity in natural and artificial systems through the implementation, organisation and use of computer hardware, software and other resources.

More Information

Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award New                      31 Jan 07

The UK's premier award for innovation in engineering. The Award, first presented in 1969, honours the winning company with a gold medal and the team members with a prize of £50,000. The presentation of the Award recognises the successful development of innovative ideas in engineering. It seeks to demonstrate the importance of engineering and the role of engineers and scientists in contributing to national prosperity and international prestige.

More Information

 

Research Awards                                                               top

The Ontogenesis Network

Funding Body: EPSRC
PI: Robert Stevens
Award Amount: £80622

Nano-Patterned Storage Media: Noise and Density Limits

Funding Body: EPSRC
PI: Jim Miles
Award Amount: £584894

 

Staff News                                                                           top

Awards and Promotions

None this week

Academic Arrivals

None this week

Technical Arrivals

None this week

Academic Retirements

None this week

Research Arrivals

None this week

Research Departures

None this week

Administrative Arrivals

None this week

Administrative Departures

None this week

Sabbatical Leave

Alasdair Rawsthorne: 80% secondment to Transitive Technologies
Oct 06 – Sep 07.

Alvaro Fernandes: IBM Almaden Research Centre US
Jul 06 – Dec 06.

Milan Mihajlovic: University of Maryland, College Park

Jul 06 – Dec 06

 

Vacancies                                                                            top

Academic Staff

None

Research & Technical Staff

None

Management & Professional Staff

None

Administrative Staff

None