Many congratulations to Mauricio, Wei, Mingfei, Sami, and Anirbit for the award of their AI Centre for Doctoral Training. The bid was led by Mauricio and also involves partners in AMBS and at the University of Cambridge. The CDT will run for 8 years and bring 56 new PGRs to Manchester, and 16 to Cambridge. This is fantastic news all round. You can read the press release about the new CDTs here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/britain-to-be-made-ai-match-fit-with-118-million-skills-package
University news article here: University to train next generation of AI researchers in new UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training (manchester.ac.uk)
EPSRC visit
I would like to reiterate Clare’s recent message thanking everyone for their engagement with the recent visit of the EPSRC - it was great seeing such a turnout at the open meeting, the lunch, and the various break-out sessions later in the day. I would particularly like to thank Clare, Sarah, and Ruth for all their help with the organisation of the day.
SIRF submission
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our draft SIRF bid over the last few months. The proposal has now been submitted. I will talk a little more about the details at our next departmental meeting and will provide updates as it progresses through the various approval stages.
Overseas working reminder
Can I remind everyone (incl. PDRAs) that the University’s default position is that all employed staff are UK based, and agreeing for staff members to work overseas is done only on an exceptional basis due to role requirements for the University’s benefit.
More information can be found here: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people-and-od/managers-essentials/recruiting-the-right-people/global-mobility/staff-working-abroad/
Please do ensure that you (and your line managers) are complying with this policy. Agreement for staff to work abroad requires Dean-level (not just line manager) approval.
Farewell to Ahmed
Finally, and as most of you know, Ahmed will be leaving us at the end of January. I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank you, Ahmed, for all your contributions to the department during your time with us, and wish you all the best for your future endeavours.