Issue 52 – Monday 29th March 2021
Contents
HeadSup
Kia ora koutou
We had some great news last week: Mark Costello was awarded the Shorland Medal from the NZ Association of Scientists. This medal recognises a major and continued contribution to basic or applied research that has added significantly to scientific understanding or resulted in significant benefits to society. This is a wonderful acknowledgement of Mark’s pioneering work in the field of ocean diversity infomatics. Mark was a pivotal driver in the creation of two free online databases: the World Register of Marine Species, which includes names and information on over 240,000 species, and the Ocean Biogeographic Information System, which contains over 50 million species field records. These databases underpin advances in our understanding of ocean biodiversity. Mark’s championing of open data has encouraged collaboration across borders. Well done Mark!
Many of us will have worked with Igor Drecki, a superb cartographer and supporter of all things geographic. Igor worked with the School, and with the Geography Department, prior to his current role in the library. Igor’s last day with the University is coming up fast and he will join us for morning tea this Wednesday. Please come along and partake of some farewell nosh.
Some interesting issues have arisen over the last few weeks with discussion in some courses provoking strong reactions. As a university, we have a commitment to freedom of expression. Exactly what this means is under discussion at senate (today in fact!), with expectation that we will have clarity on policy and procedures around this presently. We also have a code of conduct that applies to ALL members of the university, students and staff alike. I would like to draw everyone’s attention to this document. It includes a number of scenarios that illustrate situations in which behaviour does, and does not, contravene our code of conduct. It’s a good document to discuss with classes prior to getting into challenging topics.
Last week we finally got to hear Jan Lindsay deliver her inaugural professorial lecture. What a great turn out and what a terrific lecture – well done Jan!
Have a great couple of weeks everyone
Ngā mihi nui
JR
Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities
Acknowledgements
Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi
Congratulations Dr. Robin Kearns who has been elected a Ngā Ahurei a Te Apārangi/ Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Fellows are elected by their distinction in research and advancement of science, technology or humanities.
For the full article click here
Excellence in First Year Geography Awards 2019 and 2020
For 2019 (following cancellation of the 2020 ceremony): Matthew Illing, Tai Wright, Grace Goodwin, Anataia Van Leeuwen, Liana Sykes, Drew Smith, Monique Wing, Anneka George, Christine Ubido, Eleanor Buttle, Harry Bird, Stephen Oldfield, Jonathon Lee, Hannah Jang, Blair McIntosh
For 2020:
Cayla Fickling, Darrell Smith, Bayleigh Howarth, Inka Pleiss, Mio Ishida, Alexandra Wood, Koren St Clair, Simon Bath, Finbar Hoyte, Nicholas Jantke, Caroline Pankow; Shirin Akramkhanov, Sarah Codyre, Alyssandra Lim-Yip, Talia Mather, Taryn Smith, Sinyoung Kim, Eddy Yip, Oscar Romero
Special Morning Tea
Please join us for a special morning tea on Wednesday 31st of March at 10:30am to bid farewell to Igor Drecki. Igor has held number of cartographic and library roles at the University of Auckland for nearly two decades. Many of you might remember Igor in the Geography dept. helping students and staff with their wide range of cartographic needs. The list of Igor’s accomplishments is long, but highlights include: making the many iterations of the campus map which is known for it’s clarity and ease of use, developing the widely used geodatahub, managing the map collection at the library and leading the scanning of NZ’s historic topographic maps. Igor is leaving UoA to take up a role as Curator, Cartographic and Geospatial Collections at the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington.
A Code of Conduct for ethical scientific practice
A Code of Conduct has been drafted for a community of marine and biodiversity researchers which is presently being reviewed by the Scientific Committee on Ocean Research, International Association of Biological Oceanography, Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network, and others with the intent to adopt it as a guide to people in their communities of practice. It is general enough to be applicable to many researchers. The draft is visible at https://www.oceansofbiodiversity.auckland.ac.nz/2021/02/01/a-code-of-conduct-for-ethical-scientific-practice/ and I [Mark Costello m.costello@auckland.ac.nz] welcome any feedback on how to improve the text
Sustaining Cities and Communities in a Post-Covid World (SDG 11)
Robin Kearns was recently a presenter as part of the University of Alberta’s International Week which focused on sustainable Development Goals. Please see video below for Robin’s full presentation.
Masters Student Research Seminars
We will run a seminar series show-casing masters thesis research on 9 June 20201 (9am to 3 pm with lunch; Rm 303-130). This will cover students who commenced thesis studies in semester 2 of last year. Each student will give a 10 minute oral presentation followed by 5 minutes of questions. This is designed to assist students with the direction their project is going in.
Supervisors will be introducing their students. The topics will be grouped into disciplines allowing associated staff to attend and moderate the seminars.
This is an on-campus event. It does not involve Zoom-style or digital presentations from off-campus sites.
My Summer – VR Locative Reality
Sophie Kolston , a 3rd year GI Science student has recently written a blog outlining their summer research scholarship experience. For more information click here
School of Environment – Social Media
Thomas Mules has taken over the School’s social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). Please send content to Thomas for publication across these channels. Email: thomas.mules@auckland.ac.nz
Facebook works well for field photos, stories in the popular media etc. Audience is students, alumni and very global in nature. Facebook showcases the School as a vibrant, stimulating and fun place to study.
Twitter works well to promote/celebrate new papers, research successes etc. It showcases the School as a place of high-quality research.
A last bastion of public space? Why the fight over Wellington’s library was so fiery
The following article was written by Environment very own Salene Schloffel-Armstrong, Geography PhD Candidate. For more information click here
Mentors Wanted : NZ Geospatial Hackathon
Along with several other universities in Aotearoa, we’re taking part in TakiWaehere — The Geospatial Hackathon, and are looking for academic mentors to guide our students through the 24-hour event.
The hackathon runs from 12pm, 17 April to 12pm, 18 April 2021.
Our mentors will assist student participants, and those with expertise in the following subjects would be helpful for this challenge, though we welcome anyone who wants to help: data science, geospatial data, commercialization, and engineering.
If you’re interested in contributing as a mentor, please contact Catherine Qualtrough with some notes about your availability and field of expertise.
Oakley Creek
Robin Kearns has a new online collaboration/exhibition with photographer Tony Nyberg that interprets Oakley Creek / Te Auaunga , one of Auckland’s longest urban streams
Click here for more information
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Earth Sciences Bickie Briefing
When & Where?
Every week from 10.30-11.00 am starting Thursday 04 March onwards, Level 6 common space unless otherwise advised.
Who?
Everyone – all post-graduate students and staff are welcome, please come.
Why?
Find out what’s happening and what’s coming up in the next week, hear about our successes, and help build our Earth Sciences Community. And there will be bickies of course!
Rangahau – Research
2022 CapEx Applications
We are now accepting applications for the Schools 2022 CapEx.
Applications will close on the 10th of April. If you have any questions then please get in contact with Blair.
https://forms.gle/B12i9nQNz2fKt7NMA
Biosecurity Considerations
If your research involves importing samples (especially plants, soil, water, and animals) collected outside New Zealand, you must discuss your intentions with Blair Sowman (Technical Manager) prior to importation. This will allow us to assist with any quarantine arrangements, should this be necessary.
Any samples obtained through unofficial import channels (including in hand luggage) will be confiscated and reported to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), in line with Biosecurity Standard 154.02.17.
Rutherford Discovery Fellowships
The Rutherford Discovery Fellowships (RDF) supports the development of future research leaders, and assist with the retention of New Zealand’s talented early to mid-career researchers.
If you wish to apply for this you must first seek the Head of School’s support.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
− be an NZ citizen or hold an NZ resident visa and continuously resided in NZ for at least three (3) months prior to application; and
− have had their PhD conferred between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018 (The eligibility period may be extended to take into account parental or extended sickness leave but a ruling on this must be obtained prior to application submission).
Value: Ten (10) Fellowships, up to $160,000 p.a. each for five (5) years in length will be awarded in 2021
The Fellowships consist of:
− $70,000 per year contribution towards the researcher’s salary
− $60,000 per year contribution towards research-related expenses
− $30,000 per year host contribution to support Fellow’s research programme
Internal Deadline: 5pm Monday 19 April 2021
Registration process: please email the following information to Funds & Submissions via submissions@auckland.ac.nz, with the subject line “Royal Society Te Apārangi – Rutherford Discovery Fellowship Registration”: – Title (e.g. Professor, Associate Prof, Dr); First Name; Last Name; Email Address; Department; Faculty; Post PhD Research Experience (3,4,5,6,7,8 Years):
Further Guidelines can be found at the Funders website
Rotary Environmental Award
The Award is offered annually and has a value of up to $10,000.
The intention of the Award is to encourage and support postgraduate students at the University of Auckland undertaking masters or PhD level research that has the potential to improve the natural environment of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands and environs.
To apply for a scholarship, you must either be a current student of the University of Auckland, or have recently applied for admission to the University of Auckland.
New Horizons for Women Trust: Hine Kahukura (NHWT:HK)
NHWT: HK Research Award
For women who are conducting research that benefits women and/or girls in New Zealand. The awards are a one-off grant to help with your research and/or living expenses.
Value: $5,000
Wāhine Ora Award
To support research that benefits Māori women, girls and/or whānau in Aotearoa New Zealand. This award is made annually and is a one-off grant to assist this research and/or living expenses while conducting the research.
Value: $10,000
Margaret L Bailey Science Award
Assists a successful mid-career woman (at post-doctoral level) with her scientific research expenses
Value: $5,000
Guidelines and application forms can be found on the funders website.
Submission Deadline For All : Wednesday 15 April 2021
PhD opportunities in integrated costal ecosystem and climate change research
The University of Helsinki is strengthening its efforts to conduct ground-breaking new science that links the biodiversity of coastal habitats in time and space to carbon cycling, sequestration and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As part of a new collaborative cross-institutional effort we are recruiting 6 new PhD-students to Tvärminne Zoological Station, funded by the Nottbeck and Talas Foundations.
Ideal candidates are highly motivated, innovative and show enthusiasm for scientific work and can work both independently and in close collaboration with fellow peers within a larger research team. The candidates should have a MSc degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline relevant to the field (e.g. marine biology, ecology, biogeochemistry, chemistry, physics) and are expected to have excellent communication skills and be fluent in English. Previous experience in field and lab work and data analysis are desired qualities, but qualifications for the different positions will differ.
The application should include:
- motivation letter with a summary of the applicant’s scientific background and interests
- CV (max. 2 pages)
- two reference letters
Please email the application in one pdf-file to the respective contact person (see below) with cc to Camilla Gustafsson. The deadline for applications is March 30, 2021 (or until positions are filled) and the proposed start date for the research is as early as possible, depending on the availability of appropriate candidates. For more information on the specific PhD-positions, please contact the key contacts mentioned above.
Science for Technological Innovation: Seed Projects 2021
The Seed Project Fund is intended to bring in new ideas and researchers to the Science for Technological Innovation (SfTI) community.
The project proposal must demonstrate the following aspects:
• Stretch science (clever, risky, complex).
• Addressing a potentially disruptive technology area.
• Focussing on physical sciences and engineering research aspects although the context of the project may be in another field.
• Making a strong case for the Aotearoa context and niche.
Seed projects are funded for up to two years with a maximum of $200,000 per project.
Further Information and Guidelines: Please see the funders website
Internal Deadline: Wednesday, 9 June 2021
Pacific Education Innovation Fund
In response to local wellbeing and curriculum needs of Pacific learners and families arising from and/or exacerbated by COVID-19, the Ministry of Education is offering these two funding streams:
1. Pacific Education Innovation Fund
2. Pacific bilingual and immersion education
Full details on the eligibility criteria can be found here
Project Duration: Up to 2 years
Internal Deadline: Wednesday 14 April 2021.
Land and Water Science – Geospatial Scientist needed
Land and Water science are seeking highly skilled geospatial scientist to join their ranks to assist with research projects (National Science Challenge, Our Land and Water etc) and consulting jobs (PCE, MPI, DOC, regional councils, Kaipara Harbour Moana Remediation).
Any interested candidates should contact Michele Rutherford (michele@landwatersci.net) with a CV and references.
Climate Change Global Challenge Research Project Regenerative by design – Addressing climate change and reducing inequality in a post-pandemic world
You are invited to submit an expressions of interest if you are interested in collaborating on projects that address one or more of the following three focus areas:
• Environmentally sustainable and/or drought- resistant/resilient land agriculture, and clean food from oceans
• Environmentally sustainable energy – solar, wind, tidal and wave power, electro-fuels for transport, cooking fuels, and carbon capture and storage (CCS)
• Climate induced migration, changing behaviours (of those with little power who are forced to adapt and those with the power to adapt but often not the will)
A virtual workshop(s) will be held following the EOI process to identify the most promising research questions and approaches. Then a detailed plan will be developed to pursue the most promising collaborative research initiatives.
Deadline for EOIs, using this (attached/link) form (500 words max.) are due by 14 April 2021 to Dr Aoiffe Ficklin, WUN Program Manager at aficklin@wun.ac.uk.
Funded PhD project: Understanding the construction of public risk: How can emerging evidence support anticipatory policy responses when risks are latent and mitigations are costly?
Please find here an exciting fully-funded PhD opportunity in Geography at the University of Auckland. The PhD will look at how science shapes regulatory and public responses to an emerging environmental risk.
The PhD project is part of a wider MBIE-funded programme aimed at understanding the distribution of and management options for the carcinogenic mineral erionite (similar to asbestos) that has been found in Auckland and has implications for urban development.
As part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers, the PhD project is uniquely positioned to study an emerging environmental risk as it is being constructed by scientists and others in response to (and prospective alignment with) the needs of developers, regulators, and other interested publics.
The PhD project would suit students with interests in environmental or urban geography, critical physical geography, science and technology studies, risk governance, and the science-policy interface. We are looking to interview candidates in late April, so please send an expression of interest and CV to Jenny and/or Kristiann as soon as possible. Start date is flexible.
If you have any questions about the PhD project please ask Jenny Salmond j.salmond@auckland.ac.nz or Kristiann Allen kristiann.allen@auckland.ac.nz.
New Publications
Takeuchi, Y., Muraoka, H., Yamakita, T., Kano, Y., Nagai, S., Bunthang, T., … & Yahara, T. (2021). The Asia‐Pacific Biodiversity Observation Network: 10‐year achievements and new strategies to 2030. Ecological Research.
Forcén-Vázquez, A., Williams, M. J., Bowen, M., Carter, L., & Bostock, H. (2021). Frontal dynamics and water mass variability on the Campbell Plateau. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 55(1), 199-222.
Bowen, M. M., Fernandez, D., Forcen-Vazquez, A., Gordon, A. L., Huber, B., Castagno, P., & Falco, P. (2021). The role of tides in bottom water export from the western Ross Sea. Scientific reports, 11(1), 1-11.
Chen, Z., & Bowen, M. M. (2020). Observations of salinity, flushing time and dispersion in the Waitemata Estuary. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 1-19.
Shu, J., Shamseldin, A. Y., & Weller, E. (2021). The impact of atmospheric rivers on rainfall in New Zealand. Scientific reports, 11(1), 1-11.
Knebel, O., Carvajal, C., Standish, C. D., Vega, E. D. L., Chalk, T. B., Ryan, E. J., … & Kench, P. Porites Calcifying Fluid pH on Seasonal to Diurnal Scales. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, e2020JC016889.
Ladewig, S. M., Bianchi, T. S., Coco, G., Hope, J. A., & Thrush, S. F. (2021). A call to evaluate Plastic’s impacts on marine benthic ecosystem interaction networks. Environmental Pollution, 273, 116423.
Townend, I., Zhou, Z., Guo, L., & Coco, G. (2020). A morphological investigation of marine transgression in estuaries. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms.
Environment IT Committee Updates
Software for teaching in 2021
This is only for software needed for teaching (labs. and FlexIT).
Last September, IT asked us to send software requests for 2021. If you need anything beyond what you have requested back then, please contact me ASAP (say, Wed., 20 Jan., COB). I will compile a list via the IT Committee, hoping IT can accommodate late requests.
Please provide as much information as possible from the list below:
| Requester Name |
| Requester Username |
| Faculty |
| Software Vendor |
| Software Name |
| Software Version |
| Course Name |
| Lab Location(s) |
| Teaching Week Required |
| Comments\Customisations\Modules etc |
| Tester Installation |
| Source Files Location |
| *FlexIT? |
| License Owned |
*Please be ready for another lockdown…
Even if it is the same software as last year, IT need to know – software will not be carried over from last year. IT needs more time than in previous years to make sure software works off FlexIT.
Thank you, Ingo
More Information
Need to store and share research data? Request Research storage or UoA Dropbox for research
Queries about virtual machines? Virtual machine consult or Nectar Research Cloud?
ResearchHub: connects people, resources, and services -research-hub.auckland.ac.nz
Remote working issues: Please refer to the remote working page. If you do not find the answers to your questions, please log a call on the IT Portal for any IT-related issues or contact the Staff Service Centre for other queries.
Two-factor Authentication : Authy
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/identity-and-access-management/two-factor-authentication/download-authy-for-desktops.html
YubiKeys work but of course require a USB port.
VPN: Instructions on how to install
VPN, Linux: FortiClient is running fine on Linux. Check the VPN link listed above.
VPN, Mac desktops: (information from April, may be outdated). Students may need IT to make their machines mobile and install FortiClient directly from the website. They will also need to set-up two-factor authentication by downloading an app like “Authy” on their phones and then setting up their University of Auckland account. I suggest people do this part before IT gets to them to make the process faster. To do that, they can use the instructions on this page:
To get a mobile account set up, log a service request or go to one of the service kiosks. It is unclear how this is being done remotely but I am sure this can be done. Please let me Ingo (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz) know if you have managed to install FortiClient on their macs remotely.
FlexIT and Remote Access
FlexIT is straight-forward for remote access to computing power and programs. Alternatively, check if your project/group or so has a virtual machine. Remote desktop access to specific machines can be set up by IT but may note be reliable. Check the Staff Service Center https://uoaprod.service-now.com/sp.
Remote access is possible to some workstations in the geocomputational lab for research, and on a needs basis. This may be a viable solution for specialized data analysis. Please look into alternatives: It is unclear however, if/how on-site desktops can be maintained, if needed..
FlexIT access and requests: Use the FlexIT form in the IT Portal to request access as a staff member, to ask for an application be added, or to report any issues or faults.
FlexIT, Linux: Please check FlexIT link: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/my-tools/flex-it.html. It does not have any information on Linux but should be useful for “translation”.
Depending on your browser (in particular, Firefox), you also need to do the following, from https://communities.vmware.com/thread/595554.
“…tested with the Horizon 4.8.x and 4.10.x clients and Firefox v64.0. Both are 64bit versions, running on Ubuntu 18.04.1
Download the client from the VMWare Horizon Client for 64-bit Linux
In Firefox, open about:config and click through the warning.
Add a new boolean entry called network.protocol-handler.expose.vmware-view and set the value to false
Create a file called `test.html` somewhere on your computer and put the following in it: test
Open the file in Firefox and click on the link, which should prompt you for a path to open the link.
Select /usr/bin/vmware-view and it should work for future uses! “
(1) was provided by UoA but I think it works with generic software from VMWare as well.
Check with Ingo (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz) if you run into problems.
Software licenses: Software vendors have relaxed their licensing to allow students to install software at home, rather than relying on Flex IT. There is a running list here https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/my-tools/flex-it/install-software.html
Please email content to Martin for next edition of P-cubed by Friday