Issue 89 – Monday 7th November 2022
Contents
HeadsUp
It was great to attend the School Research awards on Thursday. As usual, it was amazing to see the diversity of research activities across the School (from analogues for life on other plants to meditation and back again). T is important to recognise achievements by students and staff in research and the perhaps less tangible but equally important contributions that make the School what it is. Congratulations to all awardees, and many thanks to the Rangahau Committee and others who hosted and organised the event!
It is the time of the year when Te Apārangi / the Royal Society announces the prestigious Marsden Awards. Colleagues in SENV were involved in three successful applications, and we look forward to learning more about these research activities and how they unfold over time.
- Gretel Boswijk is PI on “Shining a light on the past: improved chronology for Aotearoa-New Zealand using tree-ring based radiocarbon and stable isotope science”. Luitgard Schwendenmann is also an AI on this project.
- Jennifer Eccles and Michael Rowe are AI’s on “Probing the depths of Auckland’s Volcanic Field: An integrated geophysical investigation into the intraplate volcanism of Tāmaki Makaurau” (PI = Kasper van Wijk, Physics).
- Shane Cronin is an AI on “Pinpointing the volatile driver for sudden large-scale volcanic eruption” (PI = Marco Brenna, University of Otago)
Of course, these successes don’t (usually) happen in a single Eureka moment. Instead, they often represent the outcome of much hard work and a series of successes, failures, and careful reflection. Given the pressures on time that we all face and that were so well articulated in the Ako Innovation Committee lunch last week, the opportunities for the slow thought and reflection that research requires seems more and more limited. However, as the year begins to ‘wind down’ hopefully this will bring us a chance for reflection in whatever form it may take.
George
General Announcements
The Digital Services team is conducting student testing for our new Doctoral Application form.
We are reaching out to a couple of PhD students to see if you would like to participate in our student testing session.
How it works:
This will be a 1-1 zoom session.
It will take no longer than 1 hr.
We’ll be showing you the new form, observe your experience with it and ask you some questions about it.
Time slots:
Wednesday: 1-2 or 2:30-3:30pm
Thursday: 1-2 or 2:30-3:30pm
But happy to accommodate times if these aren’t suitable.
If you want to participate in student testing, reach out to me via email at: jlu074@aucklanduni.ac.nz
The valuable feedback you give will be used to improve the design of the form for future doctoral applicants.
Kind regards,
Jiajing Lu
Digital Designer
Digital Services
Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities
School of Environment Equity Awards 2022
The Equity Committee are calling for nominations for the inaugural School of Environment Equity Awards, which will be announced on Friday November 11th at the School Retreat.
We have four School Equity Awards categories. Please nominate your colleagues using this Google Form (which will only take a couple of minutes to complete!)
- Equity in Service Award
- Equity in Teaching Award
- Equity in Research Award
- Equity in the School of Environment Award
Deadline to nominate your candidates: Wed 9th November 2022.
We are excited to hear from you. These are long overdue awards, to recognise the equity efforts in our School.
NZGS November Newsletter
You can read here the newsletter of this month. The poster advertising the last Dialogues of the year is on Page 2 (‘Traversing the Western Academia in a Black Habitus: Reflections from my doctoral journey’ – Valentine Ibeka).
Hay Lecture in Environmental Science
15 November 2022 5 :00 PM Building 302 Room G20
Jamie Kerr will talk about the role of geography in shaping his career and approach to policy issues, with a focus on his role in providing advice on climate change.
Jamie Kerr is the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment’s first Director of Climate Change. He is a graduate of the University of Canterbury with an MA in Geography. His government and policy
experience includes Private Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, policy advice and leadership in the areas of consumer and competition policy, industry and enterprise policy, land administration, energy policy and economic strategy. Jamie has also worked in financial services markets regulation in the United Kingdom.
What else is on in Oct and Nov?
17 Nov | Literature review: Organising and writing
25 Nov | Publishing your research
Shut up and write! online
Struggling with procrastination? Having trouble getting started with writing your thesis or publication? Join us every Wednesday from 1-3 pm for Shut up and write!
An introductory R Workshop is being run on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 of November 2022. The course will be run by the Statistical Consulting Centre (SCC), in the Department of Statistics.
What’s covered in the workshop?
Introduction
Getting familiar with R
- Using R Studio and loading projects/scripts
- Basic functions using R
- Reading in Data Files (.csv, .xls/.xlsx)
- Introduction to R Objects. How R thinks (vectors, matrices, basic data formats)
Working with data(sets)
- Cleaning and subsetting
- Merging datasets and reformatting
- Grouping variables and summarising
R graphics
- Starting with plots in R (boxplots, histograms, bar graphs)
- Graphics in R with ggplot2 (customising plots)
Data analysis
- Introduction to performing t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and general linear models
As per our previous introductory R workshops, the cost is $300 for UoA students and staff.
You can pay using your PRESS account, research grant, or other UoA account.
You can also opt to use a debit/credit card (however we will have to also add GST for this type of payment and payment can only be made at the Student Resource Centre on main campus).
The payment authorisation form for UoA participants paying from a UoA account is attached.
The cost for non-UoA attendees is $500 + GST. Please contact Joei Mudaliar (j.mudaliar@auckland.ac.nz) for payment instructions.
We will be sending out a pre-workshop information email the week prior to the course, however here are some of the details:
Location
We will be in room 302.190. Building 302 is on the corner of Symonds St and Wellesley St. The room we will be using is on level 1, room 190.
Time and schedule
The approximate schedule for both days is attached (since this is the schedule from our previous course, it may yet be altered very slightly).
We will start at 9am and finish at 5pm.
Morning and afternoon tea will be provided and there are cafes handy nearby for lunch.
Computers
We will be using a Faculty of Science computer lab.
You are also welcome to use your own laptop, however please make sure that you have downloaded R and RStudio onto your machine before the workshop (they are free to download).
We will also include some instructions re how to do this in our pre-workshop information email.
Access to computers and internet
We will arrange access to the lab computers for all non-UoA participants.
We will also have a guest wireless password for non-UoA participants who are bringing their own laptops.
UoA staff and students will be able to access the FoS computers using their normal UoA upi and password.
The School of Environment is pleased to welcome Professor Rebecca Lave to give the 2022 CUMBERLAND LECTURE which will be held on Monday 21st November at 12pm (Clock Tower T039/105S-039).
Title: Critical Physical Geography in practice: Our depth perception improves when we combine biophysical and social lenses
Speaker: Rebecca Lave. Professor of Geography at Indiana University and President-elect of the American Association of Geographers.
Abstract: The widening gap between critical human and physical geography raises concerns about the long-term viability of our field and spurs regular calls for reintegration. Even a brief review of these calls makes two points glaringly clear: this discussion has been going on for a long, long time and, given its regular reoccurrence, it would seem we have little to show for it. I argue here that there is already a strong and growing body of work that draws together critical human and physical geography: critical physical geography (CPG). Individually or in teams, critical physical geographers are bridging the gap, combining insights from climatology, geomorphology, biogeography and remote sensing with approaches from political economy, feminist geography, STS, and environmental justice. The key characteristics that unify this work are 1) its emphasis on treating biophysical processes and unequal social power relations with equal seriousness, 2) its acknowledgement of the politics of knowledge production, and 3) its normative agenda of using research to promote eco-social transformation. Using examples from CPG research, I argue that combining critical human and physical geography lenses allows us to see eco-social issues differently and more deeply than current environmental narratives.
Rebecca Lave is a Professor of Geography at Indiana University and President-elect of the American Association of Geographers. Her research takes a Critical Physical Geography approach, combining political economy, STS, and fluvial geomorphology to analyze stream restoration, the politics of environmental expertise, and community-based responses to flooding. She has published in journals ranging from Science to Social Studies of Science and is the author of two monographs: Fields and Streams: Stream Restoration, Neoliberalism, and the Future of Environmental Science (2012, University of Georgia Press) and Streams of Revenues: The Restoration Economy and the Ecosystems it Creates (2021 MIT Press; co-written with Martin Doyle).
Register for free tickets at: https://2022-BARTRUM-CUMBERLAND-HAY.eventbrite.co.nz
Coastal and Marine Geoscience Seminar
28 November | 12 –1pm | 302-551
Enquiries: e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz
Funding
| Lloyds Register Foundation – World Risk Poll 2021: A Resilient World? Understanding vulnerability in a changing climate | |
| Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) is inviting proposals for impactful research and interventions that will increase the utility and influence of data generated by the 2021 World Risk Poll, focusing on global perceptions and experiences of disaster preparedness. Possible outcomes for projects may practically apply the Poll findings through the development of new interventions or by strengthening existing ones.
Two-stage submission process: 1. Compulsory registration EOI 2. Full Application |
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| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadlines: |
| · up to a maximum of GBP250,000 (circa NZD 490,000) are available
· Duration: 12- 18 months |
· Registration: EOI – no internal deadline is set, but we recommend applicants complete the brief content requested as early as possible to gain access to the full proposal online, as it can take up to 2 weeks for the funder to grant access.
• Full Application – 5PM, Friday 16 December 2022 |
| Further Important Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info ):
Please register or make contact with FIRST (Kelly, Dianne, Franca) if you wish to make a submission. |
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| 2023 MBIE Endeavour Fund – Research Programmes | |
| The Endeavour Fund supports excellent research with the potential to positively transform New Zealand’s economy, environment and society
Research Programmes are intended to support ambitious, excellent and well-defined research ideas which have credible and high potential to positively transform New Zealand’s future in areas of future value, growth, or critical need |
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| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadlines: |
| · Value: $0.5 million or more per year
· Duration: 3, 4 or 5 years |
· Registration: 12 noon, Friday 25 November 2022
· Full proposal: 12 noon, Monday 20 February 2023 |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):
Please register with FIRST (Kelly, Dianne, Franca) if you wish to make a submission. |
|
| Toka Tū Ake EQC University Research Programme (URP 2024-26) | |
Since the 1990s, Toka Tū Ake EQC has provided funding to tertiary institutions across New Zealand. This funding has helped to support research capability in natural disaster risk reduction. From 2020, Toka Tū Ake EQC funding introduced a three-year University Research Programme for tertiary institutions focused on:
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| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadlines: |
| · Projects can be up to a maximum duration of 36 months
· The award is up to NZD150,000/annum |
· EOI Deadline: 5pm Wednesday 2 November 2022.
· Full Proposal Deadline: Wednesday 22 March 2023 |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):
Please register with FIRST (Kelly, Dianne, Franca) if you wish to make a submission. |
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| Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund 2022 – Call for Proposals | Internal Funding Call |
| The purpose of the TIF is to cultivate cross-faculty and transdisciplinary collaborations and generate new projects that respond to the four priority areas identified within Taumata Teitei : sustainability, health and well-being, social justice, and innovating secure knowledge systems. The fund encourages research staff from across the University to develop cross-faculty research partnerships, aspiring toward high-quality Transdisciplinary Research outputs, research learning initiatives, and successful applications to external research funders | |
| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadlines: |
| · Applicants may apply for small grants ($10,000–$20,000) or large grants ($20,000–$60,000) | · 5pm, 14 November 2022 |
Please register with FIRST (Kelly, Dianne, Franca) if you wish to make a submission. |
|
ANSTO FutureNow and FutureNow [Plus] scholarships – applications are open (applications close 27 November 2022)
With the support of NSW Government, ANSTO offers FutureNow and FutureNow Plus scholarships to graduates or early career researchers working on industry-focused research projects that support developments in health, defence, aerospace engineering and nuclear technologies.
The FutureNow Scholarships are made possible through the generous support of the NSW government funding scheme as part of our ANSTO Innovation Precinct development. These scholarships are for graduate students or early career researchers working on industry-focused research projects aligned with ANSTO’s strategic objectives. The scholarships are open to Australian and New Zealand students.
Scholarship recipients will have access to the expertise and technology needed to facilitate cutting edge discoveries in advanced manufacturing, health, environment and the nuclear fuel cycle.
FutureNow [Plus] scholarships offer a stipend of up to $35,000 and more. FutureNow scholarships offer a $10,000 top-up stipend and more.
For further information, please visit:
FutureNow Scholarships | ANSTO
Funding for class meet and greets
The Student Experience Committee has limited funding available for class related activities. If you want to run a class event, online or otherwise (challenging given the current restrictions), and would benefit from some funds, please contact Joe (j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz). The Committee would prefer to fund several small events rather than one big one (but we are open to suggestions).
3k writing grant available for students
Funds are available to support students writing up their thesis as publication(s). Each grant is worth $3000 (120 hours at 25$ all included). There is no deadline to apply. Applications are evaluated as they come by members of Rangahau (2 weeks turn over max.), until we use all the funds available.
Do you have a good candidate in mind? Please complete this form and submit to melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz.
Rangahau – Research
Marsden Club 2023
The School of Environment Marsden Club will be running again this year. This is open to all potential applicants to the Marsden 2023 round, and will be an opportunity to hear advice and tips from previous applicants, share useful resources and outline support arrangements to develop a successful application. The kick-off event will be Monday 14th November, 11-12pm, in person and via ZOOM.
Please get in touch with either Kelly or Sila if you have any questions or queries.
Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund 2022 – Call for Proposals and Workshops (Internal Funds)
The purpose of the TIF is to cultivate cross-faculty and transdisciplinary collaborations and generate new projects that respond to the four priority areas identified within Taumata Teitei : sustainability, health and well-being, social justice, and innovating secure knowledge systems. The fund encourages research staff from across the University to develop cross-faculty research partnerships, aspiring toward high-quality Transdisciplinary Research outputs, research learning initiatives, and successful applications to external research funders.
- Applications must include researchers from at least two Faculties / LSRIs, and evidence the transdisciplinary aspects of the research.
- Application Teams must be a diverse mix of early career researchers, as well as established researchers where possible.
- Applicants must be members of the academic staff, employed by the University of Auckland, and have an employment contract that specifies that they must undertake research.
- Staff members employed on fixed-term or part-time contracts are eligible to apply as a PI provided that:
– the duration remaining of their contract is sufficient to complete the project or initiative;
– their appointment is 0.5 FTE or greater.
Grant Value: Applicants may apply for small grants ($10,000–$20,000) or large grants ($20,000–$60,000)
Internal Deadline: 5pm, 14 November 2022
Enquiries should be directed to ORSI via internalawards@auckland.ac.nz.
Application Form, Guidelines and FAQs can be accessed via the Research Hub at the link: Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund. Please get in touch with your RPC if you intend to apply as we can help with the submission process.
Applications for the Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund are due by November 14. Funding decisions will be announced in December 2022 for a 1st March 2023 start with an 18 month funding window. The Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund and Transdisciplinary Ideation Workshops have emerged from a collaboration between the Associate Deans Research, the Office of Research Strategy & Integrity and UniServices.
Rangahau Committee Funding
The Rangahau Committee has a small amount of funds set aside ($5,000 total) to help with proposal development (e.g. writing support, support to scope proposals etc). If you have an idea that fits within this scope please get in touch with Kelly Kilpin to discuss further.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Health and Safety Update
Addressing bullying, harassment and discrimination: The University of Auckland is committed to a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment and to supporting this with processes, policy, guidelines and learning programmes. The Addressing Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination workshop and the prerequisite online module have been created in collaboration with an industry expert and are available to all University staff.
For Leaders: 4-hr workshop, next session Nov 3rd 9:00 – 1:00
For General Staff : 2-hr workshop, next session 18th Nov 10:00 – 12:00
Radiation Safety
The university is currently reviewing Radiation Safety standards and protocols and was visited by ESR to audit these recently.
First Aid training
Summer is almost here and with teaching over it is a good time to get first aid certified. Who knows, it might turn you in a superhero at any BBQ or family event. There a options available to you:
- Attend a course offered by OD full course for new first aiders or a refresher
- Attend an external course (Group Services can organise a PO in advance, or you can put in a claim the expense)
- A1 First Aid – First for First Aid Training
- First Aid NZ Courses
- St John New Zealand – Book first aid courses
- Book Course | New Zealand Red Cross
Keeping Alert in Laboratories
A reminder to staff and students to drink, eat and get enough sleep before walking into labs and other hazardous workplaces. It is basic, right? However, neglecting the basics can lead to loss of concentration or focus and mistakes – potentially leading to accidents. Let’s make sure students and staff are fully present, alert and nourished
If you want to read the HSW e-Newsletter in full click here
Health & Safety Tip
Publications
Ana Markic, James H. Bridson, Peta Morton, Lucy Hersey, Thomas Maes, Melissa Bowen, 2022, Microplastic pollution in the surface waters of Vava’u, Tonga, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 185, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114243.
Cook Felix, Smith Robert O., Roughan Moninya, Cullen Nicolas J., Shears Nick, Bowen Melissa, 2022, Marine heatwaves in shallow coastal ecosystems are coupled with the atmosphere: Insights from half a century of daily in situ temperature records, Frontiers in Climate, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fclim.2022.1012022
Brook MS, Orense RP, Richards NR (2022). Geo-engineering teaching and learning during COVID-19 lockdown: The University of Auckland Experience. In: Gratchev I & Espinosa H (eds.). Adopting Post-COVID teaching practices in engineering education, Taylor & Francis, New York, Ch 8, p 133-144.
Cook ME, Brook MS, Hamling IJ, Cave M, Tunnicliffe JF, Holley R. (2022). Investigating slow-moving shallow soil landslides in a vulnerable city using Sentinel-1 InSAR data. Landslides DOI 10.1007/s10346-022-01982-9 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10346-022-01982-9
Cook ME, Brook MS, Hamling IJ, Cave M, Tunnicliffe JF, Holley R, Alama D. (2022). Engineering geomorphological and InSAR investigation of an urban landslide, Gisborne, New Zealand. Landslides DOI 10.1007/s10346-022-01938-z https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10346-022-01938-z