HeadsUp

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Two weeks rolls around quickly. Its suddenly the teaching semester again and we have had the second iteration of Matariki as a public holiday.

In my community we gathered at 6am to observe the constellation in uncharacteristically clear skies, be encouraged by a Ngati Paoa kaumatua to call out the names of those in our circles who had died in the preceding year and then move inside to hear a talk by the president of the NZ Astronomical Association. Its an observance that feels to deepen in significance each year with its connection to both our physical and cultural environments.

Congratulations

The inaugural Leadership & Engagement in Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Awards were announced last week. These accolades highlight those who have shown leadership in promoting equity, justice, diversity, and inclusion within the Faculty of Science community. Two of the six recipients are Environment people. Big congrats to David Adams and Salene Schloffel-Armstrong!

Welcome back

Many of you will remember Alex(andra) Soudlenkova who was in our Group Services Team until a few years ago. It was an absolute pleasure to learn that Alex is joining us again in the Research Management team. And its mutual; Alex’s message to me was “I am coming home!”. Welcome back, Alex!

News

Last month I prepared a submission to Education Committee outlining all we had implemented one year on from our post-External review plan. I was delighted to recently receive the following in response:

7. Review Progress Report

Review of the School of Environment – Year-on Progress Report

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND through Senate to Council that the Year-on Progress Report be received, as a final response to the 2021 Review of the School of Environment

As I remarked to the Chair of Education committee, I feel the Review has been as much about process as outcome. By that I mean our School is better equipped to deliberate and act on other challenges and changes such as those facing us with the Curriculum Framework Transformation through our having worked through a sustained dialogue, supported by a distributive leadership model, in response to the Review.

Work began on the School’s submission under JR’s leadership and authorship in 2020 and responses to the action areas following the review report in 2021 were facilitated by a number of colleagues and numerous hui, many online over the covid lockdowns. The entire School participated in a fulsome manner and the thoughtfulness of the responses was noted. Thank you to all involved.   

The coming weeks

We are into the time of year that the Faculty’s senior management team asks all Heads to develop, and defend, an annual plan and budget for the following year. Some of you inevitably have more expert knowledge that me in particular areas of our operation so, as with previous years, I will be seeking guidance and input. We are also asked to identify 2-3 strategic initiatives that we would like our School to prioritise and that need to be aligned with the priorities in Taumata Teitei. In the spirit of inclusive discernment of strategic direction, if any of you have ideas, do please be in touch. However brief your idea is, it may be something we can work with and develop.

Also, more immediately

I will be on Annual Leave for 1.5 weeks with limited connectivity 20-30 July. Please direct HoS queries to Tom Baker who will be Acting Head.

All best and may Semester 2 unfold successfully (and uneventfully).

Robin Kearns, Head of School

 

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Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities 

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The University of Auckland Women in Science club hosts their eagerly anticipated Quiz Night! 

Get ready for a night of brain-teasing fun and friendly competition. It’s time to put your thinking caps on and test your knowledge across a wide range of intriguing topics. From sports and movies to history and pop culture, our questions will challenge your recall and spark exciting discussions among your team. Whether you’re a trivia aficionado or simply love a good challenge, this event is open to all who crave an entertaining evening filled with laughter and a bit of healthy rivalry.

So gather your friends, sharpen your pencils, and join us for a Quiz Night that promises to keep you entertained and engaged from start to finish! 🎉

Join the Quiz Night in groups of no more than 6 people, please include your team name in your ticket and please bring with you ID.

FOOD:  Pizza and chips will be provided for each quiz group for FREE. Additional food can be purchased from the Staff Common Room kitchen.

DRINKS: All attendees are welcome to discounted alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks from the Staff Common Room bar. Please bring suitable ID (NZ Drivers license, passport, 18+ card).

Sign up now! https://events.humanitix.com/auws-postgraduate-quiz-night?_ga=2.41363682.194665767.1688609561-1938311643.1688609561

 

Hiring – Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Technologist
 
I am excited to announce that we have commenced recruitment for a Technologist position in preparation for the imminent installation of ENVs new Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in around 17 weeks.
 
To apply, please visit our UoA External Job Page: https://smrtr.io/fLnjs

This role is responsible for providing operational and analytical expertise and support for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipment and specialised laboratory facilities managed by the School of Environment in order to support teaching and research activities.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity
This role is responsible for providing operational and analytical expertise and support for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipment and specialised laboratory facilities managed by the School of Environment in order to support teaching and research activities.

Skills and Knowledge

• Able to operate specialised laboratory equipment, including the Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), according to documented protocols
• Demonstrated experience and fundamental knowledge of microscopy and microanalysis, including but not limited to secondary electron imaging (SE), backscattered electron imaging (BSE) and panchromatic cathodoluminescence (CL).
• A strong background in polarised light microscopy
• Demonstrated experience in technique development of microanalysis using SEM
• Previous experience with variable-pressure electron microscopy
• Hands-on experience with sample preparation techniques, including thin sections, epoxy grain mounts, loose particles, and large samples, and knowledge of various sample holders

#hiring #development #environment #uoa #universityofauckland

Regards,

Blair Sowman
Technical Manager | School of Environment | The University of Auckland | DDI: (09) 373 7599 Ext. 84128        

 

Join us for the 2023 Cumberland Annual Lecture to be delivered by Professor Brett Christophers

Ownership in contemporary capitalism and why it matters

Discussion of the post-1970s period of ‘neoliberal’ capitalism tends to focus on the ascendancy of markets. But at least as important has been the ascendancy of private ownership of key asset classes, from housing to energy and from natural resources to transportation. Neoliberalism, in short, has given sustenance to a new, powerful breed of capitalist rentiers. This talk — focusing on the UK but also venturing further afield — will examine this rentier revival, covering the policies that have animated it, the main sectors in which it has played out, the key actors that have benefited from it, and the ramifications for economy and society.

Whose lecture is it anyway?

The Student Experience Committee has decided to revive the widely-acclaimed Whose lecture is it anyway? event that Joe created back in 2014. The last time our Kura organised one of these events  was four years ago so time is due for a third iteration with a new exciting line-up of lecturers.

We look forward to seeing you all, academic and professional staff as well as students of all levels, on the 16^th of August at 6 pm in  room 303-G02 – PLT2.

The event will be preceded by drinks and nibbles at 5:30 near the entrance of the theatre.

 

 

 

 

 

Sign up and join the student association RTEA and the Compass programme 

1/ Please do encourage your students to join our student association RTEA. Here are the RTEA Lecture Promotion Slides to show your students at your first few lecturers and encourage them to sign up. Students can sign up as a general member for free to participate in our events, or as a committee member to help out.

2/ The new roster of officers is planning exciting activities for this year and they welcome support and contribution from fellow students. To encourage students to join just use the QR codes for the Facebook page and a Google form to formally sign up: https://rtea.auckland.ac.nz/

3/ Do encourage your PG students to also join our Compass programme. Larissa and her team of captains have planned regular activities to foster students’ wellbeing throughout the year.

4/ The Student Experience Committee (SEC) offers a small budget to course coordinators who would like to order some kai to share with their class. Reach out to JC should you be interested.

 

Post Graduate Wellbeing ….. where to go

If you are currently coordinating a PG course, could you please post the inforgraphic slide to your Canvas course page so students will know the resources that are available throughout the University. 

 

School of Environment – Tree Planting Day

On 6^th July a rōpū of 14 School of Environment students and staff were out in the sun, on a Tūpuna Maunga Authority planting day at Pukewīwī / Puketāpapa / Mt Roskill. With members of the community we put more than 1400 native trees into the ground, supporting local biodiversity, and soil stability, to help to protect and preserve this iconic taonga. Thanks to all those who participated, and to those we missed this time, we’ll catch you next time!

 

 

The British Academy – Global Professorships 2023

 

Te Korowai o Waiheke is looking for a Social Researcher!

 

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.

 

Proposal development support

The Rangahau Committee has a small fund set aside 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.

 

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Funding

Update from Environment Research Support

We are pleased to announce that Alexandra Soudlenkova will be re-joining Environment to work as a Research Programme Coordinator (RPC) alongside Sophie.  This will be phased over the next few weeks to allow a smooth transition and we will be in contact with the PIs impacted.

 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Unlocking Curious Minds Contestable Fund
This fund aims to encourage quality projects that reach and inspire a broader base of New Zealanders through initiatives that bring science and technology to audiences that have less opportunity to learn about and to engage with science and technology.
Value/Duration:	Internal Deadlines:
•         The grant value ranges from $50,000 to $150,000 ·         Project can be up to 11 months (from 1 February 2024 until 31 December 2024)	•         Registration: 12noon, Monday, 10 July 2023 •         Full Proposal: 12noon, Monday, 7 August 2023
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): •         Funding call •         Guidelines •         Website Submission process: •         Applications are submitted via the MBIE IMS Portal. •         Returning applicants log in using your existing login details. •         New applicants contact the Funds Advisor Team submissions@auckland.ac.nz to create your User Profile. If interested, please inform your FIRST team (Kelly or Sophie).

 

Announcement

MBIE Endeavour Support Sessions 2024

Support for the 2024 MBIE Endeavour round is currently underway.  UniServices have organised a number of events to support your application, please refer to the Research Hub for further details and register at the links below:  ·         Vision Mātauranga Webinar scheduled on 9th August at 10:00am to 12:00pm https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/mbie-endeavour-2024-vision-matauranga-webinar-tickets-671778265877?aff=oddtdtcreator  ·         Government Insights Workshop with Rebecca Adams, Director of Government Relations at UniServices, scheduled on 17th August at 9:30am to 12:00pm. https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/671721345627 We anticipate that the round will open in October, however if you do intend to apply this year for either a Smart Idea or Research Programme please get in touch with Kelly Kilpin asap so we can keep you up to date with support offerings and changes for the 2024 round. Please reach out if you have any questions:  aul.researchdevelopment@uoa.auckland.ac.nz

 

Funding Call

2023 Research Development Fund (RDF)

The total amount to be allocated in the 2023 contestable round is approximately $1 million with spending split across 2024 and 2025. This will be distributed amongst the different award types listed below based on the excellence and justifications of submitted applications.

Value/Duration Award type Duration Minimum and maximum funding available per application ~ Number of Awards Research Fellowship Award Up to 3 years $100,000 – $200,000 3 Staff Research Award Up to 2 years  $10,000 – $40,000 8 Aronui Pūtaiao Award Up to 2 years $10,000 – $40,000 2 Applications are due by 5.00pm on Tuesday 5th September 2023 ·         Full details including guidelines and the application form are available on the research page of the staff intranet ·         For an overview of the Research Development Fund, visit the Research Hub RDF page If interested, please inform your FIRST team (Kelly or Sophie).

 

The Prime Minister’s Science Prize
This Prize is for a transformative scientific advance, which has had a significant economic, health, social, political, cultural and/or environmental impact on New Zealand, or internationally. It will be awarded to a team or an individual instrumental in creating the impact. The transformative scientific advance may have occurred over any time-period and there must be a clear indication that the impact on New Zealand or internationally has taken place.
Value/Duration:	Deadlines:
·         The total value of the Prize is $500,000. ·         $100,000 of this will go directly to the team or individual with no expectations. ·         $400,000 will be used to support ongoing research.	Internal Deadline: N/A External Deadline for applications: 5th of September 2023 (by 1pm)
More details about this process can be found here: The Prime Minister’s Science Prizes (pmscienceprizes.org.nz) If you are interested, please inform your FIRST team (Kelly or Sophie).

 

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize
The Prize is for an outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD conferred within the past eight (8) years.
Value/Duration:	Deadlines:
·         The total value of the Prize is $200,000. ·         $50,000 is for the recipient and can be used with no conditions. ·         $150,000 must be used for the recipient’s ongoing research.	Internal Deadline: N/A External Deadline for applications: 5th of September 2023 (by 1pm)
More details about this process can be found here: The Prime Minister’s Science Prizes (pmscienceprizes.org.nz) If you are interested, please inform your FIRST team (Kelly or Sophie).

 

The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize
This Prize is for either a practising scientist who can demonstrate an interest, passion and aptitude for science communication and public engagement, or to a person who has developed expertise in public engagement or communication of complex scientific or technological information to the public.
Value/Duration:	Deadlines:
·         The total value of the Prize is worth $75,000. ·         $55,000 of the Prize money is to be used to support the recipient to carry out a programme of activities/professional development to further their understanding of science communication. ·         $20,000 of the Prize money is available to the recipient with no expectations on its use.	Internal Deadline: N/A External Deadline for applications: 5th of September 2023 (by 1pm)
More details about this process can be found here: The Prime Minister’s Science Prizes (pmscienceprizes.org.nz) If you are interested, please inform your FIRST team (Kelly or Sophie).

 

Rutherford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships
These fellowships aim to build human capability in research, science and technology, including social sciences and the humanities, by providing early career support for New Zealand’s brightest and most promising researchers.
Value/Duration:	Internal Deadlines:
Per annum, the 2-year Fellowship will award $80,000 towards the researcher’s salary and $40,000 for research related expenses (GST exclusive).	Internal Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 25 July 2023
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): ·         Funding call ·         Guidelines ·         Website If you are interested, please communicate with Robin Kearns in the first place for a preliminary assessment.

 

Te Tahua Taiao Ngā Taonga – Lottery Environment and Heritage grants (Round One)
Lottery Environment and Heritage grants are available for projects that will help protect, conserve or care for our natural, cultural and physical heritage, or allow us to better understand and access these resources.
Value/Duration:	Internal Deadlines:
• Small projects, where the grant requested is for less than $250,000. • Large projects, where the grant requested is for $250,000 or more.	Internal Deadline:  5pm, Monday 24 July, 2023
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): ·         Funding call ·         Website If you are interested, please inform your FIRST team (Kelly or Sophie).

 

Funding for Research Retreats

The Rangahau Committee has a small amount of funding set aside to sponsor Research retreats (e.g grant writing workshops, paper writing).  This can be up to 2k per team, with a minimum 2 SoE participants.

If you have an idea that you would like considered, please submit a short paragraph explaining the intention and benefits of the retreat to katarzyna.sila-nowicka@auckland.ac.nz.

 

John Templeton Foundation – Core Funding Areas, Small and Large Grants
The Foundation invests in bold ideas that cross disciplinary boundaries and challenge conventional assumptions. The Small and Large Grants are addressed under the 8 focus areas including Life Sciences, Mathematics and Physical Science, and Human Sciences.
Value/Duration:	Internal Deadlines:
•Small grants can be up to US$234,800 (circa NZD373,000) and Large Grants are in excess of US$235,000 (circa NZD374,000). •Project can be up to 36 months. •No more than 15% can be claimed for overheads.  The overhead cost must be included in the total amount you requested	Internal Deadline for First Stage: 12pm noon, Friday 11 August 2023.
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): ·         Funding call ·         Guidelines ·         Website If interested, please inform your FIRST team (Kelly or Sophie).

 

 

 

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Publications

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Dalinghaus, C., Coco, G., and Higuera, P.: A predictive equation for wave setup using genetic programming, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2157–2169, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2157-2023, 2023.

Luthfian, A., Eccles, J. D., & Miller, C. A. (2023). Gravity and magnetic models at Rangitoto Volcano, Auckland Volcanic Field, New Zealand: Implications for basement control on magma ascent. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 439, 107824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2023.107824