Issue 106 – Monday 14 August 2023
Contents
HeadsUp
A full-on time continues in the engine room of the School. First, My thanks to Murray, Sila, and Tom who joined me and representatives of FSC to interview candidates form the GISci lectureship (and to those of you who generously joined the online seminars). Working three evenings in a week till 10pm was a big ask! Second, discussions continue apace both in-School and up to the VC Heads’ Forum level around curriculum change. This is a time of transformation and there is insufficient sand into which anyone can stick their heads and avoid it! To see it all as an opportunity, we’ll be able to look back and reflect on having been part of an historic time of redirection at the University. Third, we have the specific task of the School’s annual planning process before us. My thanks to those who have responded with ideas and information as we work towards submission and discussion of it with FoS senior management later this month.
A few other matters:
Sad farewells
It was good to see such a turnout of current and former members of the School (and the Geography Dept before it) at the funeral for cartographer Igor Drecki and his wife Iwona. The sadness of the tragedy and farewell was, in some very small way, countered by the pleasure of seeing old friends and associates who knew and respected Igor.
There was also a memorial last Sunday on Waiheke for Carola Cullum who some of you will have known. Carola was a former postgrad in the School who more recently worked with particularly Gary Brierley as a Research Associate. Her dedication to field work in China and South Africa was matched by local commitment to pest eradication and the integrity of the Hauraki Gulf.
Wise use of hard-won resources
I’d like to kindly remind everyone about our collective commitment to optimising the use of equipment purchased through our Capital Expenditure (CapEx) budget. As we continue to invest in enhancing the School’s capabilities, it’s important that staff contribute to realising the full potential of these resources, be they lab spaces or items of equipment.
If you’ve indicated your intention to use any of the large items procured through CapEx during the application or business case process, I would see it as a duty to follow through on this commitment. Without such participation, we as a School cannot achieve the goals outlined in the CapEx submissions and business cases. When your name is associated with a project in these submissions, there is a reasonable assumption that you are actively engaged in bringing the proposed work to fruition in a timely manner.
As part of our strategy to maximize the value of our investments, we encourage you to consider directing work through our School’s facilities rather than sending work to external facilities. We should be using the resources we already have, rather than outsourcing projects externally. This not only enhances our internal capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to efficiently utilising the resources at our disposal.
Health and Safety
The University’s central HSW team is undertaking a survey concerning staff members’ understanding of their role in providing a safe place for work and study and how well health, safety and wellbeing is embedded into the University of Auckland’s culture. Named SafePlus, it is a programme developed by WorkSafe New Zealand, a government agency responsible for promoting and regulating workplace health and safety. It’s designed to help businesses improve their health and safety performance and provides a framework and assessment process to evaluate a company’s health and safety practices, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to enhance workplace safety. You will receive an email inviting participation in a survey. Please respond; we are all implicated in this area of concern and good practice.
Teaching
As the welcome break approaches, please become familiar with a new policy on assessment which applies to all staff members, and students in undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses. https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/policy-hub/education-student-experience/assessment/assessment-coursework-tests-examinations-policy.html
RSL service cover
Meg has kindly agreed to fill in for Larry until the end of January for his Ethics Advisor and Academic Integrity roles.
And now for something completely different
Please support an evening of Whose Lecture is it Anyway? Wed 16tth, beginning with drinks in from of 303-G02. These are fun evenings of improv absurdity as lecturers ‘speak’ to others colleague’s slides. Do join the hilarity. You may witness untapped expertise in the school!
Upcoming staff meeting!
We have our third of four staff meetings for the year on Tuesday 29th August, 11am-12noon, 302-140, followed by lunch. Agenda details soon.
Have a good week!
Robin Kearns, Head of School
General Announcements
Notice for Masters administration:
All new masters students doing a 90 or 120 pt thesis (code 794, 796, 799) starting in semester 2 must visit the link below to registrar their interest in supervision and provide a support letter from the proposed supervisor. This is how Faculty collects information for examinations.
At the start of each semester, direct your NEW students to this site before they start work.
Masters Expression of interest form 2023 https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/our-research/finding-your-supervisor.html
Phil Shane (DGA)
Student RA position for outreach activities at the School of Environment
The School of Environment (ENV) is looking for an energetic and creative student to work alongside ENV staff and postgraduate students to help organise outreach events on campus and school visits. The student should currently be at least in their 3rd year of an undergraduate degree or doing postgraduate studies, both at the School of Environment.
We are looking for someone to work (flexibly) 80-100 hours at a rate of $26/hour from now to the end of November.
If interested contact Mila Adam: l.adam@auckland.ac.nz
Applications close: 18th August, 2023
Report Writing in English – upcoming workshops for students in Science
Te Tumu Herenga | Libraries & Learning Services has upcoming sessions of the Report Writing in English workshop, designed with the needs of science students in mind. Sign up to learn how to structure and write a research report. They would be well suited for International students.
Tuesday 15 August, 4-5:30pm, Zoom
Wednesday 23 August, 10-11:30am, on campus
Tuesday 12 September, 2-3:30pm, Zoom
Learn more and register here.
Ngā mihi nui | Kind regards,
Suzanne (she/her)
Suzanne Acharya | Academic Engagement Advisor, Science and Engineering
Te Tumu Herenga | Libraries and Learning Services | www.library.auckland.ac.nz
Phone: +64 9 923 7537 | Ext: 88043 | Email: suzanne.acharya@auckland.ac.nz
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
Accommodation – Visiting Researcher:
Dr Imogen Napper (https://www.imogen-napper.com/) is visiting us at the School of Environment in November this year- unfortunately OGH is out of action for the summer and UoA does not have any other facilities for visiting researchers. Imogen is a keen surfer, marine-pollution (microplastics) and global ocean action person! Does anyone have a room or apartment that they are considering letting out over November that could possibly host her?
Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities
ENV Coastal and Marine Geoscience Seminar
Date and time: Mon 14 August 2023, 12-1pm
Location: Ontology Lab (302.551) or Zoom (for zoom link or enquiries email: e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz
CHANGE ONE THING CHALLENGE – AKO Innovation Committee Grant 2023
Kia ora koutou
A quick reminder it’s not too late to apply!
Changing your teaching can seem daunting. Where to start? What should be prioritised?
The change one thing challenge encourages us to shift our practice one step at a time. This challenge acknowledges the possibilities and momentum that changing one aspect of our teaching offers.
The Ako Innovation Committee are encouraging staff who have changed one aspect of their teaching within the last two years to apply for this grant if you think it has enhanced student learning and you think that others would benefit from hearing more about.
Please see the more detailed guidelines and the application form is due August 14, noon.
Please contact Mel Wall if you have any questions.
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 Wednesday 16 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.
Geography Auckland (NZGS Auckland Branch)
Here is the Geography Auckland (NZGS Auckland Branch) August newsletter
Please note that the July cancelled Dialogues has been transferred to the August slot (with the hope that this time Mike’s flight to Auckland will not be cancelled):
What: ‘Proxy Geographers’ at work and the origins of the NZ Geographic Board
Who: Michael Roche
When: Tuesday 22 August – 4.00pm to 5.30pm
Where: Building 302, Room 551 (Ontology Lab), 23 Symonds Street
We hope to see you there.
Nga mihi nui,
June Logie
2023 Science Research Showcase
We are thrilled to invite all postgraduate research students at the Faculty of Science to participate in the 2023 Science Research Showcase. Our annual event provides an incredible platform for you to present your research through an academic poster and engage with a diverse audience, including staff and students at the University of Auckland.
The Science Research Showcase aims to celebrate and highlight the exceptional work of our postgraduate students. Whether you are exploring the mysteries of biology, unravelling the secrets of physics, delving into the wonders of chemistry, or breaking new grounds in technology, we want to hear about your research!
To participate, simply submit a digital academic poster and abstract by Friday 25 August 4 pm. We will arrange for your poster to be printed and displayed in the Science Foyer (ground level, building 302) as an exhibition between Monday 11 September and Friday 15 September. You will also get some excellent opportunities to engage in discussions, receive feedback and expand your network during the poster exhibition week.
Please visit the 2023 Science Research Showcase webpage for more information, including the registration link and valuable resources to help you make an engaging academic poster. Should you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Science Research Showcase Organising Committee at scienceengagement@auckand.ac.nz. We are here to support you through the entire process. We look forward to seeing your poster entry at the 2023 Science Research Showcase and celebrating your research!
1st Erionite & Mineral Fibres Symposium, Auckland
Date & Location: 28-29 August 2023 | 303.G16
This free in-person symposium funded by Royal Society Te Apārangi and MBIE and will take place on August 28-29 2023, in 303-G16. Morning and afternoon tea and lunch will be provided. Please register via this Eventbrite link if you plan on attending: Erionite and Mineral Fibers Symposium, 28-29 August | Eventbrite
Keynote speakers presenting in-person include Prof Alessandro Gualtieri (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia) and Dr Martin Harper (NIOSH, USA). At this symposium, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the latest research and advancements related to erionite and other mineral fibers, and connect with renowned international experts in the field who will share their knowledge and insights through engaging presentations and discussions. Contact Martin Brook for further details.
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.
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
New Research Group
Kia ora e te whānau
Are you interested in research in the natural resources space with a big focus on helping transform society to a low pollution and sustainable future? I’d like to help build a proactive group of students and staff in this space who come together to discuss research and contribute as critic and conscience of society. I’m imagining a group in which we may differ in our approach to the problem but where we are committed to doing our bit as geoscientists and social scientists for a liveable future.
If you’d like to participate in this group and help make it meaningful, please get in touch with JR (j.rowland@auckland.ac.nz) or Eduardo (eduardo.fritis.perez@auckland.ac.nz) – all students and staff from any field in the geosciences and social sciences welcome.
If you’ve already got something happening in this space and we aren’t involved, let us know so we can be 😉
Thanks JR
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.
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.
Funding
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:
· 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 · Expert Panel Sessions are an opportunity for applicants applying to MBIE Research Programmes to informally test their project ideas against the key requirements of the grant, with a panel of experts to guide their thinking (please see the details below).
Registration Webinar with Alison Slade, Former Principal Investment Manager at MBIE and former Endeavour Fund lead, scheduled on 11th September August at 10:00am to 12:00pm. https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/695680768907?aff=oddtdtcreator 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
Applications are due by 5.00pm, Tuesday 5 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 you are interested, please also get in touch with your research programme coordinator. |
|
Open Access Support Fund |
|
| This fund aims to support the payment of Open Access fees for researchers publishing high-impact research. This fund is intended to support the following priority cohorts to be published openly and immediately in high-impact journals:
· Postgraduates · PhD candidates · Early career researchers (ECRs) · Indigenous researchers · Transdisciplinary researchers |
|
| Value/Duration: | Deadlines: |
| The Faculty of Science Research Committee has $125K to distribute in 2023 as part of this fund | This funding is available Q3-Q4 2023 |
| · Details on eligibility criteria can be found on the Research Hub and the Faculty of Science. Research intranet.
· To apply please complete the following open access fund Application Form. Please contact the FIRST team (Kelly or Alex or Sophie) for more information on how to apply for this funding. |
|
| 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). |
|
| Catalyst: Seeding (Round3) | |
| Catalyst seeding facilitates new small and medium pre-research strategic partnerships that cannot be supported through other means, and with a view to developing full collaborations that could be supported through Catalyst: Strategic over time. Funding is for research exchanges, research activities, and expenses related to hosting workshops for new strategic research partnerships with international collaborators | |
| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
| · Seeding General: up to $80,000 (excl. GST) in total for up to two years
· NZ – Japan Joint Research Projects: up to $30,000 (excl. GST) per annum for up to two years |
5pm, Tuesday 10 October 2023 |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):
· Website To register to apply, please email the following information to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz: title (e.g. Dr, A/P, Professor), full name, email address, faculty and department. If you are interested, please also get in touch with your research programme coordinator. |
|
| Catalyst: Leaders (Round3) | |
| HOPE Meetings are held for excellent graduate students and young researchers selected from countries/areas around the Asia-Pacific and Africa region. These meetings give an opportunity for the participants to engage in interdisciplinary discussions with Nobel Laureates and other distinguished scientists pioneering the frontiers of knowledge. | |
| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
| Supports excellent PhD students and/or young researchers to attend the HOPE meetings with Nobel Laureates for 5 days including flights, accommodation, and meeting registration. | 5pm, Tuesday 10 October 2023 |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):
· Website To register to apply, please email the following information to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz: title (e.g. Dr, A/P, Professor), full name, email address, faculty and department. If you are interested, please also get in touch with your research programme coordinator.
|
|
|
The Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund (TIF) |
|
| The Waipapa Taumata Rau (TIF) is a fund that 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 Deadline |
| Grants up to $60,000
· Small Grants ($10,000–$20,000) · Large Grants ($20,000–$60,000) |
5pm, Monday 30 October 2023 |
| To apply for this funding round, please:
· Complete the revised application form found here (Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund) and email a copy to ORSI via internalawards@auckland.ac.nz by the internal deadline. · For the purpose of creating a record in the Research Funding Module (RFM), please nominate one PI to arrange for the application to be uploaded and submitted for faculty/LSRI sign-off by by the internal deadline. Application Form, Guidelines and FAQs can be accessed at the link below: Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund If you are interested, please also get in touch with your research programme coordinator. |
|
Announcement
| Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund Workshop |
| This workshop will facilitate new cross-faculty research collaborations and is designed for academic staff who are intending to pursue transdisciplinary research. |
| Key Information:
· Date: Monday, 4 September 2023 · Time: 8:30am – 3:00pm (lunch provided) · Location: City Campus, Unleash Space, 20 Symonds Street Registration is essential. It closes on 7 August 2023. Please register it via Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund Workshop Tickets, Mon 04/09/2023 at 8:30 am | Eventbrite |
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
School of Environment Laboratory User Survey
You are invited to complete a short survey on your experiences of gaining access and working within our laboratories. This annual survey aims to identify what’s good, what’s missing and what can be improved. The feedback you provide will help us shape the future direction of the lab facilities and assist with purchasing the right equipment for each space.
Check your email for the invite (these were sent on Monday 7 August) or use this link: https://auckland.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4HIeYC1HpVDKfmm
Publications | Articles
Allington, M.L., Nilsson, A., Hill, M.J., Suttie, N., Daniil, D., Hjorth, I., Aulin, L., Augustinus, P.C., Shane, P. (2023) Constraining the eruption history of Rangitoto volcano, New Zealand, using palaeomagnetic data. Quaternary Geochronology 78, 101459 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2023.101459
“Incremental environmental change can be as hazardous as a sudden schock – managing these ‘slow-burning risks is vital” has been published on The Conversation
Here’s the link: https://theconversation.com/incremental-environmental-change-can-be-as-hazardous-as-a-sudden-shock-managing-these-slow-burning-risks-is-vital-207805