HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

There are some great seminars and activities coming up, as listed below. In addition,  Professor Ian Bailey and Associate Professor Wolfram Dressler are visiting from Plymouth and Melbourne, respectively, next week and will present a seminar on a topic of their choice in the broad area of Environmental Management. You are all welcome to attend these lectures and engage with each presenter.

• Professor Ian Bailey: 2.30-3.30pm Wednesday 26th February, 302-G20 (case room). Bio and abstract to be distributed presently.
• Associate Professor Wolfram Dressler: 9-10am Thursday 27th February 302-G053. See here for bio and abstract.

Note that the venues may change – I will send an email out closer to the scheduled times if this occurs.

We have a good morning in store for us at ENV Kaupapa 2020 (10.30-1.30 Wednesday 26 February), including short presentations on RSL experiences from those who have just arrived back from their time away. Please arrive at the Decima Glenn Room, 260-310 OGGB ahead of time so that we can make a good start.

Have a great couple of weeks in the lead up to teaching!

Ngā mihi

JR

---

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

Please check the latest EAP flyer here:

• Tips on starting the day and feeling motivated
• Reflecting on 2019 with positive acknowledgment and thoughts
• Saying “Yes” when you want to say “No” and vice versa
• Learn about GRIT with the new EAP App

The Geography Auckland (NZGS Auckland) newsletter

The Auckland branch of NZGS promotes the activities of geographers and the development of the discipline in the Auckland region. It has proven an effective platform for hosting and sponsoring public seminars and workshops, and talks by prominent local and international geographers; running competitions for schools; providing opportunities for young geographers to attend conferences; and for bringing geographers together to discuss issues of public and disciplinary concern. Click here to read more.

The School of Environment Māori Masters Thesis Scholarship

Current application round extended until 20 February

As no applications for this scholarship were received by the original January closing date, this round has been extended until 20 February 2020.

Recent eligible Hons and PGDip graduates have already been contacted, but if you know a student from previous years, or from elsewhere, who is eligible and may be interested to undertake Masters thesis study in the School, please contact them urgently and encourage them to apply.

This Scholarship provides up to $5,000 plus compulsory fees, and may be awarded to Māori students enrolling in full-time or part-time study in a Master of Arts or Master of Science thesis in Geography, or a Master of Science thesis in Earth Sciences, Environmental Management, Environmental Science or Geophysics. The basis of selection will be academic merit, with a minimum GPA/GPE of 4.00 or above in the applicant’s most recent qualifying programme required for consideration for the Scholarship.

The Scholarship may not be held in conjunction with a University of Auckland Research Masters Scholarship or a University of Auckland Māori Postgraduate Scholarship, automatically granted to students with a GPA of 7.5 or above, and particularly targets students who do not quite reach that threshold.

For further details see: www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/scholarships-and-awards/find-a-scholarship/school-of-environment-maori-masters-thesis-scholarship-674-sci.html

Staff training to work with Māori and Pacific peoples

Enabling cultural capability: building confidence, awareness and understanding for those working with Māori and Pacific peoples

This project will build the cultural capacity of the School of Environment staff to understand and work with Māori and Pacific knowledges and peoples.  Policies within the University and external organisations require staff to acknowledge the unique cultural attributes of Māori and Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand; however, staff often feel they lack the ability to do so. This project will provide staff with opportunities to redress this. In a series of meetings and workshops (facilitated by external cultural experts) throughout 2020, staff will be supported to transform their teaching and/or research practices.

This project will be relevant to those staff who are working with Māori and Pacific students, applying for external grants within Aotearoa New Zealand, engaged in fieldwork that is of relevance to Māori and Pacific communities, and those considering promotion/continuation, among others.

This project is funded by a University of Auckland Learning Enhancement Grant.

School of Environment Shared morning tea

Monday 16th March, 10.30- 11.30am, 302-6th floor

Please bring a plate of food to share which reminds you of home.

Kua takoto te mānuka – The challenge has been set!

The Aotearoa Bike Challenge is in full swing and the University of Auckland is currently leading the pack in Auckland!

 Sign up now

Register with the University of Auckland team and see if your department is already involved. If not, you can create a new profile for your department. By signing up you’ll be part of the University’s team competing with other workplaces in Auckland, but also in a “just for fun” challenge between departments. If you like, you can use the website all year round to log your cycling.

 Help us rack up the points

Users get points for kilometers ridden, the number of days ridden, and the number of people encouraged. Here’s how you get encourager points: when someone signs up and logs their first ride for the Challenge a prompt pops up and asks them to identify whether someone in particular encouraged them. If they identify you as their encourager, then you get points!
1km = 1 point
1 day = 10 points
1 existing rider = 50 points
1 new rider = 100 points

 Prizes

Simply logging one ride in February puts you in the draw to win a range of goodies! Check out the prizes page to see what is on offer, along with the details of exclusive discounts for bike challenge participants. As always, we also have some special prizes for University of Auckland participants. Log one ride and you will automatically go into the draw to win one of three 3-month memberships to the new gym facility at 70 Stanley Street. Encourage a colleague to ride and you will go into the draw to win an eco-hamper. To be eligible for this, you and the person you encourage must both log a ride during February and the person must nominate you as their official encourager on the website.

Prizes will be drawn on Monday 2 March.

 E-bike testing

Last year we had strong interest in e-bike rides and we hosted several trips on Te Ara I Whiti, the Lightpath. This year, we are working with Auckland Transport and e-bike suppliers to offer some similar events. One is scheduled to be held at Auckland Domain on Wednesday 19 February, and will be ideal for staff based at Grafton and Newmarket. We are about to confirm dates for tests on Grafton Gully cycleway and a potential event for Epsom Campus. Regardless, there will be limited places for these events, so get in quick! Register your interest by filling out this form and we will be in touch in due course.

 Yammer group

The UoA Bike User Group is one of the most active groups on Yammer. Administrated by Property Services, it is a discussion forum for all things cycling. If you would like to stay in the loop, join the group here.

 For queries, contact Charlotte Blythe from the Sustainability Office.

Meetings, seminars and events

Save the date:  ENV Seminar: 25th of February 1pm-2pm, 302-140.

Join us on Tuesday the 25th of February from 1pm to 2pm to learn about the fantastic research your colleagues do. All staff members and students from the School of Environment are warmly invited to attend this second School of Environment Seminar. We will run the seminars every three months and every time we will have three presenters from different disciplines from the School of Environment.

In the upcoming ENV Seminar, we will have three presenters who are new or relatively new additions to the School.

Volcanology, Geochemistry, & Petrology Research Group

The volcanology, geochemistry, & petrology research group (VGP) meets during the semester. Our meetings for the first semester of 2020 will begin on 10 March 2020 at 9 am in 303-G16. In the meantime, we would like to introduce our new webmaster David Farsky who is taking over now that Mai Sas has submitted. If you have any updates (including new students or projects) you would like to see on the website or would like to contribute a blog post, please email him (dfar197@aucklanduni.ac.nz). Sophia is in the midst of finalising speakers for the semester; please check the next P-cube edition for an announcement. (She is also delighted to receive offers of talks from potential speakers!) As always, everyone is welcome to attend our meetings. For more information, please see our website: vgp.blogs.auckland.ac.nz See you soon!

Earth Sciences Bickie briefing

Earth Sciences Bickie briefing is every Thursday morning at 10.30am in the Level 6 break out space. It’s a chance to share announcements, get updates on academic and research events and deadlines, and share highlights from the past week. All postgrads and staff welcome.

---

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Examiners’ Meetings

Please note that dates for Examiners’ Meetings may be found here:

·         Semester 1 Examiners’ Meetings

·         Semester 2 Examiners’ Meetings – note the changes since last posting, please remove the old dates and kindly add the new ones to your calendar

Ako Innovation Committee: Teaching & Learning Fund 2020

The purpose of this fund is to promote the development of innovative teaching and learning practices within the School of Environment which promote a culture of teaching excellence. These funds will be distributed in one contestable round, with grants of up to $6000. The total pool of funds available in 2020 is $12000. Grants to individuals or groups of teaching active staff will be used to fund small-scale teaching initiatives that have an impact on teaching practice for the benefit of learners.

 All applications should be received by 21/02/2020 by noon.

 See Ako Innovation Committee Teaching & Learning Fund: Grant Guidelines and 2020 Application Form for AKO Teaching and Learning Innovation Grant.

https://www.coursebuilder.cad.auckland.ac.nz/flexicourses/4101/publish/1/14.html

 Any questions please contact Mel Wall.

---

Rangahau – Research

Respecting River Diversity

Working at the interface between river science and management, Professor Brierley recently co-authored a short 

research communication on “Respecting River Diversity” for The Australian River Restoration Centre Magazine. Details can be found at:

https://arrc.com.au/respecting-river-diversity/

Meetings, seminars and events

Title: Regional to reservoir stress-induced seismic azimuthal anisotropy

Presented by Lisa Gavin, Woodside Energy, Perth, Australia

Date: Friday, 6 March
Time: 2 – 3 PM
Venue: 303 – G14

You can find the flyer here.

Title: Automating seismic data analysis and interpretation

Presented by Sergey Fomel, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA

Date: Monday, 30 March
Time: 12 PM
Venue: 303 – G16

You can find the flyer here 

Research and Funding Opportunities

Catalyst:  Seeding

Catalyst: Seeding facilitates new small and medium pre-research strategic partnerships with international collaborators that cannot be supported through other means.  Funding is for research exchanges, research activities, and expenses related to hosting workshops for new strategic research partnerships with international collaborators.

Value:  A maximum of $80,000 over 2 years

Deadline: Wednesday 15 April, 5 pm

Terms and conditions, and more information can be found here.  If you are interested in applying, please let your RPC know as you will need to register on the portal.

Catalyst: Leaders

Catalyst: Leaders supports incoming and outgoing targeted international fellowships for exceptional individuals that cannot be supported through other means:

·         International Leader Fellowships: Supports exceptional individuals from any country outside New Zealand to catalyse science and innovation capability development in New Zealand for a minimum of 4 weeks per year for up to 3 years. 

Value:  Up to $50,000 per annum for 3 years

·         New Zealand – China Scientist Exchange Programme:  Supports the development of research linkages with China by enabling early or mid-career New Zealand researchers to visit Chinese research organisations for 4 weeks to collaborate in jointly agreed research fields

Value:  $3000 travel grant + daily allowance and accommodation/domestic travel in China

·         JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships:  Supports excellent post-doctoral researchers to do research in Japan for 12-24 months.

Deadline:  Wednesday 15 April, 5pm

Terms and conditions, and more information can be found here.  If you are interested in applying, please let your RPC know as you will need to register on the portal.

Pacific Development and Conservation Trust

The purpose of the Trust is to promote sustainable development in the Pacific and New Zealand, while conserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of its people.  Projects must benefit people or communities of the Pacific countries or territories.

Value: Grants range from $2000 to $50,000 (there is no minimum or maximum, the trust has about $250,000 to give as grants each year)

Deadline: Monday 2 March 2020

Terms and conditions, and more information can be found here.

Te Tahua Taiao Ngā Taonga – Lottery Environment and Heritage grants

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:  Small projects, where the grant requested is for less than $250,000 and large projects where the grant requested is for $250,000 or more

Deadline:  Monday 24 February, 5pm

Terms and conditions, and more information can be found here

New publications

1. Cardona, S., Wood, L.J., Dugan, B., Jobe, Z. and Strachan, L.J. (2020) Characterization of the Rapanui Mass-Transport Deposit and the Basal Shear Zone: Mount Messenger Formation, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Sedimentology, DOI: 10.1111/sed.12697.
2. Bull, S., Arnot, M.J., Browne G.H., Crundwell M.P., Nicol, A., Strachan, L.J. (2020) Neogene and Quaternary mass transport deposits from northern Taranaki, New Zealand: morphologies, transportation processes, and depositional controls. In: Submarine landslides: subaqueous mass transport deposits from outcrops to seismic profiles, Geophysical Monograph, 246, AGU, 171-180.
3. Cowan R. Nokes, Helen C. Bostock, Lorna J. Strachan, Mark Hadfield, Phil Barnes (2019) Sediment Dynamics of the North Canterbury Shelf, New Zealand. NZ Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. DOI: 10.1080/00288330.2019.1699584.
4. Melissa J. Craig, Jaco H. Baas, Kathryn J. Amos, Lorna J. Strachan, Andrew J. Manning, David M. Paterson, Julie A. Hope, Scott D. Nodder, Megan L. Baker (2019) Biomediation of sediment gravity flow dynamics. Geology. DOI: 10.1130/G46837.1.

---

Classifieds

Job opening – REGIONAL COORDINATOR for Our Seas Our Future – AUCKLAND

Role type: Volunteer

Role scope: Regional Leadership

Role time requirement: 2 hours per
week

Regional Coordinator Role Description:

A challenging leadership role
designed to provide experience in building and coordinating teams, and project
management.

Purpose Statement: To lead and
coordinate environmental conservation events, projects, and volunteers on
behalf of OSOF within respective regional areas.

For a detailed role description
click here: https://bit.ly/2RVyWEj

About Our Seas Our Future:

Our Seas
Our Future is a 100% volunteer-run and non-profit marine conservation
organisation based in Aotearoa.

Mission Statement: Our Seas Our Future aims to protect New Zealand’s coastal and
marine ecosystems through advocacy, education, and environmental stewardship,
ensuring that they are managed sustainably and protected for future generations.

Contact:

If you are looking for a
challenging and rewarding leadership role, please contact Noel Jhinku at noel@osof.org
or info@osof.org with a CV and a cover letter outlining your interest.

Please also circulate this email to
others who may be interested in this opportunity. 

Website:
www.osof.org.nz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OurSeasOurFuture/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourseasourfuture

---

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 28th February, 1pm to Farnaz: f.sheikh@auckland.ac.nz

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou!

JR is out of town for a couple of weeks but the School continues to rise from its summer repose, and this edition of P-Cubed is packed with details of seminars, events and announcements. Please read on.

In the interest of brevity I would like to direct your attention to two matters in particular:

1.       Unless you have been seriously off-grid you will be aware of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak. Please note the item in Whakawhanaungatanga below – but most importantly please read the University’s emails on this since it is a rapidly-developing situation.

2.       The second matter is more local and directed at academic staff. The new Assessment Policy may necessitate changes to your courses so please take notice.

Finally, thanks to our colleagues who have been teaching Summer School courses.

Best wishes,

David Hayward

---

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Assessment – New Policy – Course Coordinators please note

The University’s Policy for in-course assessment has been refreshed – and in particular, 9 principles have been identified. This is likely to result in a change of assessment for some courses. You can find these online but here are a some specific points to keep in mind.

Assessment design

15. The timing of assessment components, where possible, must consider student workloads, coherent learning progression, and provide sufficient opportunities to utilise feedback/feed-forward. Students must have the opportunity to complete an early appropriately-weighted or formative assessment exercise, which may vary in scope and type across discipline or class size.  Feedback/feed-forward on this exercise must be received in time to assist students in preparing for their first substantive assessment in the course.

• It doesn’t define “early” but for a regular, 12-week course we recommend a small assignment (rule of thumb – under 5%) around week 3 or 4, that is marked quickly and returned with helpful feedback before their next assessment in order to allow students time to incorporate this feedback (ideally by the end of week 5).
• In effect, this distinguishes between formative and summative assessment: those that are primarily intended to aid learning; and those that evaluate learning.
• According to the Definitions section:

Formative assessment means any assessment practice carried out early enough in a course with the purpose of providing students feedback that enables them to develop their learning… Formative assessment may be weighted or unweighted.

16. Assessment tasks must ensure that students with disabilities are provided with appropriate opportunities to demonstrate their achievement of learning outcomes.

• In ENV this is often an issue with field trips and labs, and especially those where a certain level of physical ability is presumed for tasks or for minimising the risk of harm. Please consider the accessibility of these activities. Collectively, the School has had quite a bit of experience in this and so do seek advice.

19. Tests which count toward the final result for a course will be conducted under examination conditions

• Pretty self-explanatory, but please note that you may need to book a second venue to ensure that students have sufficient spacing to deter cheating. Also, you must have at least 2 staff invigilating in each Test room. Tutors can assist, or enlist colleagues.

22. Tests with a weighting higher than 20%, including take-home tests, must not be conducted in the final week of teaching, unless justified by the distinctive requirements of the course.

• In particular, summative Tests should not be scheduled for the convenience of staff. If they are the final assessment in a course then they are an exam, and must scheduled in the exam period.

Feedback on coursework

30. Feedback must be provided in a timely manner and no later than three weeks after the day the assessment was submitted, or sooner when the feedback is required to prepare for subsequent assessments.

Note: this clause does not apply to the early assessment requirement described in s.15

• The turnaround time for marking and feedback is often a concern for students. For staff it is of course a workload matter; however, remains the responsibility of Course Directors/Coordinators to plan for this and design assessments with this in mind.

Advice to students

• 33.  Detailed information about assessments for each course must be available in the Canvas course outline and published no later than two weeks prior to the start of teaching.  This will include:

o   the intended learning outcomes to be assessed

o   an assessment table, with: (i) a description of the assessment tasks (ii) the weighting of items; (iii) the due date for submission or testing; (iv) the mode of examination (digital or paper-based); (v) the conditions under which the examination will be sat (if relevant) and (vi) information about minimum pass requirements and plussage, where applicable

o   the conditions for extensions of time (if any)

o   penalties for lateness or violation of assessment specifications (e.g. length)

• Digital Course Outlines will be loaded into Canvas and appear as a separate menu item (tab). We strongly recommend that you continue to put the key information such as learning outcomes and contact details on the Syllabus page, as before…
• …and that you ensure that assignments are set-up in Canvas – including weightings and due dates.

Roles and Responsibilities

Clauses 1-9 refer to these. Please not that every course has at least a Course Director and an Assessor; and most courses have two or more Examiners. You are all collectively responsible for all aspects of the course and assessment design, the assessing (i.e., marking), and the grades in each course.

Key contacts for advice:

• Head of Academic Operations, David Hayward
• Chair of AKO Innovation Committee, Mel Wall (on Annual Leave until 19/2/20)
• Group Services Administrator, Alex Soudlenkova

Ako Innovation Committee: Teaching & Learning Fund 2020

https://www.coursebuilder.cad.auckland.ac.nz/flexicourses/4101/publish/1/14.html

The purpose of this fund is to promote the development of innovative teaching and learning practices within the School of Environment which promote a culture of teaching excellence. These funds will be distributed in one contestable round, with grants of up to $6000 with preference given to initiatives completed by August 2020. The total pool of funds available in 2020 is $12000. Grants to individuals or groups of teaching active staff will be used to fund small-scale teaching initiatives that have an impact on teaching practice for the benefit of learners.

All applications should be received by 21/02/2020 by noon.

See Ako Innovation Committee Teaching & Learning Fund: Grant Guidelines and 2020 Application Form for AKO Teaching and Learning Innovation Grant.

https://www.coursebuilder.cad.auckland.ac.nz/flexicourses/4101/publish/1/14.html

Any questions please contact Joe Fagan.

Changes to courses for 2021

Breaking news – as of this morning! The timeline for making changes to course titles and prescriptions, adding new courses, deleting courses and changing programme regulations is much shorter this year. These should be discussed by Disciplinary Groups and then sent to the Head of Academic Operations (David Hayward) by Thursday 19 March.

Referencing

Please note that the University has transitioned from APA 6th to APA 7th. Changes are noted here

https://www.cite.auckland.ac.nz/2/files/apa_6th_and_apa_7th_key_changes.pdf

---

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

On December 16-17 last year, the School’s multi-purpose lab played hosted to an international research symposium, titled ‘Bringing life’s work to market: A symposium on practices and spaces of marketised social reproduction’). Organised by Tom Baker, it attracted around 50 attendees and 25 presentations from academics in Australia (U Sydney, U Melbourne, Monash U, U Wollongong, U Western Australia, Macquarie U), Canada (Queen’s U), USA (Penn State U, U Minnesota, Clark U, UC Davis), UK (Birkbeck U), Switzerland (U Zurich), Germany (Kassel U) and NZ (VUW, Waikato U, U Canterbury). Plans are currently underway for a journal special issue, based on presentations at the symposium. The organisers gratefully acknowledge the support received via the School’s PBRF fund.

Coronavirus

The University has a webpage that is regularly updated, and email updates are arriving daily. A Faculty of Science briefing this morning identified some specific areas of concern for us:

1.       Overseas travel – restrictions are in place and you should anticipate these increasing further. Please reassess all overseas travel, seek guidance as necessary and keep up-to-date with requirements.

2.       As of this morning non-NZ citizens/residents are prohibited from returning if they travel through mainland China. This could affect many of you and so please take note. Also, consider any visitors you have planned, and advise them accordingly.

3.       Students – it is anticipated that many international students may be unable to arrive in time to commence Semester 1. Course Coordinators should ensure that all resources and lecture recordings are available on Canvas – since some students may be forced into a distance learning mode.

Outreach help requested for high school field trip to Mangere Mountain

One of our former geology students, Laura Ward, now teaches high school at Howick College. She has requested help from our Earth Science staff or post-graduate students to join her class on a field trip to Mangare Mountain. The class consists of Year 13’s of mixed academic ability, and they will be sitting a standard on dating geological features (radiometric and relative dating techniques). Laura says, “we thought it would be cool to try to get a real scientist to come along to help explain features of the volcano and reinforce some dating techniques.” 

The trip is scheduled for 13th February, we will be visiting Mangere Mountain in the morning (9:00am – lunch)

Please let Kathy know (ka.campbell@auckland.ac.nz) if you are interested in leading the group for this outreach event. 

Geoscience-related posters:

Important and relevant Geoscience-related posters have been compiled by the Geological Society of London. These should be useful for staff when articulating to students (and potential students and their parents) why the Geosciences are such important subjects and careers for people to pursue. The link is here:

https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/Posters

Two posters in particular are important:

1. The “Geoscience for the Future” poster outlines how Geoscience is crucial in meeting society’s future challenges through policies to avoid dangerous levels of climate change, to protect the environment and to ensure the availability of vital resources for all. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are also listed in the top right.
2. The “Minerals in a Smartphone” poster describes the incredibly broad range of minerals that are required to produce a smartphone; this highlights how Geoscience is important for meeting today’s and tomorrow’s technological advances.
   Both can be printed at up to A1 size.

Updated City Campus Map

The University has renamed a number of its buildings. We now have a Social Sciences Building, Humanities Building, and Cultures Languages and Linguistics Building. Please check for any changes in the updated City Campus Map https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/on-campus/our-campuses/campus-maps.html

Meetings, seminars and events

Save the date:  ENV Seminar: 25th of February 1pm-2pm, 302-140.

Join us on Tuesday the 25th of February from 1pm to 2pm to learn about the fantastic research your colleagues do. All staff members and students from the School of Environment are warmly invited to attend this second School of Environment Seminar. We will run the seminars every three months and every time we will have three presenters from different disciplines from the School of Environment.

In the upcoming ENV Seminar, we will have three presenters who are new or relatively new additions to the School.

Māori accounts of disaster recovery

Speaker: Xavier Forsman
Date: Wednesday 5 February
Time: 12-1pm
Venue: Whare wānanga, Level 2, Central City Library, Lorne St
You can find the flyer here.

RISE (Research Industry Sustainable Engagement) Programme: Introduction

Please come along to the introduction to UniServices annual RISE programme which intended to raise the skills and practice of working of researchers with external stakeholders. It will consist of a formal training programme and a series of subsequent workshops beginning in January 2020 and ending in April of 2020.

Introduction session: Wednesday 5 February 1-3pm.  Register by clicking this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/90732209481

Earth Sciences Bickie briefing

Earth Sciences Bickie briefing is every Thursday morning at 10.30am in the Level 6 break out space. It’s a chance to share announcements, get updates on academic and research events and deadlines, and share highlights from the past week. All postgrads and staff welcome.

---

Rangahau – Research

Publishing: Article Processing Charge Waivers

 Libraries and Learning Services often get queries about Article Processing Charges (APCs) for making research papers open access. Although we can’t provide assistance in paying for your APCs when you are publishing your articles, we do have agreements with some publishers.  Publishers either waive APCs or give UoA authors a discount because of our current journal subscriptions. You might want to see if this covers any journals that are relevant to you.

 APC Waivers:

Biochemistry Society

Microbiology Society

Open Access APC Waiver:

IGI Global

Open Access APC discounts (15% discount applied automatically):

The Royal Society of Chemistry

BioMed Central

SpringerOpen 

 Also don’t forget that most journals have a “Green” open access policy where you can upload a preprint version of your article into Research Outputs and the UoA ResearchSpace repository, giving you an OpenAccess version that is then accessible to those outside the journal paywalls.

For more information see our OA guide or contact a research adviser through the AskUs

APA 7th now on QuickCite

 You may be aware that the APA (American Psychological Association) have released the style guide for their newest version of their referencing  style – APA 7. APA 6 has been in very wide use as a citation and referencing style across many research disciplines.  We have recently added examples of the APA 7th referencing style to the QuickCite online guide.

 Print copies of the publication manual are also available in the Library.  

 We recommend that all students and researchers who use APA adopt the 7th edition style.

 Advice for teaching staff.

We recommend all teaching staff using APA update their teaching materials to adopt APA 7th and refer students to QuickCite.

Advice for students writing a thesis or dissertation

Students who are part-way through a thesis or dissertation, should ask the advice of their supervisor as to whether they should continue using APA 6th or change to APA 7th. We will continue to provide guidance for APA 6th on QuickCite for 2020.

 More information

You can read more about the 7th edition on the APA Style blog.

Links

QuickCite

Publication manual of the American Psychological Association

If you have any questions about APA 7th, please Ask us.

Meetings, seminars and events

Title: Hydrothermal vents or hydrothermal fields: Where can life begin?

Speaker: David Deamer
Date: Friday 7th February
Time: 12-1pm
Venue: 302-G20

You can find the flyer here.

Title: Chemical, mineralogical and sorptive characteristics of Biogenic Iron Oxides (BIOS)

Speaker: Danielle Fortin
Date: Thursday 13th February 
Time: 12-1pm
Venue: 303-G14

You can find the flyer here.

Research and Funding Opportunities

Annual PBRF Funding. Round 1.

Please see the below links. Notice the change in the deadlines.

2020 Application Form for ENV PBRF

Guidelines for PBRF applications for 2020

L’ORÉAL-UNESCO FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE 2020 Climate Edition

The purpose of these awards are to support the fight against the current climate emergency, whilst also continuing to address the underrepresentation of women in science. Guidelines can be found on the following webpage.

Grant value:  $25,000 for a one year project

Internal Deadline:  Thursday 20 February

International Central Networks and Partnerships Grant (ICNPG)

ICNPG provides outbound mobility funding to both professional and academic staff who wish to develop international links and supports three types of strategic activities with the University’s network and strategic partners:

·         Research collaboration opportunity investigations

·         Attending network-sponsored workshops and conferences (APRU, U21, WUN)

·         Visiting fellowships to multiple partners

Further info and guidelines can be found on the website.  Interested applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with criteria and eligibility information and attend the ICNPG information session on 19 February 2pm – 3pm, please sign up through Career Tools.

 Grant value:  up to $5,000

Deadline:  Monday 9 March

Te Hiranga Rū QuakeCoRE – Proposal Development Grants

Grants are available for early-career researchers toward research-related costs for the development of contestable external research proposals targeting specific contestable funding programmes.  The aim of the grant is to provide seed funding to enable miscellaneous data collection, analysis, proposal team building for the purpose of preparing strong proposals in competitive NZ public funding rounds.

Further information can be found here.

Deadline:  Friday 14 February

Grant value:  between $5,000 – $10,000

ARC Linkage grant

Professor Gary Brierley is a Chief Investigator in a recently awarded ARC Linkage grant that examines the role of riparian vegetation as an agent in the recovery of river systems in Australia.

The project ($600k over 3 years) is the second largest in the country in the Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences fields of research (10 projects funded), and is the 6th largest in the country as a whole.

Anyone interested in further details of this award should contact Gary.

Australasian Hydrographic Society

The Australasian Hydrographic Society offers an Annual Education Award of AUD $ 3,500. The award is open to students studying or researching in maritime disciplines. 

Applications open: 1 February – 31 March annually

Download  detailed information and the application form using this link 

For further info please contact education@ahs.asn.au

New publications

1. Maintaining a long-standing interest in playful titles of research papers, Gary is co-author of a recently published paper on the Tongariro River (with former PhD student at UoA, Helen Reid, and visitor to UoA, Richard Williams) in JGR:Stuck at the bar: Larger‐than‐average grain lag deposits and the spectrum of particle mobilityWilliams, R. D., Reid, H. E., & Brierley, G. (2019). Stuck at the bar: Larger‐than‐average grain lag deposits and the spectrum of particle mobility. Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface,124, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JF005137.
2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24694452.2019.1696664

---

Classifieds

Job opening – Senior Advisor (Environment)

Applications for this position close on Sunday 9 February 2020

There is a job opportunity at Maritime New Zealand. The primary function of this role is using evidence & science to provide policy, enforcement and technical advice. Specifically this is for the regulation of the maritime industry for the purpose of minimising the pollution of the marine environment from shipping. https://maritimenz.qjumpersjobs.co/jobs/details/1003580

---

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 14th February, 1pm to Farnaz: f.sheikh@auckland.ac.nz

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

This is the last edition of p-cubed for the year. We will start up again mid-January. Huge thanks to Farnaz for getting every edition out on time – it’s much appreciated! Thanks also to everyone in the School who has posted notices, events and acknowledgements, and even bigger thanks to everyone that has read them! Although the software doesn’t do everything we want it is way better than what we had before. If you have tips and ideas for improvements feel free to pass them on to me or Farnaz.

Congratulations to Brendan Hall, for achieving a 2019 FOS Professional Staff Excellence Award. Brendan is an outstanding contributor to the School and it’s fantastic to see this acknowledged at Faculty level. Thanks also to the entire technical services team for your great service to the School, and in particular Ilyas who will be leaving us early in the New Year.

PG students: thanks for creating such a positive student culture in our school. Good luck if you are finishing writing up over the break and if you are taking a well earned holiday, have fun!

We have two events to go before the holidays arrive. The staff end-of-year do is this Thursday. Currently, the buses up Onewa Road are still running – it’s an easy trip (see the post below). Big ups to Sila, Alex, Samantha and Nick for creating what is sure to be a fun late afternoon event for us to enjoy. The Doctoral students and supervisors shindig is scheduled for 4-6pm Tuesday 17th December in the Ontology Lab – see you there!

I would like to give a big shout out to those who have filled a service role for the school, to the professional team that supports us, and to everyone – staff and students – who has done their bit this year. We have transitioned to a new way of working and your contributions have been outstanding. The School has had a great year and I’ve had a lot of fun – ka pai!

Hararei hari!
JR

---

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

ENV Staff End-of-year Party

*Secret Santa
End of Year Party should be associated with fun and surprises so we thought that a silly game for some gift exchange would be a good idea. For those who want to take part in the game please bring along a gift to the End-of-Year/Christmas party. The gift can be “silly” or not and should be worth max $10.

Rules of the game:
1. Each person will draw a number from the bowl when the game commences. This determines the order in which you get to pick a gift
2. The person with the number 1 starts the game by picking a gift
3. The person with the number 2 can either choose to steal 1’s gift or pick a new gift to open. If they choose to steal the gift, 1 get’s to pick another new gift to open
4. The game continues like this until everyone takes a turn opening or stealing a gift. The last person to go can steal from anyone in the game or open the remaining gift
A round is when each person starts their turn of either picking a new gift or stealing a gift
A round ends when a new gift is opened
The same gift can only be stolen once in a round
Once a gift is stolen three times, it is retired from the game (the last person to steal it keeps the gift)

How to get there
• For those who are taking bus

Option 1

Option 2

• For those who are driving (There is public parking available on and around Seaview Avenue)

Annual Leave

If you are a research assistant, research fellow or academic staff member you will be accruing annual leave. Now is the time to check your annual leave balances and plan for 2020. This is critical for all staff on short-term contracts. A leave planner can be found here.

You can enter and change leave requests via PeopleSoft self-service option, or send the completed form to Samantha Huang (s.huang@auckland.ac.nz). See this link for details.

If you are an academic staff member please note that you are expected to be available for the Kaupapa 2020 (10.30-1.30pm, 26 Feb 2020), Annual Retreat (9 June), and Roundup 2020 (TBA). You are also expected to attend the examiners’ meetings relevant to your courses and programmes.

Leave Plus: a pilot scheme for buying or cashing-up a week of annual leave

In 2020 a trial scheme will operate whereby, under certain conditions, you can buy or sell a week of leave. Currently this is only available to staff on individual contracts.

Details can be found here.

Research and Study Leave

A new RSL policy will take effect from 1 January 2020. See here for details.

Staff can apply from January 2020 foe leave commencing 2021. Applications must be made at least 8 months in advance. Leave can be applied for in monthly increments.

This change has implications for us that currently are being worked through. More advice will be provided in due course.

Ilyas is leaving the University

It is with regret that I announce Ilyas is leaving the University to pursue new opportunities in Australia. His last day with the University will be the 10th of January 2020.
Ilyas has been a valued member of the School and Technical Team and is well respected in his field of expertise.
Please join me in wishing Ilyas success in his future endeavours. We will be holding a morning tea to say good-bye, details to be announced soon.

Blair Sowman
Technical Manager | School of Environment

Visiting Scientists

– Prof Ian Townend (University of Southampton) is visiting Giovanni Coco until April 2020. Ian work on beaches and estuaries. Stay tuned as he will be giving a short course on modelling in early 2020
– Prof Stefano Lanzoni (University of Padua) is visiting Giovanni Coco in December. He will give a short course on stability analysis for hydro-morphodynamic systems (11-13 december). Brush up the maths and join in! (for details contact Giovanni)

The U21 PwC Innovation Challenge

Respond to real workplace challenges to win world-class professional development with PwC Academy or an expenses-paid visit to PwC Middle East in Dubai. Join the competition by 13 December for a unique opportunity to enhance your career competencies, develop your professional networks and increase your personal impact.

Open to doctoral candidates and masters students.
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/school-of-graduate-studies/doctoral-opportunities/u21-pwc-competition.html

IT Committee

The IT Committee has met on 27 Nov.  A few highlights:

• Software imaging in science labs.: Images will be carried over into the Summer Semester and Semester 1. If you require software for teaching that is currently not available in the labs (please test!), please contact Ingo (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz) ASAP.
• ENV IT budget: We generally plan to renew software packages that were requested in 2019 (at ~2019 prices). There are limited funds available for additional software and data as well as emergency hardware (well below the Capex limit).  Requests will be discussed by the IT Committee.  Generally, the budget is aimed at supporting teaching-related software.  If software is also used for funded research, we expect that proportional funding will be provided from research projects.

 

Te Tumu Herenga | Libraries and Learning Services

Talis course reading lists for 2020

Now is a great time to update, publish and request reviews of your Talis reading lists for Summer School, Semester One or Quarter One courses in 2020. Talis reading lists are automatically carried over from one teaching period to the same teaching period for the following year. This means that there will be a draft version for 2020 which contains the previous content and is editable, but it won’t be visible to students until this new version is “published”.

For more information and guidance, see the staff intranet notice.

Free collection

Free collection of 40 (maybe all) 1:50,000 topographic maps of New Zealand looking for a good home from Mark Costello m.costello@auckland.ac.nz room 301-527B.

Meetings, seminars and events

ENV Equity Committee Webinar

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
Tuesday 17th December, 10-11 in 302-G20
All welcome

Health, safety and wellbeing

Laboratory and Workshops Safety Inductions 2019

If you wish to join an induction session please email the Technician in Charge.

Wed 11 December 2019	General Safety Inductions	Natalia (n.abrego@auckland.ac.nz)	2:00 – 2:20 pm	303-B11
Wed 11 December 2019	Chemistry +TF Lab Induction	Natalia (n.abrego@auckland.ac.nz)	2:20 p.m -3:30 p.m	303-B11
Thurs 12 December 2019	X-ray Labs Induction	Ilyas (ilyas.qasim@auckland.ac.nz)	11:30 am – 12:00 pm	301-411

Expired first aid supplies available

Expired first aid supplies that have been removed from the school’s first aid kits will be available for staff and students to collect on Tuesday 11th December 10am in the L4 break-out space. Please help yourself to a few items at first making sure everyone gets a chance to collect some.

Lab closures (x-mas break)

All ENV labs will be shut down on the 18th of December and will re-open on the 8th of January. Please make sure you have packed away samples/experiments and cleaned up any work spaces.
There will be no access to any laboratories over the break unless prior approval has been granted.

Blair Sowman
Technical Manager | School of Environment

---

Rangahau – Research

Congratulations!

Jennifer Montano won the best poster award at the River, Coastal and Estuarine Morphodynamics Conference. Congrats!

FYI: Research Components of Masters Programmes at ENV

Below is an overview on the research components for the various Masters programmes at the School of Environment. Please distinguish between the overall programmes, which the Postgraduate (PG) Advisors are coordinating, and the research components, which the Masters Advisor coordinates, similar to a course coordinator.

Type of Masters research

The School of Environment offers several Masters programmes:
• Masters of Science (MSc) for Earth Sciences, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Geography, and Geophysics. Programmes: 240 points. Research component: 120 points (796-labelled). MSc programmes are generally two years but for students who already have a PG qualification such as BSc (hons) or PGDip, a one-year research-only MSc is available as a programme.
• Master of Arts: Geography. Programme: 240 points. Research component: 120 points (796-labelled). Research component equivalent to that of MSc.
• Master of Engineering Geology (MEG). Programme: 180 points. Research component: 90 points (EARTHSCI 794). Martin Brook is the informal PG Advisor. There is an option for students who already have a PG qualification to be admitted into a 120-point programme with a 90-point research component.
• Master of Environmental Science (MEnvSci). Programme: 180 points. Research component: 90 points. There is an MEnvSci option with a 30-point research component that is handled similarly to a BSc (hons) thesis. There is also the option of a 240-point MSc in EnvSci (confusing!).

To read more please click here.

Meetings, seminars and events

Spatial and temporal dynamics of microplastic transport by freshwater systems

Speaker: Nadia Dikareva (PhD Proposal)
Date: Monday, 16th of December
Time: 10:30am
Venue: 302-551 (Ontology Lab)

Research and Funding Opportunities

AusIMM Scholarships

Minerals industry student research scholarships are available: $5k for MSc/Phd research, $2k for BSc(Hons) research in Geology, Engineering or the Environment that is related to the minerals industry.

See: www.ausimm.co.nz for details.

Closing date: 28 February 2020.

NASA internships and New Zealand Space Agency scholarships

The New Zealand Space Agency invites high-performing New Zealand tertiary students to apply to participate in the 2020 NASA International Internship Programme. To complement this opportunity, the New Zealand Space Agency is offering New Zealand Space Scholarships.

This brilliant opportunity opens for applications on Friday.  It’s open to STEM postgraduates who are NZ citizens.

Kick-start your space sector career with a 2020 NASA internship, funded by the New Zealand Space Scholarship. Apply from 29 November. Open to NZ STEM postgraduates.
mbie.govt.nz/nasa

Marsden 2020

The official funding call is yet to be released – in the meantime if you have not already done so, please let your RPC know you intend to apply to ensure you won’t miss out on any important information.

Applications for writing support at the EOI stage need to be made by Thursday 12 December, please discuss with your RPC asap if you are interested.

Science for Technological Innovation: Seed Projects 2020

The Fund is intended to bring in new ideas and researchers to the Science for Technological Innovation (SfTI) community. Higher priority will be given to projects that:
• are aligned with the Sensors, Robotics and Automation (SRA) and/or Data Science and Digital Technologies (DSDT) themes
• have a team (including the PI) of emerging researchers (up to seven years full-time equivalent post-PhD)
• involve researchers who are new to SfTI
• have strong Vision Mātauranga alignment

Value: Max. $200,000 per project
Duration: Up to 2 years
Internal deadline: 09 March 2020
Further Information: 2020 Call for Proposals

Postgraduate Scholarships for Antarctic Research 2020

Antarctica New Zealand Doctoral Scholarship

• For Doctoral Research
• $20,000 per annum over two years
• Logistics support in Antarctica*

New Zealand Post Antarctic Scholarship

• For Masters or Doctoral research
• $10,000 over one year
• Logistics support in Antarctica*
  Applications will open 3 February 2020
  *Subject to programme availability. See antarcticanz.govt.nz for more details

The School of Environment Māori Masters Thesis Scholarship

The School of Environment Māori Masters Thesis Scholarship is now open for applications from eligible students wishing to enrol for 2020.

This Scholarship provides up to $5,000 plus compulsory fees, and may be awarded to Māori students enrolling in full-time or part-time study in a Master of Arts or Master of Science thesis in Geography, or a Master of Science thesis in Earth Sciences, Environmental Management, Environmental Science or Geophysics. The basis of selection will be academic merit, with a minimum GPA/GPE of 4.00 or above in the applicant’s most recent qualifying programme required for consideration for the Scholarship.

If you know a student who is eligible and who is interested in undertaking Masters thesis study in the School in 2020, please encourage them to apply. Applications close on 15 January 2020.

For further details see: www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/scholarships-and-awards/find-a-scholarship/school-of-environment-maori-masters-thesis-scholarship-674-sci.html

New publications

1. Wang, V., Gao, J., Schwendenmann, L., 2020. Assessing changes of urban vegetation cover and aboveground carbon stocks using LiDAR and Landsat imagery data in Auckland, New Zealand. International Journal of Remote Sensing 41(6), 2140-2158.
2. Thakuriah, PV., Sila-Nowicka, K., Hong, J., (…), Lido, C., McHugh, A., 2020. Integrated Mulitmedia City Data (iMCD): A composite survey and senisng approach to understanding urban living and mobility. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 80, 101427.
3. Poate, T., Masselink, G., Austin, M.J., (…), Dickson, M., McCall, R., 2020. Infragravity wave generation on shore platforms: Bound long waves versus breakpoint forcing. Geomorphology, 350, 106880.
4. Jara, IA., Morena, PI, Alloway, BV, Newnham, RM., 2019. A 15,400-year long record of vegetation, fire-regime, and climate changes from the northern Patagonian Andes. Quaternary Science Reviews, 226, 106005.
5. Wood, JR., Diaz, FP., Latorre, C., Wilmshurst, JM., Burge, OR., Gonzalez, F., 2019. Ancient paraiste DNA from late Quaternary Atacama Desert rodent middens. Quaternary Science Reviews, 226, 106031.
6. Wang, V., Gao, J., 2019. Towards refined estimation of vegetation carbon stock in Auckland, New Zealand using WorldView-2 and LiDAR data: the impact of scaling. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 40(3), 8727-8747.
7. Spreitzer, G., Tunnicliffe, J., Friedricj, H., 2019. Using Structure from Motion photogrammetry to assess large wood (LW) accumulations in the field. Geomorphology, 346, 106851.
8. Sangsefidi, E., Wilson, DJ., Larkin, TJ., Black, PM., 2019. The role of water in unbound granular pavement layers: a review. Transportation Infrastructure Geotechnology, 6(4), 289-317.
9. Holdaway, A., Ford, M. 2019. Resolution and scale controls on the accuracy of atoll island shorelines interpreted from satellite imagery. Applied Geomatics, 11(4), 339-352.
10. Evans, G., Augustinus, P., Gadd, P., Zawadzki, A., Ditchfield, A., 2019. A mulit-proxy μ-XRF inferred lake sediment record of environmental change spanning the last ca. 2230 years from Lake Kanono, Northland, New Zealand. Quaternary Science Reviews, 225, 106000.
11. Schwendenmann, L., Michalzik, B., 2019. Dissolved and particulate carbon and nitrogen fluxes along a Phytophthora agathidicida infection gradient in a kauri (Agathis australis) dominated forest. Fungal Ecology, 42, 100861.
12. Burrows, MT., Bates., AE., Costello, MJ., (…), Stuart-Smith, RD., Poloczanska, ES., 2019. Ocean community warming responses explained by thermal affinities and temperature gradients. Nature Climate Change, 9, 959-963.

---

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Ako Innovation Committee: Teaching & Learning Fund 2020

 The purpose of this fund is to promote the development of innovative teaching and learning practices within the School of Environment which promote a culture of teaching excellence. These funds will be distributed in one contestable round, with grants of up to $6000. The total pool of funds available in 2020 is $12000. Grants to individuals or groups of teaching active staff will be used to fund small-scale teaching initiatives that have an impact on teaching practice for the benefit of learners.

 All applications should be received by 21/02/2020 by noon.

 See Ako Innovation Committee Teaching & Learning Fund: Grant Guidelines and 2020 Application Form for AKO Teaching and Learning Innovation Grant.

https://www.coursebuilder.cad.auckland.ac.nz/flexicourses/4101/publish/1/14.html

 Any questions please contact Mel Wall.

---

Classifieds

Job opening – Technologist Microcharacterisation

We are seeking an experienced and organised Technician to operate and maintain the School of Environment X-ray analytical Research Laboratories in our Mircocharacterisation Facility.  

https://www.smartrecruiters.com/TheUniversityOfAuckland/743999701606229-technologist-microcharacterisation-facility

 

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

I’m delighted to announce that Sila has been appointed to the permanent GI Science Lecturer position, effective 03 January 2020. Sila has made a fantastic contribution since taking up her fixed-term role and her acceptance of the permanent position consolidates our GI Science capability. Currently we are advertising for an Environmental Geography / Environmental Management position and the Professor in Environmental Management, and in the next couple of weeks we will be posting the advert for our Kai Whakaaho Mātai Taiao PTF position.

Over the past year we have initiated an upgrade to our media content and the results are starting to come through. Check out this fantastic video showcasing Geography (special thanks to Charlotte, Jon and the GEOG331 team): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utyyEW6fkNE&list=PL4EJd87SGj55mylaMCcegALVmvhZnev56

We are in the lead up to the closing of our books for the year. If you have $$ to spend that will disappear on 1 January 2020, and you plan on purchasing consumables or other OPEX, your deadline for raising POs is today. Likewise, please get those expense claims in asap.

Over the next few months many of us (staff and PG research students) will be heading into the field. Please be sure to complete your H&S paperwork with genuine engagement and on time (you may need to make modifications). Compliance with the H&S process is to ensure we manage risks well and can demonstrate due care for all field trip participants. Compliance with the ENV H&S policy for field activities is non-negotiable.

A new Research and Study Leave policy comes into effect 1 January 2020. This policy offers considerable flexibility but will require greater oversight to ensure programmes can be delivered without compromise.

Lastly, we have two major events still ahead that should be good fun: the annual end-of-year staff do from 2.30pm onwards on the 12th December, and the PhD end-of-year celebration, date to come. It will be great to see as many of you at these events as possible.

Ngā mihi
JR

---

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

Professional short course in the Philippines

Gary Brierley has just returned from running a River Styles professional short course as part of a NERC funded collaborative project between various universities in the Philippines and the University of Glasgow, UK.

Working with Kirstie Fryirs, Macquarie University, Gary was invited to present a one week short course in the Bislak Catchment, Laoag.

The course was attended by around 30 participants, representing over 10 research and river management agencies in the Philippines.

A social science project run by researchers from the University of Glasgow examined pedagogic aspects relating to the conduct of such short courses.

Gary turned up in a traditional Philippines shirt made from banana fiber for the first day.

Should anyone be interested in these collaborations and prospective future developments, please contact Gary directly. Gary will return to the Philippines in late 2021 to consider uptake of principles from the short course into river management practice and policy in the Philippines.

Kaikoura trip research story

Charlotte Milne is currently studying a Master of Science in Geography and uses drone technology to investigate how the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake has changed the local rivers. We followed Charlotte down to Kaikoura to find out about her research. Charlotte’s story is now up on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utyyEW6fkNE&list=PL4EJd87SGj55mylaMCcegALVmvhZnev56
Learn more about studying Geography here: www.science.auckland.ac.nz/geography

Joint Graduate School in Coastal and Marine Science Spring School

7-8 November
NIWA Wellington

The JGS Spring School is a chance to learn about a wide range of ocean research, interact with other marine science students across many disciplines, and to learn about NIWA and other marine careers.

Students experienced:

o speakers from a range of marine science disciplines
o tours of the NIWA labs and facilities
o participated in 2-minutes thesis session
o panel discussion on marine careers

The School was a great success and next year’s school will be in Auckland!

Volcanoes of Auckland: A Field Guide

Research Associate Bruce Hayward’s latest book “Volcanoes of Auckland: A Field Guide”
has just been published by AUP. You may find a copy in a bookseller for $50 retail or you can order on-line: Best deal may be Fishpond.co.nz at $39 (incl delivery).

Earth Sciences Bickie Briefing

Earth Sciences Bickie briefing is every Thursday morning at 10.30am in the Level 6 break out space. All post grads and staff welcome.

Meetings, seminars and events

Preparing for disaster: the role of ambulance during catastrophe

Speaker: Todd Miller
St John New Zealand
Date: 26th November 2019
Time: 11:30- 1pm
Venue: 302-551 (Ontology Lab)
Light refreshment will be provided after the seminar.

Health, safety and wellbeing

TRAINING WORKSHOP: RECOGNISING AND RESPONDING TO POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IN DISTRESS

A recent survey in the Faculty of Science showed that more 50% of our postgraduate students had experienced psychological distress in the past 30 days with approximately 1 in 5 students reporting serious distress. It can be challenging for staff to know how best to deal with distressed students during supervision, teaching or other interactions.

This workshop is intended for both academic and professional staff who regularly come into contact with postgraduate students. It will provide basic information on how to recognise a student in distress and offer appropriate first line responses to this.

The training workshop will be facilitated by Kimberley Farmer (Counselling Lead, University Health & Counselling Service), Kerry Gibson (Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor, Wellbeing Strategy Leader – Postgraduate, Faculty of Science), Erin Leitao (Senior Lecturer, School of Chemical Sciences).

Date: Friday, 29^th November, 2019; Time: 11.00 am – 1.00 pm; Venue: 302.140

Places for this workshop are limited so please confirm your attendance by accepting the calendar invite.

RSVP:Kerry Gibson: kl.gibson@auckland.ac.nz

Laboratory and Workshops Safety Inductions 2019

If you wish to join an induction session please email the Technician in Charge.

Wed 11 December 2019	General Safety Inductions	Natalia (n.abrego@auckland.ac.nz)	2:00 – 2:20 pm	303-B11
Wed 11 December 2019	Chemistry +TF Lab Induction	Natalia (n.abrego@auckland.ac.nz)	2:20 p.m -3:30 p.m	303-B11
Thurs 12 December 2019	X-ray Labs Induction	Ilyas (ilyas.qasim@auckland.ac.nz)	11:30 am – 12:00 pm	301-411

 

---

Rangahau – Research

Meetings, seminars and events

The Resurgence of the Public Library: An Examination of the Planning, Construction and Use of Tūranga

Speaker: Salene Schloffel-Armstrong (PhD Proposal)
Date: Monday, 25th of November
Time: 1pm
Venue: 302-551 (Ontology Lab)

 

Delineation of landslide hazard and development of mitigation tools in a vulnerable city:

Speaker: Matt Cook (PhD Proposal)

Date: Monday, 02/12/2019
Time: 10:00am
Venue: 302-551 (Ontology Lab)

ELASTIC WAVE BEHAVIOUR IN GEOTHERMAL METAMORPHIC HOST ROCK

Speaker: Pablo Aguilera Bustos (PhD Proposal)

Date: Monday, 05/12/2019
Time: 10:00am
Venue: 302-551 (Ontology Lab)

Research and Funding Opportunities

Strategic Science Investment Fund:  Advanced Energy Technology Platform

The Advanced Energy Technology Platform aims to advance the development of a dynamic and world-class energy technology research capability for New Zealand.  The Platform will focus on research in the engineering, physical and biological sciences, and will prioritise transformative, creative and potentially disruptive research to help define future global energy opportunities and accelerate technology towards commercialisation.

Value:  Up to $50 million in funding over seven years is available through the Advanced Energy Technology Platform.  MBIE are looking to fund up to four research programmes for seven years.

Deadlines:  Registration: Monday 9 December 2019; Proposal: 2 March 2019

Funding website/more information can be found here.

EQC University Research Programme 2020 – 2023

New Zealand tertiary institutions with expertise in natural hazard science and resilience are invited to submit funding proposals to EQC for University Research Programmes for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2023.

Value:  $375,000 per 3 year programme ($125,000 per annum)

Deadline: Wednesday 29 January 2020

Funding website/essential information can be found here.  Please contact your RPC if you intend on applying to this fund.

2020 Marsden Funding Round  

We anticipate the funding call for the 2020 Marsden Round will be released in the next week or so – please watch this space. 

The Faculty and School have various support initiatives in place to help develop both Fast Start and Standard proposals (including writing and editorial support, mock panels, peer review and Vision Mātauranga).  If you intend on applying, please let your RPC know so you don’t miss out on any important information.

Deadline (estimated):  11 February 2020

Scholarships from Research Projects

If you have any PhD students on research project-funded scholarships due to start in January 2020, please let your RPC know asap.  These will need to be set up before mid-December in order for their stipend payments to begin in January.

---

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 12:00 6th December, to Farnaz: f.sheikh@auckland.ac.nz

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

It’s congratulations all around in this edition of p-cubed. Great to see ‘givers’ acknowledged – well done Paul and Jane for your contributions to NZ Geography. We also had fantastic news in the latest Marsden round – congratulations to Ingo Pecher on getting “Geological Champagne” across the line, also Lorna, Mila and Giovanni who are AIs on successful externally-led Marsden proposals. These funds are hard to get and it’s wonderful when the good news comes through. You have to be in to win – see the post  in Rangahau below about accessing help for crafting a competitive Marsden proposal.

We have a busy week ahead with some major ENV events. Our annual Research Awards ceremony is on Tuesday (11-1pm, incl. lunch) in 302-140, Masters students will be giving their thesis presentations on Thursday, and the AKO Innovation Teaching & Learning Awards are on Friday (11-1pm) in the Ontology Lab. It would be great to see a good turn-out of staff and students to these events.

Three key activities are in front of staff – examiners’ meetings (please attend if you are a course-coordinator, course director or teacher on any of the assessed courses), digital course outlines will be due soon and need to be prepared now, and QS rankings information should be sent to Samantha by the first week of December (see p-cubed Issue 20). Assessment 2020 is on the horizon and will impact your digital course outlines for Semester 1 – please check the post in the Ako section below.

PG students and staff please note: a new email address has been created for Postgraduate Administration (env-pgadmin@auckland.ac.nz). All emails and postgraduate forms you would previously have sent to the Administrative Service Coordinator (Mick Johannisson-Wallman) – or mistakenly to me – should now be sent to env-pgadmin@auckland.ac.nz

Lastly, it is my privilege to announce two retirements after many years of stirling service: Ward Friesen and Lyndsay Blue have advised that they will be retiring effective from 1 May 2020. In the New Year, we will arrange a suitable event to acknowledge Ward’s and Lyndsay’s contributions to the Departments of Geography; Geography and Environmental Science; Geography, Geology and Environmental Science; and the School of Environment. Their history is our history so it will be an occasion not to be missed!

Ngā mihi
JR

---

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

CONGRATULATIONS!

NZ Geographical Society Awards: Auckland Branch NZGS

Congratulations to Professor Paul Williams who received the highest award the Society offers. One of two Distinguished New Zealand Geographer Awards (and Medal): Professor Paul W. Williams

Paul Williams with Lynda Johnston

Distinguished Service Award: Jane Michelle Foster (National Secretary of the NZ Board of Geography Teachers)

Jane Foster with Lynda Johnston

New Email Address for ACS

Dear All Postgraduate Students and Staff,
A New email address has been created for Postgraduate Administration (env-pgadmin@auckland.ac.nz).
An emails and postgraduate forms you would previously send to the Administrative Service Coordinator (Mick Johannisson-Wallman) should now be sent to env-pgadmin@auckland.ac.nz

ENV Catering Policy

Yes, we have one! All food served at formal ENV functions will be vegetarian unless otherwise requested. If meat-based dishes are requested, they are not to exceed 30% of the overall mix of offerings. No endangered species should be served.

Thanks very much to the PG student who took the time to write JR a note about this.

Equity news!

It’s been a busy couple of weeks and thanks to those who have come along to the equity events. We are hosting three equity meetings over a month to help set the agenda for the Committee in 2020. Alongside the inaugural Kāinga Wāhine lunch, we also hosted a Combatting White Supremacy hui. Both events were VERY well attended! Building on this momentum, the final equity meeting is on Thursday 14th November 1-2pm in 302.551 where we will set out a plan for the Committee for 2020. Do join us for lunch!

The ENV Equity committee would like to thank those who attended our inaugural Kāinga Wāhine lunch. It was a great opportunity to connect and foster/strengthen relationships amongst women within the School. We were also able to gather ideas about how to enhance the experiences of women (as a targeted University equity group) within the school. We look to forward to building on these ideas and continuing these lunches next year.

In response to a letter written to the School of Environment Equity Committee signed by 28 post-graduate students, a Combatting White Supremacy hui was held. The kōrero was robust and harrowing at times. We thank the attendees for their feedback and ideas as to how to move forward. We will use your feedback to inform our efforts to promote and create a safe, inclusive, and equitable space within the School of Environment. We see this hui as the start of a conversation rather than the final word. Let’s continue this productive kōrero.

 

The U21 PwC Innovation Challenge

A three-minute video could win you an expenses-paid trip to PwC Middle East or world-class career development in the U21 PwC Innovation Challenge! Open to doctoral candidates and masters students.
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/school-of-graduate-studies/doctoral-opportunities/u21-pwc-competition.html

Kia ora!

Help us name the new doctoral candidature management system and you could win NZ$150 PB Tech vouchers!

Open to all University of Auckland staff and doctoral candidates.

Multiple entries allowed. Submit by 29 November.

https://www.staff.auckland.ac.nz/en/teaching-and-students/postgraduate-students/doctoral-candidature-management-project.html

Earth Sciences Bickie Briefing

Earth Sciences Bickie briefing is  every Thursday morning at 10.30am in the Level 6 break out space. All post grads and staff welcome.

Notice

From William Reid

I’ve got six batteries previously used for seismometers that need to get to GNS in Taupo. If anyone is driving that way and is happy to take them along then please get in touch with me on WAReid21@gmail.com.

Meetings, seminars and events

Doctoral workshops with Hugh Kearns

Build solid strategies for planning your PhD or develop key skills for networking and academic conference success at two FREE doctoral workshops this November.

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/postgraduate-events/doctoral-workshops-with-hugh-kearns.html

Preparing for disaster: the role of ambulance during catastrophe

Speaker: Todd Miller

St John New Zealand
Date: 26th November 2019
Time: 11:30- 1pm
Venue: 302-551 (Ontology Lab)
Light refreshment will be provided after the seminar.

 

ENV Masters Presentations:

Please come to our Masters students’ presentations on Thu., 14 Nov., 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, 303-130 and 303-140
Draft programme

Marine Geosciences meeting:

Our monthly meeting this time is on Wed., 13 Nov., 1-2 pm, 303-G14 (TBC)
Marta Ribo: Sediment transport and Morphodynamics: From the Mediterranean Sea to the SE Australian coast and now the Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand

ENV IT Committee meeting

Exact time TBD. If you have any issues that should be addressed, please contact Ingo (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz) by Sun. 17 Nov.

Health, safety and wellbeing

Laboratory and Workshops Safety Inductions 2019

If you wish to join an induction session please email the Technician in Charge.

November	Wed 13 November 2019	General Safety Inductions	Neville(n.hudson@auckland.ac.nz)	2:00 – 2:20 pm	303-G15
	Thurs 14 November 2019	X-ray Labs Induction	Ilyas (ilyas.qasim@auckland.ac.nz)	11:30 am – 12:00 pm	301-411
December	Wed 11 December 2019	General Safety Inductions	Natalia (n.abrego@auckland.ac.nz)	2:00 – 2:20 pm	303-G15
	Wed 11 December 2019	Chemistry +TF Lab Induction	Natalia (n.abrego@auckland.ac.nz)	2:20 p.m -3:30 p.m	303-G15
	Thurs 12 December 2019	X-ray Labs Induction	Ilyas (ilyas.qasim@auckland.ac.nz)	11:30 am – 12:00 pm	301-411

 

---

Rangahau – Research

Meetings, seminars and events

Python for Geothermal Scientists and Engineers

Speaker: Dr David Dempsey

Date: Thursday, 28 November 2019
Time: 8:30am- 3:30pm
Venue: Auckland Bioengineering Institute, B439, 4th floor computer lab at 70 Symonds St

Abstract: please click here

$50 UoA Postgrad Student Registration: https://uoaevents.eventsair.com/nzgw19/pythonij
Other registrations: https://www.geothermalworkshop.co.nz

Living on the edge – Mangroves in the Auckland Region

Speaker: Luitgard Schwendenmann
Date: Tuesday 19 November
Time: 4.00pm to 5.30pm
Venue: Building 302, Room 551 (Ontology Lab)

Abstract: please click here

Newsletter of the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Geographical Society.

Research and Funding Opportunities

MARSDEN 2020

The Royal Society Te Apārangi have announced the dates for the Marsden Roadshow.  This year they are also holding a separate Q&A session aimed at researchers submitting fast start applications  – please register at the links below:

Marsden Roadshow	Wednesday 20 November	10am	Grafton Campus	Register here
		3pm	City Campus	Register here
Fast Start Q&A	Thursday 21 November	10am	City Campus	Register here

If you intend to apply, please let your RPC (Kelly, Ivana or Amy) know so that we can keep you informed about the support being offered by both the Faculty and School.

EQC UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROGRAMME 2020

New Zealand tertiary institutions with expertise in natural hazard science and resilience are invited to submit funding proposals to EQC for University Research Programmes for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2023.

Research Programs are for three years duration, with annual funding set at $125,000 (total $375,000 per program).

Deadline for submissions to EQC is Friday 7 February 2020 (Internal deadline to be advised).

See the EQC website for more information and guidelines, and please advise your RPC (Kelly or Ivana) if you intend on applying.

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE SUMMER RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS

The International Office are calling for projects for the 2020 program, and are looking for supervisors and projects to advertise to partner institutions (supervision period June, July, August).

They are particularly interested in supporting existing research collaborations with the target partners: University of Bristol, University of Southampton, Zhejiang University, Pennsylvania State University and University College Dublin.

If you are interested in applying, please contact Monica Fong at the International Office directly (deadline November 15)

AGRITECH SHOWCASE

Spaces are limited so RSVP here today!

If you have any questions regarding the event please email c.mcmurray@auckland.ac.nz

---

Ako – Teaching and Learning

KNOW YOUR CATCHMENT: The use of the River Styles Framework as a tool to support the development of coherent and strategic approaches to land and water management for India’s rivers

Prof Jain, Prof Brierley, Dr Sonam, Prof Fryirs

Many challenges must be addressed in the development and application of integrative approaches to land and water management. This is particularly important in India, the home of Mother Ganga.

To demonstrate the potential use of a geomorphic approach to the analysis of rivers, and use of this information in land and water management applications, Professor Gary Brierley (University of Auckland, New Zealand) and Professor Kirstie Fryirs (Macquarie University, Australia) have visited the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) as part of one of the first SPARC projects in India (Scheme for Promotion for Academic and Research Collaboration). This SPARC project is led by Professor Vikrant Jain (IITGN). In this first visit of the 2-year SPARC project, Professors Brierley and Fryirs will run the week-long River Styles short course at IITGN. Rivers scientists from different parts of India are attending the short course. Fieldwork and subsequent research will focus on the Sabarmati River, on the doorstep of IITGN.

Please click here to read more.

Assessment 2020

The University’s new Assessment (Coursework, Tests and Examinations) Policy and Procedures come into effect in Summer School 2020 and apply to all undergraduate and taught postgraduate courses. Please set aside a few minutes to look at this page.

Course Coordinators in particular please note some important features:

1.     Assessments should be mapped to the Learning Outcomes. This is required in the Digital Course Outlines (see below) but is more than just a technical feature. Please note the Nine principles of assessment.

2.    There must be an early, formative assessment. The policy does not say how early but 2-3 weeks into the course would be reasonable. The purpose is to enable students to gauge their learning. Coordinators may also use this as an early warning of how the class is doing and to identify individuals who are struggling.

3.    Feedback and marks should be timely – and especially if students are to learn from this before their next assessment. Marking of course takes time and may be perceived as a burden for instructors. However, you are designing the course so please plan for the marking, and design the course so that you can provide feedback promptly.

4.    Group work is permitted but for large assignments or where it constitutes more than 30% of the final grade at least 40% of the mark must assess the individual student’s contribution.

Digital Course Outlines

These have been forewarned in the previous two editions of P-Cubed. Please note that we anticipate requests for Semester 1 courses to arrive very soon.

Reference pages:

·         Digital Course Outline Project

·         BSc Graduate Profile – relevant for undergraduate courses and may be useful for Postgraduate courses, too.

AKO TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

School of Environment Teaching and Learning Showcase and Inaugural Ako Awards

Friday 15 November, 11-1PM, 302-551

The event will include short presentations from staff on innovative teaching and learning. The showcase will also include the Inaugural Ako Awards which acknowledges teaching excellence within the School. The event will include lunch!

 

---

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 12:00 22nd November, to Farnaz: f.sheikh@auckland.ac.nz

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

Two dates are coming up that should get fixed into staff agendas: the ENV wrap-up session and lunch (10.30-1.30pm, Thursday 7 November), and the ENV End-of-Year Staff Celebration (mid-afternoon onwards, 12 December) at…wait for it…Nick’s place! Given Nick’s recent demonstration of conviviality (Whose Lecture is it anyway?) and the fact that Sila is in charge of the organising committee, I’m picking this could set a new bar for the silly season. More details to follow. The Annual Doctoral Do is on the horizon – more about this in next fortnight’s p-cubed.

It was good to see a positive email from the VC last week outlining the report from the Special Working Group on the response to and prevention of discrimination at the University of Auckland. The working group was convened in June following a recommendation by AUSA in its report ‘The Path to Change’, which came out of the Zero Tolerance? Hui inviting students to speak about their experiences of bullying, harassment and discrimination held at the beginning of May. The text of the email is here. I was particularly pleased to see progress on development of a Code of Conduct that will apply to all members of the University, staff and students. The Code currently is going to University Council for approval and should be in place from the start fo 2020. More on this once it is through the approval process.

We have time to influence our QS World University rankings. I know there will be sighs all around about this but the QS number is an important international reputation marker. We need to maintain Geography at 28 and get Environmental Science and Earth & Marine Sciences into the top 100. Apparently, we can make a difference (see the post below) – let’s see if we can!

Recently I was asked about the academic staff per diem for field trips. Yes, there is a small sum that can be claimed in lieu of the employer providing relevant equipment and special clothing which shall remain the property of the employer – the details can be found in the academic staff collective contract (if you are on an individual contract you will need to check that). I think of this as ‘boot money’. Where fieldwork is undertaken as part of a research programme, that programme shall meet these costs. In other words, I won’t ask questions if this sum is claimed for teaching-related field work.

Big ups to Sonia, Mel, Karen and team for nailing a 2019 Learning Enhancement Grant with Mea’ofa: the gifts gained by sharing and Learning Māori and Pacific ways of being. This two-year project has potential to positively impact Ako within the School and wider University. Great mahi!

Ngā mihi
JR

---

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

Welcome!

Thomas Mules will be joining the Technical Team on the 25th of November as a Geography Technician. Thomas will be providing technical support to the maintenance and ongoing development of the School of Environment’s Geographical Information Systems (GIS) platforms and associated spatial data management. He will also be supporting Human Geography research and teaching activities and providing general technical support to the School’s Geography facilities.

We will welcome Thomas to his new role at the ENV morning tea on Wednesday 27th November.

Help lift our QS rankings

The University Planning & Information office has identified our subjects as high priority subjects. Currently, Geography is ranked 28^th and Environmental Sciences and Earth & Marine Sciences are ranked 101-150 in the QS Subject Rankings but, if we act strategically, we can improve that rank in future rounds.

The QS Global Academic Survey is used to determine ‘Academic Reputation’, which is the metric with the highest weighting for the QS World University Rankings (40%) as well as the Subject Rankings (40%-60%).

The survey asks academics from around the world to select and rank universities in the areas (subject and region) with which they are familiar. In the most recent survey, over 80,000 responses were collected from individuals in higher education. Given the 40% weighting, votes received in this survey are very important, especially for some subjects where a few more votes can make a big difference in the results.

Planning Office can supply QS with contact details of those we wish to invite to complete the next survey in March 2020 and they would like to ask for our assistance. Before the end of the month, please email Samantha Huang (s.huang@auckland.ac.nz) contact details (name, job title, institution, and email address) of colleagues outside of the University, with whom you have collaborated and built good relationships. For example, this can be an academic who has been a visitor, a colleague with associate or honorary roles, or a PhD student you have supervised who is working in an academic role in another institution. Planning and Information will then email them to seek permission to pass on their contact details to QS.

As the Global Academic Survey is conducted annually, this is likely to be a regular exercise. Additionally, you are more than welcome to provide contact details of employers (title, name, job title, company name, industry, location and email address) with whom you have close relationships. For example, this can be those you have set up internships or partnership programmes with. This is used to determine ‘Employer Reputation’ in the QS overall and subject rankings.

ILab Refresher

ILab Australian team are visiting us from 18 – 20th Nov 2019. We will be scheduling refresher course and face to face meetings.
There will be an iLab refresher course on the 18th Nov; it will be a day event including lunch. The face to face meetings will be 19th and 20th 8 am – 2 pm, please let Blair know if you want to have meeting with the team so that we can schedule a booking.

If you wish to attend either the refresher or have a meeting please let Blair know for catering and room booking purposes.

Dress for Success

With our students preparing to head out to summer work interviews and job interviews / placements, it is timely to remind them of the Dress for Success programme. This is a free service and the students get to keep the clothes.
https://auckland.dressforsuccess.org | www.facebook.com/dfsaklnewzealand |

Meetings, seminars and events

A korero on combatting white supremacy: ENV Equity Committee

We would like to invite you to pizza and korero on Wednesday 6th of November at 1-2pm in 302.551.
The ENV Equity Committee are in the planning stage for 2020 and would like to hear your thoughts about how we might ensure that white supremacy does not have a place in the School of Environment.

Kāinga Wāhine Lunch

The ENV Equity Committee invites all women (postgraduate and staff) within the School to join us for lunch on Thursday 31st October, 1-2pm in 302.551.

School of Environment Film Competition Results

The winners of the 2019 School of Environment Film Competition are:

Undergraduate Category

1st equal: Deja Kelly (A day in the life of an environmental science student)
1st equal: Arshia and Emilee (Sediment Best Friends)

Postgraduate Category

1st place: Gina Swanney and friends (Welcome to AUGA)

PhD Category

1st place: Mirja Heinrich (The Tongariro Project)
2nd place: Oliver Knebel (Coral reef impressions)

People’s choice award (as voted by viewers at the film showing)

Ben Simons, Kiara Daly and Geoff Lerner (Calibration)

Overall winner

Gina Swanney and friends (Welcome to AUGA)

A big thank you to everyone who contributed a film. We look forward to seeing even more entries next year.

Health, safety and wellbeing

Laboratory and Workshops Safety Inductions 2019

If you wish to join an induction session please email the Technician in Charge.

November	Wed 13 November 2019	General Safety Inductions	Neville(n.hudson@auckland.ac.nz)	2:00 – 2:20 pm	303-G15
	Mon 8 November 2019	Chemistry +TF Lab Induction	Natalia (n.abrego@auckland.ac.nz)	11:00 a.m -12:00 p.m	301-411
	Thurs 14  November 2019	X-ray Labs Induction	Ilyas (ilyas.qasim@auckland.ac.nz)	11:30 am – 12:00 pm	301-411
December	Wed 11  December  2019	General Safety Inductions	Natalia (n.abrego@auckland.ac.nz)	2:00 – 2:20 pm	303-G15
	Wed 11 December 2019	Chemistry +TF Lab Induction	Natalia (n.abrego@auckland.ac.nz)	2:20 p.m -3:30 p.m	303-G15
	Thurs 12 December 2019	X-ray Labs Induction	Ilyas (ilyas.qasim@auckland.ac.nz)	11:30 am – 12:00 pm	301-411

 

---

Rangahau – Research

Meetings, seminars and events

Save the date: ENV Seminar: 6th of November 2pm-3pm, OGH – Federation Room.

Join us on Wednesday the 6th of November from 2pm to 3pm to learn about the fantastic research your colleagues do. All staff members and students from the School of Environment are warmly invited to attend this second School of Environment Seminar. We will run the seminars every three months and every time we will have three presenters from different disciplines from the School of Environment.
In the upcoming ENV Seminar, we will have three presenters giving talks centred around a concept of “water”:
1. Jon Tunnicliffe
2. Karen Fisher
3. David Fryxell

The Data Incubator’s Winter 2020 Fellowship

Time is almost up to apply for The Data Incubator’s Winter 2020 Fellowship application.
If you know anyone who would benefit from intensive data science training, encourage them to apply for our Fellowship program today.
Time is running out. Help us find the data scientists of the future.

Regular Application Deadline: October 21, 2019
Challenge Dates: October 31, 2019 — November 04, 2019
Interview Dates: November 11, 2019 — November 22, 2019
Acceptance Notification: By December 06, 2019
Session Dates: January 13, 2020 — March 06, 2020

The Theme of Social Living: Managing the Challenges of Relationships

Inaugural lecture by Professor Nickola Overall
School of Psychology

Date: Wednesday 6 November

Time: 5.15pm Refreshments
Level 2 Reception Area, Building 302

Time: 6.00pm Lecture
Large Chemistry Lecture Theatre
Ground Floor, Building 301
23 Symonds Street

Please register at nickolaoverall.eventbrite.co.nz

for further details please click here

The social dimension of long-term disaster recovery: a Southland and Hawke`s Bay case study

Tanya Amirapu

Date: 1st November 2019

Time: 12-2pm

Venue: 302-551 (Ontology Lab)

Light refreshment will be provided after the seminar.

Research and Funding Opportunities

MPI Postgraduate Science Scholarships – applications open

The Ministry for Primary Industry’s Postgraduate Science Scholarship opens for applications. Our aim is to build capability in primary industry science, particularly where there are skills and science gaps.

This scholarship is open to PhD and Masters candidates who are or will be engaged in primary industry relevant research at a New Zealand tertiary education institution. Each PhD scholarship is worth up to $50,000 and each Masters scholarship is worth up to $12,000. The successful recipients will also receive mentoring and career development support.

Visit our website for more information, including eligibility criteria and the application form.

2019 PS Science Scholarship poster A3

2020 CapEx funding

Hello,

We are accepting a second round of applications for the Schools 2020 CapEx funding.
If you have already submitted in the first round earlier this year then you do not need to do so again.
Applications can be submitted through the link below; the link will remain open until the end of October.
https://forms.gle/mgamgEAgQwjxb7Jo8

Regards

Blair Sowman
Technical Manager | School of Environment

Funded MSc Research Opportunities 2020: Auckland Faulting

Two $15,000 MSc scholarships will be available to ground truth previously mapped or hypothesised faulting highlighted in the initial project by:

1.        Structurally mapping Auckland’s West Coast.

2.        Structurally mapping Auckland’s East Coast

For more information contact Jennifer Eccles j.eccles@auckland.ac.nz. Julie Rowland, Jon Tunnicliffe and Martin Brook will also be involved in the supervision of these projects as appropriate. Entry to a research MSc requires BSc(Hons), PGDipSci or equivalent and the level of funding available is most appropriate to support candidates from New Zealand and Australia.​

Australian Geoscience Travel Grant

Specific funding is available to provide Australian and New Zealand geoscientists in the early stages of their careers with opportunities to travel internationally to further their careers as geoscientists by, for example, undertaking field work in appropriate areas, visiting and working with appropriate international experts, inspecting appropriate mines or other geoscientific features such as type localities, contributing to professionally-organised geoscientific conferences or conventions, etc

 Applications in the 2019 round are open and will close on 16 December 2019

 See the AGC website for more details

 Pacific Fund

The Fund for economic, social, cultural and scientific cooperation in the Pacific, is a tool for regional cooperation for France in the Pacific.  New Zealand partners are invited to submit their applications for projects contributing to the regional insertion of French collectivities: New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna.

 To be eligible, projects must fall under at least one of the following categories:
• Fight against climate change and risk management for natural disasters
• Economic and industrial projects (feasibility study, training actions, etc.)
• Health security and food security (fight against endemic diseases, fishery managements, etc.).

Projects must be submitted by the New Zealand partner and must involve at least one partner from New Caledonia, French Polynesia or Wallis and Futuna.  Preference will be given to projects highlighting planned efforts for communication.

 Closing date for applications: 20 November 2019 (midnight NZ time)

 For more info, see the funding website

C-Prize

The C-Prize is a competition run by Callaghan Innovation that seeks to push the boundaries of what’s possible through technology.  This year they are looking for teams with world-leading innovative solutions to environmental problems.  The C-Prize teams will compete for exciting cash prize packages, access to expert R&D and business advice, and significant international market exposure.

 More info can be found on the competition website.

 New publications

1. Fryirs, K.A., Brierley, G.J., Dixon, T. (2019) Engaging with research impact assessment for an environmental science case study. Nature Communications, 10(1), art. no. 4542.
2. Schwendenmann L., Michalzik B. (2019) Dissolved and particulate carbon and nitrogen fluxes along a Phytophthora agathidicida infection gradient in a kauri (Agathis australis) dominated forest. Fungal Ecology 42, 100086. DOI:10.1016/j.funeco.2019.08.005 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funeco.2019.08.005 
3. Shane, P., Cocker, K., Coote, A., Stirling C., Reid, M. (2019) The prevalence of plagioclase antecrysts and xenocrysts in andesite magma, exemplified by lavas of the Tongariro volcanic complex, New Zealand. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 174: 89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-019-1626-y

---

Ako – Teaching and Learning

School of Environment Teaching and Learning Showcase and Inaugural Ako Awards

15 November, 11-1 pm, 302-551
Please book your calendar to attend the School of Environment Teaching and Learning Showcase. The event will include short presentations from staff on innovative teaching and learning. The Showcase will also include the Inaugural Ako Awards which acknowledges teaching excellence within the School. The event will include lunch!

School of Environment Ako Teaching Excellence Awards
Overview
The School of Environment’s Ako Innovation Committee are proud to invite applications for the Ako Teaching Excellence Awards which celebrate and promote excellence in teaching. Up to three Ako Excellence Awards worth $300 each will be awarded annually. The awards celebrate teaching initiatives that display teaching excellence undertaken in the School’s courses either by individual teachers or by teaching teams.

Criteria
The Ako Committee will be looking for evidence that applicants have engaged in teaching practice that:
• exemplifies excellence
• is student-centred
• meets stated learning outcomes
• provides recorded evidence of having achieved learning outcomes or displays a critical reflection on why the learning outcomes may not have been fully met
While the awards encourage and reward successful initiatives they also cater for and encourage applications from teachers who are experimenting with innovative initiatives, even if they did not always fully achieve a desired outcome. The awards will also consider initiatives which encourage inclusive teaching and learning.

Eligibility
• Individual academic staff who engage in ENV course teaching
• Teaching Teams from ENV courses, (if appropriate these can include tutors).

Applications
Submit up to a maximum of TWO A4 pages of typed text that explain the activity and evidence of outcomes by 10/11/19 to m.wall@auckland.ac.nz.
Applications may also provide relevant collated appendixes that illustrate the activity and provide supporting evidence of learning outcomes.

Prizes
3 awards worth $300 each.

Award Notification and Obligation of Awardees
Successful awardees will be notified of their award by 12/11/19 and will be presented this at the Ako Teaching Excellence Awards Event to be held in 15/11/19 at 11am. Staff who receive awards will be expected to present a short 5-minute quick-fire presentation of their initiative at the awards event.

Digital Course Outlines

Update on the Digital Course Outlines – introduced in the 14 October edition of P-Cubed: the timelines for this appear to have been pushed back.

At the 23 Oct Faculty of Science meeting the AD T&L advised that:
• Semester 1 courses will need to be completed by the end of this year.
• Semester 2 courses will need to be completed by the mid-semester break of Semester 1.

We are not advised when to expect these to open but advice will go to Course Directors directly. Our GSA, Alexandra Soudlenkova, will be your primary point of contact for queries on this.

Reference pages:
• Digital Course Outline Project
• BSc Graduate Profile – relevant for undergraduate courses and may be useful for Postgraduate courses, too.

R Workshop for 2019

The last Introductory R Workshop for 2019 is being run on Thursday 21^st and Friday 22^nd November. This will be led by Daniel Barnett, Chris Triggs, and Avinesh Pillai, from the Statistical Consultancy Centre.

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 would have to also add GST, sorry). The payment authorisation form for UoA participants paying from a UoA account is here.

The cost for non-UoA attendees is $500 + GST, and if you contact me I will let you know re payment options. Card payment is preferred, however if an invoice is required this can be doable if your institution is able to provide a PO number and is registered in the Faculty of Science finance system (e.g. all DHBs are set up within this system).

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 here (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. 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.

---

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 12:00 8 November, to Farnaz: f.sheikh@auckland.ac.nz

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

There’s new artwork getting hung across our levels thanks to UOA curators Sam and Lara and their willingness to engage with ENV. Take a walk around the Level 4, 5, and 7 foyers and corridors and check out the works. There’s an exceptional Jae Hoon Lee photo and a wonderful Ruth Watson world, in addition to other new pieces. We expect to have more on the way – hope you enjoy the changes.

It’s that challenging time of year: people are tired, sickness is prevalent and moods are a bit fractious. This is exactly the time we need to take care of ourselves and each other. If you are unwell please wrap up warm, drink lots of fluids, and rest, preferably at home (get in touch with David H if you need cover). If there’s any chance you have been in contact with measles – please see the info below, send me/David H an email and do not come to University. We need a high degree of integrity around this because we have immune-compromised people in our community who are unable to be vaccinated. Please remember the hygiene basics: wash hands thoroughly before eating food and give people the 1+ meter space if they appear to be unwell. If you have to cough, sneeze or splutter, please do it into your elbow not your hand or open space – and it would be great if you could BYO hand-gel to disinfect yourself before touching public stuff like door handles.

The big job of the week that must be done is timetabling. Course co-ordinators, please check your 2020 timetable urgently to ensure we do not put students off enrolling in courses because of timetabling stuff-ups (see notice in AKO), and please recommend TAs/GTAs (see classifieds below).

It was fantastic to hear from some of you supporting the school position on the Climate Strike. The Dean also made a strong statement in support and put out a challenge to us to develop more sustainable practice. I’d be please to hear initiatives in this space. There’s another opportunity for engagement with national priorities where ENV could make a contribution – the Action for Healthy Waterways proposal is up for submissions. If you are interested in adding your name to the submission, please see Brendon’s notice below.

I’m in the field in Chile for the next couple of weeks and David H is at the helm. Stay well, enjoy the artworks, and have fun in a cool School.

Ngā mihi – JR

---

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

Welcome!

The Marine Geoscience Group would like to extend a very warm welcome to Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Marta Ribó-Gene and new PhD student Francisco Enrique Saldaña-Monroy who recently joined the school. Marta is working with Dr Lorna Strachan and NIWA on a faculty funded project investigating the effect of suspended sediment on benthic ecosystems in Tōtaranui-Queen Charlotte Sound. Francisco is working with Prof Kathy Campbell and Dr Lorna Strachan. He will focus his research on understanding ancient and recent deep-sea ichnostructures (bioturbation structures) from Mexico and NZ.

Health, safety and wellbeing- Important Notice:

Measles outbreak- Please continue to be vigilant

There was another confirmed case of measles reported in the faculty of Science last week.  As you will be aware, measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very serious. Please continue to be vigilant.

Below are some useful links to information on what symptoms to look out for, how to best protect yourself and others, as well as what actions to take if you’ve been in contact with someone with measles. 

http://arphs.health.nz/public-health-topics/disease-and-illness/measles

Guide – Managing measles in the workplaces

Quick Guide

https://www.arphs.health.nz/assets/Uploads/Resources/Disease-and-illness/Measles-Mumps-Rubella/Quick-guide-to-measles-20190911.pdf

For details on Vaccination recommendations, please see here

The Personals

Looking for two Postgrad students to go on a date…

The date opportunity: The Health and Well-Being (aka Health and Safety) committee is currently looking for student reps, to act as channels and bring the concerns and suggestions of the student body forward to the committee, and to share with the student body the happenings around Well-Being and thereby help implement different initiatives.

Looking for several committed relationships

The Health and Well-Being committee is looking for people with first aid certificates willing to be the designated person to offer first care in case of mishaps in your neck of the woods.

Looking for long term relationship

Whether you have one already and want to renew it, or your last one lapsed and want to get back on the wagon, or it is your very first time ever… we want you! First aid certificates make life sooooo much easier.

From the Committee

Following the University and the faculty, the School wants to start incorporating Well-Being to the daily life of the School. You will find the framework in this link from the faculty webpage:

https://www.staff.auckland.ac.nz/en/human-resources/health-safety-and-wellbeing.html

However, we want to use well-being as an extra channel to enhance our sense of belonging.

In the compliance part we can inform you that the office audits are underway, the labs and workshops were completed previously. Test and tag for workshops and labs will be done shortly, some need to be done every 6 months.

Committee Members:

Andres, JR, Michael G, Jon, Blair and Sila.

Free Blood Pressure checks available

Please note the free service available for blood pressure checks on the city campus next week 2 October, 10am- 3pm Wynyard St, outside Fale Pasifika

Sustainability

The Academic Service Team has decided to implement a new policy around forms and documents. In order to help reduce printing and the amount of paper being scattered around we have decided that physical copies of forms will no longer be accepted. From Monday the 30^th of September please ensure that any forms that need to go to Mick Johannisson-Wallman are emailed to m.johannisson-wallman@auckland.ac.nz.

Facilities

Keys

Please hand back all keys to the Facilities team when you have finished your studies or no longer use the lab or office.
It is important that we remove your name from the key or keys that are assigned to you. This is a security and safety measure that we take to ensure that only people with permission can enter into a lab room. Returning the keys for reuse also keeps us in line with the University’s sustainability commitments.
The Facilities team is located in building 302 level 6 reception.
We thank you for your cooperation.

Spark cell signal boosting, Basement 301-302-303 – Build update

The project to improve cell reception in the basement areas has now been completed.
There is now markedly improved coverage (favouring Spark customers) in the basement areas of 301, 302 and 303.

2020 Women in Leadership Programme

Applications are currently being called for the 2020 Women in Leadership Programme. Further information about the programme and enrolling for the Information session on 3 October can be found by clicking on the link.

Please note that this leadership programme is an application by interested women and not a nomination process. It is open to professional staff women at Level 4-6 and mid-career academic women below the senior lecturer bar or equivalent. This includes those in the lecturer/senior lecturer, research fellow/senior research fellow, senior tutor and professional teaching fellows grades.

The closing date for applications is 31 October 2019.

Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill

In May 2019 the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill proposes the establishment of the Climate Change Commission which will begin recruiting candidates for the Commission’s Chief Executive. To find out more information about the role, please follow this link https://www.seek.co.nz/job/39951523. The recruitment of this role is being managed by a third party provider. If you know anyone who would be suitable for this role please encourage them to apply via the above link as we will not be accepting nominations for this role. Applications close at midnight on 7 October 2019.

Freshwater submission: help ENV have a say

On behalf of the School, Brendon has begun working on a submission on the Government’s recently announced Action for Healthy Waterways proposal. The submission will broadly support the proposal while outlining some additional areas that we would like to see included or strengthened.

Our draft submission is here.

Brendon would be very happy to hear from anyone with comments or who would like to contribute to this (b.blue@auckland.ac.nz) by the end of this week.

GPE Information Session
Applications and Admissions August 2019

Please find the presentation (from the last Faculty PG committee meeting) about GPE calculations for international students here.

Theses calculations are used to assess eligibility for admission to the PG programmes and eligibility for some scholarships.

Events

Postgraduate Research Showcase 2019

Thursday 3 October | Fale Pasifika

On Thursday 3 October 2019, the School of Environment will hold its annual Postgraduate Research Showcase to celebrate research currently ongoing within the School. This event gives a selection of our current students an opportunity to display their research to the wider school community, its staff & students. The one-day event will feature selected PhD presentations, and poster displays by MSc and Honours students.  The event concludes with a reception back on the 6^th floor of building 302.

You can find the flyer here.

Imagine giving someone else’s lecture with ZERO preparation!

Thursday 10 October, 4-5pm, MLT1

The School of Environment Ball: GARDEN PARTY

Date: Saturday 12thOctober
Time: Doors open at 8 pm
Theme: Garden Party
Location: The Bluestone Room, 9-11 Durham lane
School of Environment presents

Tickets are for School of Environment students/staff and their partners (limited numbers).
Ticket sales ONE DAY ONLY: Wednesday 2ndOctober
Price: $40

For further information please see here

Cumberland Lecture 2019

Following on from the successful lecture given by Kennedy Warne, he kindly made the transcript available for download. It can be accessed as a pdf file from the Science website by searching ‘Kennedy Warne’ from the Science home page. (The page is not visible otherwise.) The link is below, so you can download and read it at your leisure.
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/our-research/science-research-stories/stories-in-environment/cumberland-lecture-2019.html

Earth Sciences Bickie Briefing

Earth Sciences Bickie briefing is  every Thursday morning at 10.30am in the Level 6 break out space. All post grads and staff welcome.

---

Rangahau – Research

News

PhD candidate Michaela recently went to Yellowstone with School of Biology PhD student Kitty Sriaporn and Argentinian National University of La Plata colleagues Amanda (PhD candidate) and Professor Diego Guido. Here they visited the various Hot Springs including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic and Mammoth Travertines, and also saw a grizzly bear! Michaela and Kitty then went on to present their research at The First Billion Years: Habitability Conference, hosted by Lunar Planetary Institute and NASA Ames.

Meetings, seminars and events

Climate change: what it means for New Zealand and the Pacific

2019 Hay Lecture
Hosted by the School of Environment

Professor James Renwick, Victoria University Wellington

Global climate change is changing the weather and redrawing the coastlines of the world. Sea level rise, extreme storms, droughts and floods are affecting every corner of the globe already and the effects will get a lot worse if we don’t take urgent action to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Pacific Islands are in the firing line on many of these issues and New Zealand does not get off scot-free. This presentation will cover the state of climate change today and will review how future climates could affect New Zealand and the Pacific. It will also talk about what’s needed to rein in the changes and secure a more manageable, less risky future.

5pm Thursday 24 October,
Lecture theatre PLT2
Ground Floor, Building 303
38 Princes Street

Register at hay2019.eventbrite.co.nz

Human Ethics:  For Research Involving Māori and Indigenous Cultures

 Wednesday 20^th November 2019 (8:45 am – 12:00 noon), City Campus

 This event is planned for research staff and advisors engaged in research involving Māori and indigenous cultures to enable understanding of the principles and requirements when preparing their human ethics application.  Also to provide an opportunity for discussion as to what resources are available or need to be developed to enable this to be done in a meaningful way.

 Main focus includes:

A)      Responsiveness to Māori

B)      Te Tiriti o Waitangi understanding

C)      Māori methodologies and human ethics

D)      Indigenous Data Sovereignty

 For more information, and to register please contact Fiona Cheal (Ethics Advisor, Office of Research Strategy & Integrity)

 2019 HOCHSTETTER LECTURE: Earthquakes, geometry, the mantle wedge and tsunami

Bill Fry, GNS Science

7.00 pm Monday 7 October

Auckland Museum, Auditorium – Entry via the Grand Foyer 

Click here for more information.

2019 COMPLEMENTARY HOCHSTETTER LECTURE: Rapid characterisation of the earthquake source

Bill Fry, GNS Science

11 am Tuesday 8 October

University of Auckland Science Centre, 23 Symonds St

Medium Chemistry Lecture Theatre/301-G053

Click here for more information.

He Vaka Moana Symposium

Tuesday 22 October 2019, 9:30am-3:30pm
Waipapa Marae, 16 Wynyard St, Auckland
Please RSVP to Ash Gillon: a.gillon@auckland.ac.nz

Pacific scholar and international guest speaker
Dr Dave Fa’avae is a fellow in research and leadership at the Institute of Education (IOE), University of the South Pacific. His research interests are in Indigenous research methodologies, intergenerational cultural capital, intergenerational cultural knowledge transmission, critical autoethnography, indigenous masculinities, comparative education, and sport and health education.

For further information please read here.

Virtual Poster Showcase (VPS)

Virtual Poster Showcase (VPS) is a guided peer review process and online presentation competition for Earth and space science students.
VPS Allows Students To:

• Practice presenting the relevancy and value of their research data
• Dedicate time to focus on enhancing (if not creating) their abstract and poster
• Experience the peer-review process in a low-pressure environment
• Connect with other like-minded students and experts from around the globe

How to Submit:

1. Register/create your VPS profile ($35 fee)
2. Upload your abstract. (due 1 October 11:59 p.m. ET)
3. Create video presentation about your research using your phone or camera; upload video and poster to the dashboard. (due 22 October 11:59 p.m. ET)
4. Review posters of other participants through the VPS dashboard, and vote for the top posters. (23 October to 5 November)
5. Respond to reviews and questions by science experts assigned to your poster. (6 November to 19 November)
6. Once the experts’ scores have been received, the best-ranked posters for Undergraduate and Graduate level competitions will be announced on 4 December 2019.

Please Register here

Volcanology, Geochemistry, & Petrology Research Group

The volcanology, geochemistry, & petrology research group (VGP) meets during the semester.

We will not be meeting this week because of the School of Environment Research Showcase. Although we will not be meeting, we encourage you to come support our VGP students who will be presenting! PhD candidate Sophia Tsang will be speaking at 9:45. PhD candidate Emily Limage will be speaking at 11:15 followed by PhD candidate Seethal Sivarajan at 11:30. During lunch (12-2), there will be posters including by MSc student Nathan Collins.

The following Thursday 10 October will be another meeting in  421W-301 (not our normal location! This room is across the road in Architecture. A map will be sent to the VGP listserv; please contact Sophia Tsang if you would like the map). Dr. Anke Zernack (Massey) will be presenting a talk about Laacher See. We’d love to have you join us.

As always, everyone is welcome to attend our meetings. For more information, please see our website: vgp.blogs.auckland.ac.nz See you soon!

Marine Geosciences:

1. Marine Geosciences group meeting: Tuesday, 8/10/2019, 1-2 pm, 114-G18 (Commerce A).
Michael Macnaughtan: “Seismic analysis of BSR controls in the Pegasus Basin, New Zealand”

====
2. ANZIC Masterclass: Academics, please advertise among Year 2 and 3 students. Deadline 7 October.

ANZIC MASTERCLASS 2019, SYDNEY 2- 10 December, 2019.

ANZIC is pleased to announce its 2019 Masterclass in Sydney, hosted by University of Sydney (USYD) and Macquarie University (MQ), 2-10 December 2019.

DESIGN: This course will introduce students to the exciting world of marine geosciences through a combination of
practical workshops, geological fieldwork and marine activities. Based around the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) the course will cover the background of the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) and marine geoscience – delivered by marine geoscientists from Macquarie University, the University of Sydney, and CSIRO.

OPEN TO: The Masterclass is open to one excellent student from each Australian and New Zealand IODP member university who is completing 2nd or 3rd year. Students must provide a short written statement to their University leadership (up to 250 words) stating why they would like to participate in the Masterclass. Selection will be based on academic achievement and perceived benefit to a student’s course of study.

More information can be found at our Marine Geosciences web-page:
https://marinegeosciences.blogs.auckland.ac.nz/news/

Please contact Ingo Pecher (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz) or Lorna Strachan (l.strachan@auckland.ac.nz) if interested.

====

3. Call to Sail! Special call for scientists with expertise in radiolarian micropaleontology, preferably with experience in the northwest Pacific region, to apply for Expedition 386. The deadline to apply for this special call is October 11, 2019 at 11:59 PM EDT.

More information can be found at our Marine Geosciences web-page:
https://marinegeosciences.blogs.auckland.ac.nz/news/

The Potential for Green Infrastructure to Reduce Exposure to Air Pollution in Cities

Dr Jennifer Salmond delivered a talk entitled ‘The Potential for Green Infrastructure to Reduce Exposure to Air Pollution in Cities’ as a webinar which was presented as part of the ‘Passive Air Pollution Mitigation‘ global webinar series a collaborative EU-US webinar series, a partnership between Trinity College Dublin, Cornell University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency broadcast to 1750 registrants representing over 60 countries. Hosted by the Centre for Air pollution, energy and health Research (CAR) and the Clean Air Society for Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ) on Monday 16th September 2019

She also delivered an invited talk on Friday entitled ‘AIR: the invisible and the visible’ as part of the 3^rd Auckland LASER TALK at AUT. LASER (Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous) Talks are part of Leonardo’s international program of evening gatherings that bring artists and scientists together for informal presentations and conversations. LASER Talks were founded in 2008 by Bay Area LASER Chair Piero Scaruffi and are in more than 30 cities around the world, including Tāmaki Makarau.

Research and Funding Opportunities

Invitation to collaborate in research with Project Forever Waiheke

Project Forever Waiheke (PFW) was established in 2017 to develop sustainable tourism strategy on Waiheke Island and then undertake tourism impacts monitoring over 2-3 years. The Project is lead by a community organisation, in collaboration with the Waiheke Local Board, Auckland Tourism (ATEED) and Ngāti Paoa. More information about the Project is available at www.foreverwaiheke.com  PFW’s research and monitoring programme will be conducted under the auspices of the World Tourism Organisation’s (WTO) INSTO programme http://insto.unwto.org/how-to-join/  Further details are provided in the Appendix.

 PFW is inviting University of Auckland academics and students to propose discrete research projects across a broad range of disciplines that will contribute to the evidence base on tourism impacts on Waiheke Island. A short proposal form is provided in Appendix 1, or you are welcome to contact Peter Wills, Physics, ext 88889, p.wills@auckland.ac.nz  or PFW Research Manager Pam Oliver pam.oliver.waiheke@gmail.com 09 3727749

Approaches are welcomed from diverse perspectives, specific or interdisciplinary. Projects may investigate tourism impacts parameters in any of the following areas:

• Social and cultural environments (e.g. social/psychological/cultural impacts on residents, community well-being, recreation, mana whenua and tangata whenua, wahi tapu, homelessness, etc);
• Business and commerce (tourist and other businesses and development; economic impacts);
• Natural and built environments (e.g. native flora and fauna; beaches and coastlines; planning and architecture; noise, light and air pollution);
• Infrastructure management and development (roads, land and marine transport, water supply, waste management)

Research projects may be any size, and involve individual students or groups.

PFW support available to participating students and their supervisors includes the following:

• Support to access relevant data sources, in particular people and organisations on Waiheke
• Some free accommodation and transportation on Waiheke, where needed for data collection
• Free ferry trandport
• Research expertise to support with framing the project, to ensure relevance and utility to the needs of Project Forever Waiheke.

As an example, the report of a recent research project undertaken by a small team of Manukau Institute of Technology graduate diploma students in collaboration with PFW can be viewed at https://www.foreverwaiheke.com/pfwreports

 For further information please read here

2020 Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund

 The Fund invests in the development of skilled people and organisations that plan to undertake, or are undertaking, research that supports the themes and outcomes of MBIE’s Vision Mātauranga policy.

The aim is to:

• strengthen capability, capacity, skills and networks between Māori and the science and innovation system; and
• increase understanding of how research can contribute to the aspirations of Māori organisations and deliver benefit for New Zealand

 TYPE OF GRANT 

* Medium – to large-scale project funding ($100,000 – Connect Scheme or $180,000 – Placement Scheme, both up to 24 months)
* Must partner with a Māori organisation
* Must include co-funding
* Must address one or more Vision Mātauranga themes.

For more information, please see the following page or contact the local support (FIRST) team: Kelly Kilpin or Ivana Mlinac

 Deadline:  5pm, Tuesday 5 November 2019

MBIE Endeavour Fund 2020

 The funding call for the 2020 MBIE Endeavour Fund (Smart Ideas and Research Programmes) is expected to be released next week.  If you are thinking of applying this year, please register your interest with Kathryn Howard so we can keep you updated on the support offered by the FiRST teams.

The 2020 Endeavour Roadshows are being held in Auckland on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 October – there are still places available.  If you would like to attend, please register at the following link

Earth Institute, Columbia University: Earth Institute Postdoctoral Research Program in Sustainable Development

$67,530

The Earth Institute at Columbia University in New York, NY, seeks applications from innovative, doctoral candidates or recent Ph.D., M.D., J.D., or Sc.D. recipients (within 5 years of degree receipt) interested in a broad range of issues in sustainable development. The Institute is especially interested in qualified candidates from historically underrepresented groups for its Diversity Fellowship.

The Earth Institute Postdoctoral Research program provides scholars with the opportunity to acquire and apply the cross-disciplinary expertise needed to address critical issues of sustainable development such as food security, energy systems, climate change impacts, poverty reduction, disease, and environmental degradation. Candidates who have developed cross-disciplinary approaches during their graduate studies will find numerous, unique opportunities to engage in programs at the leading edge of sustainable development research.

Candidates must complete the online application and submit a proposal for research that would contribute to global, sustainable development. Candidates may suggest contributing to or expanding on existing Earth Institute programs or developing new projects that integrate the breadth of expertise of the Earth Institute. Candidates are strongly encouraged to identify and contact a mentor prior to submitting an application.

The deadline to submit an application is October 30, 2019 for 24-month appointments starting in the fall of 2020. The salary is $67,530.

For more information about the program, the diversity fellowship, and to apply, visit www.earth.columbia.edu/postdocs or email eipostdocs@ei.columbia.edu. Videos of past research symposia are available here.

The program is open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. All doctoral requirements must be fulfilled and the degree awarded within 5 years before the start of the appointment. Gaps in employment or studies will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Columbia University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

Student Research Grants

Applications for the NZMSS Student Research Grant are now open!

The grant is intended to help graduate researchers take their work further than academic funding allows and to provide exposure for their research. Applications from a broad range of marine disciplines are encouraged.

Objectives

• To advance the study of marine science, and to encourage research of high scientific merit in New Zealand
• To stimulate novel research involving graduate students in New Zealand
• Assist graduate students to take their work further than academic funding allows
• To provide exposure for graduate research within New Zealand and abroad

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled for a postgraduate degree at a New Zealand institution.

• During the tenure of the research grant the applicant must be an enrolled student and a member of NZMSS.
• Funds may be used for any purpose that supports the applicant’s research.

Applications close 31 October 2019
For this financial year we are offering one Student Research Grant of $3000.

NIWA and Fisheries New Zealand Scholarships 

In collaboration with NIWA, Fisheries New Zealand is offering scholarships to both Masters and undergraduate students.

https://niwa.co.nz/education-and-training/scholarships?fbclid=IwAR2dhNQuPszLqxgtKJ2y18nlOIDFCEInaIMJ01F-a58wmjmGyfiDahvQcXE

Student grants available

https://pf2050.co.nz/news/student-grants-available/
Predator Free 2050 Limited is seeking applications from students wishing to conduct possum, rat or mustelid fieldwork projects, particularly in urban and rural landscapes.
Up to five honours and post-graduate students will be funded up to $30,000 each, for operational and associated laboratory expenses.
Applicants should download and complete ‘this form’ and return to ShelleyC@pf2050.co.nz by 11 October 2019.

New publications

1. Bates, L., Kearns, R., Witten, K., Carroll, P. (2019) ‘‘A level playing field’: Young people’s experiences of wheelchair basketball as an enabling place’, Health and Place, 60, art. no. 102192.

MEDIA RELEASES

Experts reveal ways pregnant women can minimise their inhalation of black carbon particles

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2019/09/experts-reveal-ways-pregnant-women-can-minimise-their-inhalation-of-black-carbon-particles.amp.html 

Air pollution reaches the placenta – Expert Reaction

https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2019/09/18/air-pollution-reaches-the-placenta-expert-reaction/

Air pollution may enter the placenta

https://healthcentral.nz/air-pollution-may-enter-the-placenta/

Sleuths use footprints to help at-risk birds

https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/09/06/786774/sleuthing-shorebird-footprints

Identify New Zealand animal sign- available at http://nztracker.org/

---

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Ako Innovation Teaching & Learning Workshop

Wednesday 2nd October· 10-12pm · Building 302, Room 140

2020 DRAFT Timetable

The draft timetable is now available for checking. We would be grateful if you could check the details for your courses using the Room and Event Viewer 2020

Please note:

·         The number and size of Lectures, Laboratories and/or Tutorials.

·         The locations and sizes (note the city campus map online, if needed)

·         The scheduled weeks – note that these are numbered according to the S+ sequence, as used in the 2020 Teaching Days chart

Advise Mick of any errors and/or adjustments – preferably by email.

We have a very tight window of opportunity to make corrections and so please check your courses by Wednesday 2 October.

To all potential supervisors for masters students

The supervisor selection form has been revised and converted to a digital form. This form make the process easier for applicants as the applicant can upload a confirmation email from their chosen supervisor. rather than getting a signature. The form can be found by following this link https://www.forms.auckland.ac.nz/en/public/science/soe-masters-research-supervision-approval.html

Geography and Earth Sciences Honours presentation

Our BSc/BA Geography and Earth Sciences Honours students will present their research on October 4th from 9:30 to 3pm in the Ontology lab (302-551). It is important for the collegiality of our School that Geography and Earth Sciences staff attend the talks and support our Honours students!

Below is the presentation schedule.

---

Classifieds

GTA/TA positions 2020

Expressions of Interest for GTA/TA positions 2020 in the School of Environment are now open. If you know any student (PhDs, Masters, PGT, Hons, PGDip and 3rd year students) who would be a perfect candidate, please forward the below link for them to apply. Expressing interest by the end of November will be appreciated as we will start allocating in November. But they are welcome to keep applying.

https://www.forms.auckland.ac.nz/en/student/science/environment-GTA-expression-of-interest.html

---

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 12:00 11 October, to Farnaz: f.sheikh@auckland.ac.nz

HeadSup

Kia ora

It was with sadness that many of us heard the news late last week about the passing of Warren Moran. Warren played a pivotal role in Geography at UOA and will be remembered at this week’s Cumberland lecture. David Skinner also died last week. Dave completed his MSc in the Geology Department in the early 1960s, focusing on the Coromandel, and had a long career with GNS Science. He was quite a character and well know to many of us. Farewell Warren and Dave.

Please have a careful look at the many activities listed in this week’s  p-cubed and be sure to enter them into your calendar. There is a lot going on over the next few months. Highlights will be the next Research Forum, the ENV Research Awards ceremony and the PG Research Showcase (if you are a PG student I would love to see your poster in the showcase). The Ako Innovation seminar looks great – if you want to build up your teaching portfolio add this one to your diary.

Don’t forget two great activities this week – the Cumberland Lecture on Thursday (with drinks and nibbles) and the newly resurrected and refreshed ENV Seminar Series. Let’s get behind these events and help make them a success.

I’m pleased to advise that Professor Mark Costello has joined the School for the remainder of the year. Mark has worked in the Institute of Marine Sciences and is an expert in biogeography. Welcome Mark!

We had some wonderful news from the speleothem researchers this week, who have been enjoying the ‘Summer School on Speleothem Science’ in Romania. Sneha Suresh won the student poster session. Sneha’s PhD is on ‘Opening nature’s vaults: speleothem archives of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes’. Well done!

In the last couple of weeks, Karen, Meg and I visited the Ministry for the Environment and showcased what we do. As a result of that, Charlotte Wood from MfE has offered to talk through the work their science capability and culture team are about to kick off. This is a great chance to better understand opportunities for stronger engagement with MfE. Topics to be discussed include: co-development of science outputs; science engagement; 1- and 5-year priorities; possible joint/split appointments and secondments; and internships. The date/time of this presentation is yet to be finalised. If you would like to attend please let Samantha know by the end of the week.

Lastly – thanks to all who contributed content and comment on the 3-year School strategic plan. The submitted version can be found here.

Ngā mihi – JR

---

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

VALE Warren Moran, Professor Emeritus, School of Environment.

Warren was a giant of Geography within the New Zealand and international geographical communities. He served as Head of Department and went on to become Dean of Arts. Warren was personally instrumental in enabling and shaping the careers of a number of colleagues still working within the School and was a friend of many. As Dean of Arts he fought hard for the discipline and was an influential force within the wider university, for which he was always a fierce champion.

An influential rural geographer locally and internationally, Warren recently authored the most authoritative book yet on the New Zealand wine industry. Beyond  New Zealand, Warren served as Vice-President of the International Geographical Union.

Warren’s funeral will take place on: Tuesday 20^th August 2pm, at St Patricks Cathedral, 43 Wyndham St, Auckland CBD.

GRADUATION CEREMONIES – Spring 2019

The 2019 Spring Graduation ceremonies will take place at the Aotea Centre on Tuesday 24 September.  The ceremonies will be preceded by a street procession, when members of Council, staff and graduands, will walk from the Pavilion at Old Government House to the venue.

Assembly for Council and staff for the street procession is at 9am in the members’ lounge of Old Government House.  The street procession departs from Bowen Avenue via the University gates at 9.30am.  Regalia must be worn during the procession.  Any changes regarding the procession will be communicated to all staff and students at the earliest possible time. You are invited to take refreshments in the Waitākere Rooms before the ceremony.  To participate in the graduation ceremonies you will need to register your attendance online.  Click here to log in and complete the registration form. Please note: if you do not register, there will be no available seating for you on stage.  You must register by 6 September.

Each faculty has an assigned ‘agent’ to help you if you have trouble registering – for example you cannot register from outside the university.  Please contact the agent for Faculty of Science: Brittany Bennenbroek:b.bennenbroek@auckland.ac.nz. Instructions for staff participating are available on the Graduation section of the staff intranet

• 9:30am – Procession (assemble at 9:00am)
• 10:30am – Faculty of Science Graduation Ceremony

Staff: is your web profile up to date?

This is the central staff intranet link to editing your profile: https://www.staff.auckland.ac.nz/en/university-directory-help/editing-my-profile.html

You can edit your University Directory Profile to ensure it provides those who access it with a rich source of information about your professional or research activities. Profile changes will only appear after they have been through a review and approval moderation workflow.

If people have any issues with editing their profile they should talk to Cate Hennessy (c.hennessy@auckland.ac.nz) or Kate Pitcher.

Palaeomolecular Lab Open Day

On Tuesday (20^th Aug), we’re inviting members of the Faculty of Science to come over to the Faculty of Arts and visit our Palaeomolecular Lab. In this lab, we work with ancient bone samples to analyse isotopes and ancient DNA for anthropology research.

All staff, postgraduates and final year undergraduates are welcome to stop by any time between 11am and 3pm on Tuesday for a short tour. If you’re interested in hearing more about the research going on over here in Anthropology, it would be great to see you there (Lab 311, Level 3, Social Sciences Building 201E).

Dr Natalie Remedios
Anthropology, Faculty of Arts

Click here to see the poster.

 

School of Environment Cumberland Lecture 2019 

Place as person, landscape as identity: ancestral connection and modern legislation – Kennedy Warne

In 1972, in a landmark essay, US legal scholar Christopher Stone asked, “Should trees have standing?” What would it mean, he asked, to conceive of the natural world from a nonhuman perspective? Could we imagine a world in which trees—and rivers, mountains, glaciers, and more—possessed innate existence rights enshrined in law? Almost 50 years later, New Zealand has led the world in granting legal personhood to a river, Whanganui, a former national park, Te Urewera, and, soon, a mountain, Taranaki. At the heart of these legislative decisions is not just the issue of rights for nature, but a recognition of longstanding connectivity between land and indigenous people and of a worldview that espouses unity and reciprocity between the human and nonhuman realms. Writer, editor and broadcaster Kennedy Warne discusses the geographical implications of the Whanganui River and Te Urewera decisions and reflects on his own evolving conversation with landscape. The talk will include a response from Daniel Hikuroa, a senior lecturer in Māori studies at the University of Auckland.

5pm Thursday 22 August

Lecture theatre PLT2

Ground Floor, Building 303

38 Princes Street

Refreshments will follow the lecture in the Building 302 Level 6 Breakout Space

Space is limited so please register at kennedywarne.eventbrite.co.nz

Enquiries to Gretel Boswijk   g.boswijk@auckland.ac.nz . Click  here to see the poster.

 

Te Ao Mārama Brown Bag  – with Sarah Kessans

Reaching for the Stars via Biochemistry – Tuesday 27 August, 12:00 – 13:00

Enquiries: Kathy Campbell (ka.campbell@auckland.ac.nz )

 

Research Collaboration Tools – Workshop & eResearch Community Meeting

Lunch and learn: Collaborate using Dropbox. 12-1pm, Wednesday 28^th August

501.010, Grafton Campus.

CeR and Dropbox will talk about UoA’s institutional Dropbox and demonstrate Dropbox features/tools integration with many familiar communication and collaboration tools.
Bring your lunch, have a cupcake and ask questions.

Booking link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-and-learn-collaborate-using-with-dropbox-tickets-68742020233

Collaboration tools. 3-5pm, Wednesday 28^th August

Federation of Graduate Women’s Suite, Old Government House, City Campus.

– How do you build successful collaborations and what tools do you use? – group discussion

– Spotlight on Dropbox Papers – demonstration from Dropbox

– Social and networking with drinks and nibbles

Booking link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eresearch-community-meeting-collaboration-tools-tickets-68744698243

Centre for eResearch

Introductory R Workshop Information: September 2nd & 3rd

The third Introductory R Workshop for 2019 is being run on September 2^nd and 3^rd. This will be led by Daniel Barnett, Chris Triggs, and Avinesh Pillai, from the Statistical Consultancy Centre.

The workshop will be limited to approximately 20 participants. Therefore if you would like to attend please let me know sooner rather than later.

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 would have to also add GST, sorry). The payment authorisation form for UoA participants paying from a UoA account is attached.

The cost for non-UoA attendees is $500 + GST, and if you contact me I will let you know re payment options (card payment is preferred).

We will be sending out a pre-workshop information email, 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. 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.

I hope you can make it on the 2^nd and 3^rd September, and look forward to seeing you there.

Rosemary K. Barraclough, PhD

Statistics Consulting Centre, Department of Statistics

Click here to see the timetable and here for payment details.

 

AUGA Field Trip

AUGA’s second field trip of the year is an overnight stay in Coromandel to explore the Waihi Gold Mine.

When: 13th–14thSeptember
Where: Waihi Township
To find out more and for Sign Up, please visit here.

 

Kupe Leadership Scholarship

Up to 20 Scholarships will be awarded annually, for a period of up to one year.

Applications open 1 July 2019 and close 23 August 2019.

Value:
Up to $24,100 each. The Scholarship will comprise either a fortnightly stipend of up to $22,000 or a fortnightly stipend of up to $10,000 plus accommodation in a single studio room at 55 Symonds Street (accommodation costs will be paid directly to the relevant Halls of Residence).

The scholarship also includes a personal mentor connected to the scholarship recipient’s area of interest and a comprehensive Leadership Development programme undertaken with all of the Kupe Leadership Scholars.

Eligibility criteria:

• Need to be enrolled full-time for a full 2020 academic year in a postgraduate diploma, honours degree or masters degree at the University of Auckland.
  • Students enrolled in either year of a two-year masters degree may also be considered for the Scholarship. Students enrolled in an 180 point masters degree may be considered for the Scholarship for the full calendar year of their degree.
  • See sample 2018 regs: https://cdn.auckland.ac.nz/assets/Scholarships/regulations/kupe-leadership-scholarship.pdf   2019 regs will be online soon
• GPA/GPE of at least 7.00 (6.50 for Māori or Pacific applicants)
• Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents and must have resided in New Zealand for at least five years in the ten years preceding the year of application.

Selection is based on the above PLUS demonstrated leadership potential as evidenced by a CV, a personal statement, references, and an interview.

For more information visit: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-types/postgraduate-scholarships/kupe-leadership-scholarships.html

 

BLAKE Ambassador Applications are now open

Since 2007 BLAKE (formally The Sir Peter Blake Trust), in partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, NIWA, Tara Expeditions Foundation and the Department of Conservation – has provided opportunities for young New Zealanders (18 – 25 years) to work on projects in Antarctica, the Southern, Southwest Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and New Zealand through the BLAKE Ambassador Programme. These BLAKE Ambassadors have worked alongside teams of scientists, conservationists, engineers and conservators on environmental and heritage restoration projects to advance our understanding and address some of the big environmental questions and challenges facing society.

This year there will be 10 BLAKE Ambassador Awards in partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, GNS Science, NIWA, and the Department of Conservation.

The DOC Kākāpō Supplementary Feeding Programme on Whenua Hou / Codfish Island and Takahē Feedout Project – Burwood may be of particular interest to some of your students or staff.

OR

The NIWA marine and aquaculture programmes may be of particular interest to some of your students or staff.

OR

The BLAKE Antarctica New Zealand / GNS Ambassador – Environment and Climate and NIWA atmosphere and climate programmes may be of particular interest to the earth science scientists.

Details and how to apply can be found here: https://blakenz.org/blake-ambassador-programme

Applications close 30 August, 2019.

 

APRU New York Times Competition

Dear PG students,

I am writing to invite you to participate in the annual Asia-Pacific Case Competition hosted by APRU and The New York Times, with the opportunity to be published in The New York Times International Edition and read by an audience of global thought leaders.

For this competition, teams will be asked to write an 800-word policy brief to a leader in your economy (government, philanthropy, business, NGO etc.)  discussing the threats to health from air pollution. What are the solutions you promote? What are the resources necessary? What are the ways that this solution will make an impact? Using resources from The New York Times and beyond, describe the ways that air pollution threatens a healthy economy and promote a solution that would advance the third United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), focused exclusively on health: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”

All entries will be judged by The New York Times awarding-winning newsroom and professional judges from the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, with the winning entry published in The New York Times International, Asia Pacific Edition.

The winning team will also receive a NYT- APRU trophy and  NYT gifts with their work being showcased across various APRU platforms including at events, publications and the website. All participants will receive a 4-week digital subscription to the New York Times. The winners will be announced at the APRU Global Health Conference, The University of Hong Kong, November 17-20, 2019.

Find out more information about this competition: https://www.apru-nytimeschallenge.com/ . 

Competition Details:

Topic:  Global Health: Air Pollution in the Asia- Pacific

Submission deadline: 23 September 2019
All entries must be submitted via email to: submission@apru.org
Website: www.apru-nytimeschallenge.com/

Below, is the link of the winners from last year:

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2018/10/11/nothing-artificial-about-the-intelligence-of-kiwi-students.html

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me (taylor.sutherland@auckland.ac.nz).

Yours sincerely,

Taylor Sutherland
International Networks Administrator

 

Prime Ministers in Conversation

On Tuesday 8^th October, from 4.30pm, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will be in conversation with the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at the Fale – they will be discussing “Climate change in transition”.

We have been asked to select a number of students to be in the audience, so if you have a passion for this topic and have an interest in the Netherlands as well as NZ, please send us an email and include a question you might like to ask. Reply emails should be sent to PPI@auckland.ac.nz with “PMs in Conversation” in the subject line by 9am on Wednesday morning (21^st August). Please only respond if you are committed to attending as places are limited.

Public Policy Institute

 

Network Change Outage to B301 All Levels on Thursday 22nd August at 19:00

Connect IT will be making network configuration changes on staff PC’s and Laptops next week.

Affected areas: Building B301 All Levels – Thursday 22^nd August starting at 19:00

Impact to you: Network (wired) services will be changing in Building 301 all levels on Thursday 22^nd August at 19:00.

There will be a brief network outage of approximately 60 seconds. After this, computers will need to be restarted.

Wireless network access will still be available, however

• You should turn your PC or Laptop off before you leave work on the day of the change.
• If you have any problems connecting to the network the following day, please first restart your PC/laptop
• If the problem continues please log a call with Staff Service Centre
• The Connect IT support team will be on standby the following day from 8:00am until 10:00am to resolve any issues
• If you have problems using RDP to access your PC remotely from outside the office, you will need to log a ticket with Staff Service Centre to confirm you are using your computer host name, not its IP address

Level 1 Assistance Space will be closed in the afternoon of Friday 30 August for the Open Day

Level 1 Assistance Space will be closed in the afternoon of Friday 30 August. The Faculty Marketing will access the space to set up for the Open Day.

 

Reminder of Earth Science Bickie Briefing

Earth Science Bickie briefing every Thursday morning at 10.30am in the Level 6 break out space. All post grads and staff welcome.

 

Blair Sowman is on Leave

Our Technical Manager -Blair Sowman is on leave, returning 30 August. Please contact Natalia Abrego (n.abrego@auckland.ac.nz) for laboratory access. Please contact the relevant School technician for other matters, otherwise he will respond when he returns. For urgent matters contact David Jenkinson d.jenkinson@auckland.ac.nz

 

---

Rangahau – Research

Staff: find research students via ‘FindaThesis’

FindaThesis is the University’s research project database. It is used by prospective research students who want to search for research projects they can join of for potential supervisors without needing to know which faculty their research interest comes under. So far in 2019 (June), the tool has attracted an averate of 5650 users and 13,800 unique page views per month.

Find out more about how you can get set up in FindaThesis here.

Meetings, seminars and events

ENV Seminar Series – Your attendance will be greatly appreciated! 

Join us on Wednesday the 21^st of August  from 2pm  to 3pm in the Old Government House to learn about the fantastic research your colleagues do. All staff members and students from the School of Environment are warmly invited to attend this first (after a long break) School of Environment Seminar Series. We will run the seminars every three months and every time we will have  three presenters from different disciplines from the School of Environment. In the upcoming event we will have three presenters:

What happens to contaminants after they are released into the environment? – Melanie Kah

Melanie will give an overview of her research interests into the fate of contaminants in the environment. We will look at a range of contaminants (e.g. hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, pesticides) and how they interact with surfaces, including soil, biochar and nanomaterials. While understanding these interactions is essential in the context of risk assessment, the knowledge can also be used to develop innovative mitigation and remediation strategies. To illustrate this with a case study, we will talk about nanopesticides (e.g. novel pesticides associated with nanoparticles) and discuss the new risks and benefits associated with the introduction of these novel products in agriculture.

From movement data to understanding human mobility – Katarzyna Sila-Nowicka

Human mobility is vital for understanding expansion processes in urban areas, the establishment of transportation services and the spatial distribution of facilities. Until recently, exploring human mobility in detail was challenging because personal trip data collection methods consisted of expensive and time consuming methods. The development of sensors such as GPS trackers or other wearable devices equipped with various sensors that capture movement data in real-time and at detailed spatial and temporal scales has transformed our ability to collect mobility data. However, even though GPS trackers record an individual’s location and movement very accurately, they do not record essential characteristics of travel behaviour such as travel mode or trip purpose. What can be done to enhance raw movement trajectories in order to uncover these mobility characteristics?

Understanding Mt. Taranaki’s most recent eruption – Geoff Lerner

While Mt. Taranaki has been frequently active over the last 1000 years, it has not erupted in New Zealand’s written history. Knowing when a volcano last erupted has implications for the understanding of both its past and future activity. By determining the age of Taranaki’s most recent eruption and putting this event in the context of the style and frequency of eruptions Taranaki has exhibited in the last millennium, it is possible to gain insight into what possible future activity at the volcano might look like.

Research Experience Awards 2019

Proposals are sought from School of Environment staff and PhD students for the 2019 “Research Experience Awards”.  These awards are targeted at providing top-performing undergraduate Stage 2 and 3 students with one week’s (40 hours) research experience working closely with a member of staff or PhD student.

The aim is to encourage successful students to consider postgraduate study at UoA. Award recipients can assist with field work, lab work, or other research activities that are related to PhD or staff research. By taking on a student the host agrees to comply with all relevant OSH and university regulations. Students will be required to write a short one-page reflection after their research experience.

You are invited to email proposed research experience topics and a short paragraph outlining the type of work involved by Friday 30th August to Lorna Strachan l.strachan@auckland.ac.nz. Projects will be advertised to students on Monday 16^th September with a closing date of Friday 27^th September for applications. You may request a particular student, and this will be taken into consideration, however we cannot guarantee that they will be successful.

Value of Award: A one-week research experience will be valued at $800. PhD students hosting students will receive a $200 top up to their PRESS account, to defray any costs associated with hosting the student.

Procedure: PhD students and staff are invited to put forward 1 potential project. These will be advertised on the internet, and to all students in stage 2 and 3. Applicants will include their top two project preferences, selected from the list of available projects on the internet. A small subcommittee comprising a representative from the Research and PG committees will match students with staff and PhD students, taking into consideration any staff requests. The GPA of students may be taken into consideration if there are a large number of applications. Successful students will receive the payment associated with the award up front in the form of a tax-free stipend, to avoid complicated accounting procedures (e.g. split payments).

Timeframe: Work will be completed in Quarter 4, 2019 Each award recipient is expected to work for one week (~40 hours). This can be spread over the quarter, or be a one week block of work, depending on the task.

Number of Awards: Between 6-8 awards (depending on number of applications received and proposed PhD supervisors).

We look forward to receiving your topic by Friday 30^th August

The Research Committee

 

Poster Competition for the FoS Postgraduate Research Showcase

The 2019 Faculty of Science Postgraduate Research Showcase is coming up on 2-18 September 2019.

If you want to share your research with other scientists consider entering into this poster competition! As in previous years, there are significant prizes up for grabs, and the 20 best posters from Science will be entered into the 2019 PGSA Exposure poster competition (7-11 October) where you will be eligible to win further prizes.  The Faculty of Science Postgraduate Research Showcase will use the same judging criteria for posters as Exposure.

I will give a short presentation on tips for preparing your posters and will try to answer your Q&A regarding this competition on Monday Aug 19th, 11-11:30 in Room 302-G20.

There will be more information on poster preparation circulated soon, but the main dates are below.

Wednesday 28 August, 12pm |	CAI printing deadline
Thursday 29 August, 4pm |	Online registration and poster submission closes (posters should be submitted to the Science Student Centre)
09 – 16 September | Judging	Judging
Wednesday 18 September 4-6pm |	Prize giving function

Eligibility and rules: same as exposure (Exposure Eligibility and rules)

If you are a research masters or doctoral candidate and you have NOT submitted your thesis (including soft-bound), you are eligible to enter. Please click here to see more details.

Best,

Ludmila Adam

 

ENV Staff Research Forum – Philanthropic Funding: how does it work?

Thursday 26 September 2019 12.00-2.00 pm 

OGH, Federation of Graduate Women’s Suite (lunch provided at 1pm in the VC’s Suite)

Please come and join the second Research Forum of the School of Environment.

The Rangahau committee will host a 2-hour Strategic Research Forum on Thursday 26 September. We have invited two speakers to discuss philanthropic funding opportunities and how to shape research funding proposals.

• Kim Collins, Project Manager for Gulf Innovation Fund Together (GIFT), Foundation North.  Originally from Palmerston North, Kim attended secondary school in Auckland and has been a resident of Waiheke Island since 2004. Her academic background is in psychology and sociology where she developed an interest in supporting and inspiring positive community change. Through roles in Local Government and the not for profit sector Kim has over 15 years’ experience in grant making and working with community organisations. Through her work at Foundation North Kim has developed a strong passion for the environment and wants to help create a better planet for future generations.
• Anastasia Papadakis, Development Manager, Alumni Relations and Development. Anastasia is based in the Faculty of Science and plays a bridging role in profiling the University of Auckland to philanthropic funders and ensuring that Faculty of Science researchers are aware of philanthropic priorities and research opportunities. Anastasia plans to focus the presentation on the importance of pitching research ideas to donors interests.

Please RSVP here for catering purposes by Friday 13 September. Please send your apologies to Samantha (Samantha.huang@auckland.ac.nz).

 

School of Environment Research Awards Function

12 November, 11-1 pm, 302-140

Please book your calendar to attend the School of Environment Research Awards Function. A great opportunity to learn about the work and achievements of our colleagues and students. More information will follow soon.

Contact: melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz

U21 Early Career Researcher Workshop – Water in Society

19-22 November 2019, Lund University, Sweden

The 2019 workshop theme ‘Water in Society’, aims to deepen participants’ understanding of how research impacts on water and sustainability through cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange, skills-sharing and networking. In order to achieve this, the three-day programme will include small group workshops, poster sessions by ECRs, talks by established researchers, and sessions with international and interdisciplinary perspectives on ‘Water in Society’

For further information please contact: internationalnetworks@auckland.ac.nz

 

Funding Opportunities

WUN RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT FUND (RDF)

The RDF provides grants of up to £10,000, for one year, to augment institutional funds in fostering research collaborations among academic staff (faculty members) at partner universities.  The RDF supports work across four WUN Global Challenges that lie at the heart of their mission:  Responding to Climate Change, Public Health (non-communicable diseases), Global Higher Education and Research, and Understanding Cultures.

Grants from the RDF are intended to help stimulate larger collaborative projects that will strengthen WUN and make the collaborating partners competitive for major awards.  Funds may be used to support such things as exploratory research initiatives, planning workshops, faculty exchanges and the formation of collaborative networks.

Further information (guidelines/proposal form/application process) can be located on the Networks-related funding page

Closing date: Monday 2 September – noon

 

New publications

1. Mark Costello has published papers in Science and Trends in Ecology and Evolution that argue (1) that it is unhelpful and counterproductive to exaggerate the biodiversity crisis as the recent IPBES assessment has done (click here to read the paper) and (2) that, despite hundreds of papers on the topic, that spatial connectivity is not something that conservation scientists need to worry in planning Marine Reserve networks (click here to read the paper).
2. Diego M Guido, Kathleen A Campbell, Frédéric Foucher and Frances Westall. (2019) Life is everywhere in sinters: examples from Jurassic hot-spring environments of Argentine Patagonia. Click here to read the paper.

 

---

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Ako Innovation Teaching & Learning Seminar: Using LEGO to encourage collaboration in an educational environment

Friday 23rd August  ·  11-12pm  ·  Building 302, Room 551 (Ontology Lab)

In this interactive talk, Dr Ksenia Chmutina will reflect on her experience of using LEGO for teaching disaster risk reduction to a group of UG architecture and civil engineering students. The ‘Disaster Risk Reduction is Child’s Play’ project aimed at enhancing collaboration among students who would not traditionally work together in an educational environment – but are highly likely to collaborate in industry. Using LEGO and other modular toys has helped to encourage the dialogue among the students and between the students and staff in a problem-based context, and provided solutions to the challenges that multi-disciplinary group work usually faces.

From the learning perspective, the use of LEGO helped the students to define design as the process of investigating a problem and proposing creative responses through the application of modular models and to apply engineering and architectural knowledge as well as creativity and intuition. We have however discovered that architecture students, who are used to hands-on work, are much more willing to engage with using LEGO; civil engineering students did not feel as comfortable and required more encouragement. This reflected the challenge of the multi-stakeholder collaboration and highlighted that LEGO can help building the bridges between disciplines.

Dr Ksenia Chmutina

Senior Lecturer in Sustainable and Resilient Urbanism

School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering

Loughborough University, UK

 

Enquiries: Mel Wall m.wall@auckland.ac.nz

 

Talking Teaching Submission deadline extended to 25 August 

Talking Teaching is run by the Ako Aotearoa Tertairy Teaching Excellence Academy. The conference showcases excellent teaching practice from teachers across the tertiary sector.  It will be held in Auckland this year at Unitec, on Non 28 & 29, with the conference dinner at our Fale.  It is very reasonably priced at $250.00.

The theme this year is:  Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching.

Registrations are open now and abstract submissions is extended to Aug 25. All presentation formats are accepted – see their huge range of suggestions when you enter the website.

Very worthwhile for getting great teaching tips and ideas and networking with innovative tertiary teachers.

Click here for more information.

 

---

Classifieds

Job vacancy:

Geography Technician

The School is seeking a Geography Technician to provide technical support to the maintenance and ongoing development of the School of Environment’s Geographical Information Systems (GIS) platforms and associated spatial data management.

This position will also support Human Geography research and teaching activities (including field trips) and provide more general technical support to the School’s Geography facilities including the ongoing functionality of the GeoComputation lab.

Click here to see the advert.

---

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 12:00 30th August, to Samantha: samantha.huang@auckland.ac.nz