HeadsUp

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Interviewing candidates for an academic position always feels momentous. One will ultimately be a new colleague, bringing new ideas and energy to the School. This week we have four shortlisted candidates for the GISCi Lectureship based in four countries/time zones who will meet with us over the course of a four-day week. It’s been a complicated almost 4-D scheduling equation and I’m very grateful for Patricia’s patience and guidance getting it all sorted out.  Please tune in amid your exam marking and hear what they have to say in their seminars.

And then, on Friday, we break with the work week and honour Matariki for the first time. After a week of meetings with and hearing from stars in their fields, I eagerly anticipate looking up to fields of celestial stars (weather permitting). Here on the motu, a guided stargazing walk at 5am starts the day and will continue with various activities including learning raranga (weaving) and rongoa (plant-based medicine). May we all find ways to engage with the spirit of this new holiday that surely speaks to our environmental concerns more so than any other on the calendar….

A few notable notes:

Equity Committee is short of two members. Please be in touch if you can spare a little more of your 20% service FTE for a very important committee.

And congratulations to

Joe Fagan for acceptance into the EdD programme.

Karen Fisher and Nick Lewis for jointly being awarded the Distinguished Service award by the NZ Geographical Society

Rachael Boswell for being awarded the Year’s Best PhD Award by the NZ Geographical Society for he thesis “Play, politics and the production of space: DIY urbanism in post-earthquake Christchurch”

Have a great week! Robin

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General Announcements

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Call for PG research students: would you like a little hand to help with your research?

Survey deadline: Tuesday 21 June

The School is going to distribute small awards to motivated undergraduate students so they give a hand and shadow a researcher (Hons/Master/PhD students etc.) for a period equivalent to 2 weeks. The work can be carried out as a single block or spread over a longer period that suits the research. The idea is to match these UG students with PG researchers in a way that will maximize mutual benefits.

As a researcher: you will get an extra pair of hands (and a brain!) to do something that helps you and your research + you get an experience (and a line in your CV) about mentoring earlier career colleagues.

The UG student gets paid for their work (we are covering this) and their research experience with you will hopefully inspire them to do research with us in the future. It is OK to give them “boring tasks” in the field, lab or desk-based, as long as you spend some time with them to explain why they do it and to share your experience as a researcher.

Whether you are interested or not, I would really appreciate if you complete the following survey by Tuesday 21^st June. It will take 5 minutes max.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdueuBDO_72FsapjWq9fcIeU9vzYUvmCWQz14VO44zC1FzOPw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Any questions, feel free to contact me (melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz)

Thank you for your support!

 

New Zealand Geographical Society (NZGS) Auckland Branch

Here is the NZGS June newsletter and read about the next meeting on Tuesday 21 June, Building 302, Room 551 Ontology Lab – 4.00pm to 5.30pm

Auckland Dialogues – Speaker: Tom Baker

Innovatory urban governance: A research agenda

As ‘governance innovation’ is embraced as an imperative to address urban policy challenges, many cities are adopting novel governance arrangements, institutions, and mechanisms. Yet, innovatory urban governance—a distinctive set of urban governance practices and heterogeneous political project—is not well understood within critical urban scholarship. Stemming from a collaborative research project with Pauline McGuirk, Robyn Dowling, Sophia Maalsen and Alistair Sisson, this paper argues for such recognition and suggests engagement with public sector innovation literatures as a productive way forward. We build from this engagement to suggest a critical urban geography research agenda to drive systematic analysis of innovatory urban governance, its heterogeneous formation, politics and possibilities.

 

Travel and carbon emissions

Colleagues,

Many of you are working through travel requests.

As you will be aware the sustainability strategy and the Net Carbon Zero strategy will be open for consultation in July/august. Both clearly identify that we need to reduce our air travel. The proposal to consultation is a 50% reduction by 2030. This document provides the carbon cost for some return flights to Europe US, Asia and Australia to help with staff travel conversations. I am happy for you to share this further.

Regards,

Gillian Lewis, AD Sustainability

 

Extension of expiry date – RDA and HOD accounts

Message from Nicholas Kearns, ORSI: In recognition of the need to reinvigorate research activity following protracted COVID-19 disruptions, the DVC(R) has agreed to extend the expiry date to 31 December 2023 for 50% of any residual balances in Research Development Accounts (RDAs) and/or Head of Department (HOD) accounts currently due to expire in 2022 (or before). Updates will be made to the RDA Policy, Expiry of HoD Accounts Policy and the RDA/HoD Accounts Dashboards in Strategic Management Reports (SMR) to reflect the above.

 

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Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities 

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Faculty and School/Department Research Centres

A call for proposals is about to open for Faculty and School/Department Research Centres. This Faculty process follows on from the University-level process initiated last year to support the establishment and development of flagship University Research Centres.

There will be a two-stage process. Applicants should complete the EOI Form and submit to FoS-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz by 5.00 pm on 1st July 2022. Full proposals will be due on Wednesday 31st August.  See the RFP for a more comprehensive process timeline.

For questions, please contact Wendy on  FoS-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.

 

Kia Ora Disaster Researchers!

Welcome to the Disastrous Doctorates 2022 has a new date! The DD2022 symposium is rescheduled for 11-13 July. It will be hosted by The University of Auckland in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. At this time, this conference is moving forward with in-person attendance.

Please follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the most up-to-date information.

Disastrous Doctorates is an annual multi-day symposium for PhD students enrolled at a New Zealand university who are directly studying disaster-related topics. It is organized by PhD students for PhD students. The symposium provides a forum for students to network and learn from each other and subject experts, share best practices and learn helpful tips on managing a PhD career and beyond. We welcome students from across the full range of disciplines, including social sciences, engineering, geology, geography, and law.

Please register on the link below;

Official Registration Form – Disastrous Doctorates (wordpress.com)

 

Honours Research Projects and sub-90 points Masters dissertations 

Dear colleagues,

Thank you to everyone who supervised and/or examined Honours Research projects and sub-90-point Masters projects/dissertations in 2021. Your time and effort in supervising students and/or examining projects in what was a disrupted year, protracted by deadline extensions, is greatly appreciated. The 2021 cohort should now be all finished and moving onto new things.

In 2022, we have students completing Honours and MENVSCI 30-point research projects, and Bachelor of Advanced Science 60-point dissertations, with submissions in Semester 1 (Monday 27 June) and Semester 2 (Monday 14 November).

For your diary: 

S2 Honours, MENVSCI and BAdvSci Oral Presentations – Wednesday 26 October. Time and venue to be confirmed.

These are on the same day as Masters presentations and every effort will be made to avoid clashes.

Finally, if you are supervising Honours/MENVSCI/BAdvSci students this year, please ensure their project is achievable within the one- or two-semester timeframe and that it can be completed under pandemic conditions. Please encourage your student(s) to meet the end-of-semester submission date too, even if Covid-19 extensions are again offered by the Faculty; it is helpful to the students, for getting grades back in time to go on to further study or work, and to those involved in the examination process if we can all stick to the schedule.

Kind regards

Gretel Boswijk, (Honours coordinator)

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Funding

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Auckland Museum Institute Postgraduate Scholarships

 The 2022 round of Auckland Museum Institute Postgraduate Scholarships is currently open for applications.

EOI deadline 20 June 2022

Some general details on the scholarships. Open for Masters and PhD level students

• $5000 in value for up to 12 months of research
• First stage is just an Expression of Interest, to be made at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zAsxDU60OWiBTkqglJ1xlBEVKanr30dkwAbB5iQJAa0/edit
• EoI due by the 20^th of June
• More details about the scholarship and application process at https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/discover/research/opportunities/post-graduate-scholarships/ami-scholarship

 

Plastics Innovation Fund

***Application Deadline 20 June 2022***

The purpose of the Plastics Innovation Fund is to support projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment. The fund is seeking to fund projects that find ways to use less plastic and make what we do use reusable or recyclable.  It is targeted at projects that: minimise plastic waste; support circular solutions; protect the environment from harm; support the reduction of imported plastic; and improve the behaviour of people and businesses (up the waste hierarchy).  For further information visit the funder website or refer the Funder guidelines.  You can also view a One-hour webinar about the fund

 

Waka Kotahi Innovation Fund

Internal Deadline for application: 5pm Wednesday 22 June 2022.

Waka Kotahi Innovation Fund has been set up by Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to support the private sector to develop and accelerate innovative solutions that will help to solve some of New Zealand’s biggest transport challenges. Hoe ki angitū is only open to the private sector which includes: Start-ups, Iwi, Domestic and international companies, Community groups, Research institutions, and University groups. The funding available for round one of Hoe ki angitū is $3.5 million.

Email your title, full name, email address, faculty/department and the funder/scheme to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz to receive the application template.

 

The inaugural 2022 round for Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland Research Impact Award is now open

Application deadline 30 June 2022

The Research Impact Award celebrates the transformative impacts of research and engagement. Individuals or small teams who have had an impact beyond academia in the last five years are welcome to apply.

This is a University of Auckland Research Committee (UARC) award, and there are up to five awards annually. Awards can be up to $10,000 in value and will support future impact and engagement activities.

Applications are to be submitted to your faculty contact (see application form for details) by the deadline of 30th June 2022. 

The 2022 guidelines and application form are available from the ResearchHub page. Any questions related to the award can be directed to internalawards@auckland.ac.nz.

 

FoS New Staff Grant

Closing date for application submission is 30 June 2022

 Eligible new staff will be able to apply for a New Staff grant of $20k.As we are transitioning to a new internal funding process, all new staff who have joined the Faculty since 1 January 2020 will be eligible to apply in 2022. Applications are now open and the closing date for submission is 30th June 2022. Full details, guidelines and the application form are available on the Faculty of Science Staff Intranet – New Staff Research Grant page.

 

Call for Applications: New Zealand-German Academic Exchange Programme

Applications will close on 30 June at 11:59 PM NZT.

Education New Zealand supports early-career researchers from New Zealand to collaborate on research projects in Germany. The call for the Programmes for Project-Related Personal Exchange (PPP) opened on 6 April 2022 (CET). You can find more information about the programme, application requirements, and the link to the application portal on the Education New Zealand Scholarships and Grants site. For any questions, please contact Jina Kim, International Networks Coordinator on jina.kim@auckland.ac.nz

Background information: New Zealand-German Academic Partnership Event recording of the event.

For more information on the PPP mobility scheme, including requirements for applicants, please follow: https://www.daad.org/en/ppp/

 

School of Environment DRDF funding call

Applications due 15 July 2022

The purpose of this fund is to increase the quality and international reach of our research output. It will support initiatives that produce tangible outcomes that are in line with the School strategic objectives and improve our future PBRF quality scores. The fund will be distributed in two contestable application rounds in March and July 2022.

You can apply for direct research costs up to $10,000 for a single applicant, and up to $15,000 for a group of applicants from the SoE.

Please refer to the attached Guidelines for DRDF applications for 2022 for further information or contact Katarzyna.sila-nowicka@auckland.ac.nz   with any questions.  Email your application using the attached application form to Katarzyna.sila-nowicka@auckland.ac.nz  by 15 July 2022.

• Guidelines for DRDF applications
• 2022 Application Form for ENV DRDF funds

 

Scholarships for students to undertake research at the SoE

The Rangahau Committee coordinates the distribution of three new scholarships to support students in undertaking research in our School. If you know potential applicants or if you are a potential applicant, make sure you contact the people below. There is no strict deadline at this stage, but the earlier we hear from you, the better. Note that these scholarships are also advertised via other channels.

1. Moana PG Research Scholarship: NZ$500-1000 (5-10 awards available) to support Pacific students to do research at the SoE at the post-grad level (Master or Hons). Contact Sonia Fonua s.fonua@auckland.ac.nz
2. Māori PG Research Scholarship: NZ$500-1000 (5-10 awards available) to support Māori students to do research at the SoE at the post-grad level (Master or Hons). Contact Kimoro Taiepa kimoro.taiepa@auckland.ac.nz
3. Undergrad Research Experience: NZ$800 (up to 10 awards available) for undergraduate students to shadow a researcher (Master/PhD student, research fellow etc.) for a period equivalent to 2 weeks (as a block or spread over a longer period that suits the research). Contact Melanie Kah melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz

 

2023 MBIE Endeavour Fund Support Sessions

Details on the support for MBIE Endeavour Fund 2023 is available on the Research Hub. There are a number of other events and workshops on offer, details of which can be found on the Research Hub.

 

The Research Committee Funding available

This is for activities to benefit Postdocs and RFs and allow them to connect. To all those who fall into the following categories, we invite you to contact the new RF rep in the Rangahau/Research committee Joa Paredes-Mariño (for RFs/postdocs) joa.paredes.marino@auckland.ac.nz, for further information

– Postdocs/Research Fellows

– People conducting research on non-permanent contracts at the post-doctoral level

 

3k writing grant available for students

Funds are available to support students writing up their thesis as publication(s). Each grant is worth $3000 (120 hours at 25$ all included). There is no deadline to apply. Applications are evaluated as they come by members of Rangahau (2 weeks turn over max.), until we use all the funds available.

Do you have a good candidate in mind? Please complete this form and submit to melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz.

 

Funding for class meet and greets 

The Student Experience Committee has limited funding available for class related activities. If you want to run a class event, online or otherwise (challenging given the current restrictions), and would benefit from some funds, please contact Joe (j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz). The Committee would prefer to fund several small events rather than one big one (but we are open to suggestions).

 

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Health, Safety and Wellbeing

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Publications 

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S. Bull, S. J. Watson, J. Hillman, H. E. Power, and L. J. Strachan (2022), “Landslide graveyard” holds clues to long-term tsunami trends, Eos, 103, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022EO220263.

Macnaughtan, M. T., Pecher, I. A., and Strachan, L. J. (2022) Sedimentary bottom simulating reflection muting — A new model of hydrate and fluid redistribution from the Pegasus Basin, New Zealand. Basin Research, 00, 1– 26. https://doi.org/10.1111/bre.12681

Zheng Chen, Melissa Bowen, Gaoyang Li, Giovanni Coco, Brendan Hall, Retention and dispersion of buoyant plastic debris in a well-mixed estuary from drifter observations, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 180, 2022, 113793, ISSN 0025-326X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113793. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X22004751)

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Please email content to Anna-Marie Simcock for next edition of P-cubed by Friday

HeadsUp

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I’m always grateful when someone alerts me to an interesting angle on what we are doing or could be doing differently.

This week, Mark Dickson sent me an extract from a commentary in The Listener. It spoke of the resignation of young people to a world whose contours are changed, possibly irrevocably, by influences such as Covid-19, the climate crisis and housing affordability. As Mark speculated in his email “I wonder if young people would enrol in what they perceive to be a positive programme that offers solutions, but may not enrol in something that they perceive as just offering more bad news”. Food for thought.

Do we risk our courses – whether dealing with covid, climate, housing or whatever to be a scholarly version of ‘doom-scrolling’? Do we perhaps have a duty to find ways to present and discuss windows of well-grounded hope – both for the sake of enrolments and sowing seeds of hope in the world?

Students are, on balance, of an age they will live with the ramifications of the times we are in longer than we will. Maybe they hunger for more positivity than we sometimes offer.

I’m sure we offer hope in various parts of our teaching programme. Environment people are mostly outward looking and problem-solvers. But the message of the snippet Mark sent was that young people want solutions not soliloquies to the past or more detail on how dire situations have become. They want to know there is hope and to learn of ways to become agents of change.

This reminds me of a geographer colleague, Bob Huish, in Nova Scotia who runs a well-received course on activism. It also leads me to reflect on a paper another Canadian colleague, Gavin Andrews, published on geographies of hope.  And I’m also led to recall a recent moment when a visitor saw a book at my house called ‘Covid-19 and similar futures’ in which I’d published a chapter. Their reaction? “I’m not sure I want to read that book”. 

How can we teach in a more hope-full register? Can we be more hopeful educators?  Worth pondering…..

Robin Kearns

 

On a more immediate note..

We continue to workaround forthcoming RSL absences and I am happy to report that

• Jon Tunnicliffe has kindly agreed to temporarily be GISci advisor for Semester 2.
• James Muirhead has kindly agreed to assume the PG Advisor in EarthSci role from Michel Rowe (who will be Head of EarthSci from July 1)

Please remember the great Pūatatangi learning opportunities in Te Reo being offered by Kimoro Taiepa at present. Contact him if you want the details…

And although they can be frustrating appendages, please remember to wear a mask in our buildings unless you are alone in your office.

 Travel:

Please note: Travel Insurance for accompanying family members/partner/spouse

As outlined on the staff intranet International travel insurance – The University of Auckland. Please note the UoA Allianz Premier Corporate Travel Insurance Policy does not cover accompanying family members. Accompanying Spouse/Partner must purchase their own travel insurance.

An exception to this is;

Dependent child and children are automatically covered under the travel insurance policy of the UoA parent travelling if they fit within the following criteria:

Dependent child and children

An insured person’s and their partner’s natural and legally adopted children under 16 years of age or under 25 years of age while they are full time students at an accredited institution of higher learning who are primarily dependent on the insured person for financial maintenance and support.

For staff who wish to purchase the same travel insurance to ensure continuity of cover for accompanying family members or pure leisure travel please contact the Risk Office for further advice riskoffice@auckland.ac.nz

For staff travelling on University business where their personal days exceed the number of days covered by the University Insurance policy it is recommended that you purchase the additional policy from the University’s insurance provider to ensure continuity of cover.  Please contact the Risk Office for further advice riskoffice@auckland.ac.nz

 

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General Announcements

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Metrotest will be undertaking the test and tag in early to mid-June weeks, electric testing is there to keep us safe please give them access to your offices when required. We’ll provide more details closer to the date.

Reminder – Field plans are required and need to be approved before undertaking any fieldwork

Field activity is any work carried out for the purpose of teaching, research or representing the University off-site, including site visits and reconnaissance trips.  A field activity plan is required where facility for health and safety is not managed by another institution.  

Any time you wish to undertake field work or a site visit you need to complete a Field Activity Plan and have it signed off by the appropriate people; Blair or Andres can do the final signoff.  

The use of private vehicles for University work is only approved in exceptional circumstances, and must have full/comprehensive insurance.  Please discuss this ahead of time.  Generally private vehicles are not approved for field activity outside of Auckland. 

There are two field activity plans, please choose the one appropriate to your activity.  These are located in the tech section of p-cubed.

Risk assessment information can be found here https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/health-safety-wellbeing/health-safety-topics/risk-assessments.html

Postgraduate Research administration after the reforms (sounds like a Human Geography PhD title)

We have entered the new post-Liana realm of post-graduate research administration. It’s a lesson in just how much work is required in making systems work … and just how good Liana was at that job. Short of somehow stealing her back as the go to person for all queries, here’s a PG research specific guide to complement the more general post-reform guide to administrative roles produced in an earlier issue of P-Cubed:

1. Postgraduate student administrative queries – first step is to consult https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/current-students/postgraduate-students.html. In practice, that site will direct you to direct most queries to sciencepg@auckland.ac.nz. Academic programme advisors, supervisors, and the relevant postgraduate advisors listed below are also points of contact for academic, pastoral and other queries.
2. Staff administrative queries
   1. Matters to do with Honours and all sub-90 point masters theses – Gretel is normally the first port of call
   2. Matters to do with 90 and 120 masters theses – Phil Shane is first port of call
   3. PhD matters – Wahapū is the formal interface with the University for most students now and Jennifer Eccles is your contact in the School. For any students still on the old system please liaise with Jennifer.
   4. Anything that asks for an HoD (or nominee) signature – Nick Lewis is your first port of call
3. Fire-fighting
   1. Masters’ supervisors will be receiving AS512 forms from sciencepg@auckland.ac.nz. Please complete Part A of the forms as quickly as possible and email to Phil Shane (ie recommend examiners and fill in any fields that are incomplete in terms of co-supervisors, student name and ID number, thesis title etc). DO NOT send AS512 forms to Robin. Phil will initiate the process of HoD nominee sign-off.
   2. More to come I’m sure….
4. New processes are being developed centrally to administer Masters programmes, and we can expect to see something akin to Wahapū – especially given the changes to postgraduate programmes being signalled from Curriculum Transformation initiatives

Nick

Associate Professor, School of Environment

 

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Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities 

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Faculty and School/Department Research Centres

A call for proposals is about to open for Faculty and School/Department Research Centres. This Faculty process follows on from the University-level process initiated last year to support the establishment and development of flagship University Research Centres.

There will be a two-stage process. Applicants should complete the EOI Form and submit to FoS-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz by 5.00 pm on 1st July 2022. Full proposals will be due on Wednesday 31st August.  See the RFP for a more comprehensive process timeline.

For questions, please contact Wendy on  FoS-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.

 

Honours Research Projects and sub-90 points Masters dissertations 

Dear colleagues,

Thank you to everyone who supervised and/or examined Honours Research projects and sub-90-point Masters projects/dissertations in 2021. Your time and effort in supervising students and/or examining projects in what was a disrupted year, protracted by deadline extensions, is greatly appreciated. The 2021 cohort should now be all finished and moving onto new things.

In 2022, we have students completing Honours and MENVSCI 30-point research projects, and Bachelor of Advanced Science 60-point dissertations, with submissions in Semester 1 (Monday 27 June) and Semester 2 (Monday 14 November).

For your diary:  

• S1 Honours and MENVSCI Oral presentations– Wednesday 8 June. Time and venue to be confirmed.
• S2 Honours, MENVSCI and BAdvSci Oral Presentations – Wednesday 26 October. Time and venue to be confirmed.

These are on the same day as Masters presentations and every effort will be made to avoid clashes.

Finally, if you are supervising Honours/MENVSCI/BAdvSci students this year, please ensure their project is achievable within the one- or two-semester timeframe and that it can be completed under pandemic conditions. Please encourage your student(s) to meet the end-of-semester submission date too, even if Covid-19 extensions are again offered by the Faculty; it is helpful to the students, for getting grades back in time to go on to further study or work, and to those involved in the examination process if we can all stick to the schedule.

Kind regards

Gretel Boswijk

(Honours coordinator)

 

Masters Research Seminars  8 June 2022 — Rm 302-G20

Students who started in S2, 2021 will present their preliminary results. These are 10 minute oral talks followed by 5 minutes of questions. They are designed to assist students with the direction that their project is going in. Supervisors should support their students and all staff should support the research culture in our school.. This is an on-campus seminar series. However, we may revert to Zoom if campus access is not possible. Below is a preliminary schedule.

Cheers,

Phil Shane (coordinator)

Time	Name		Topic
9.00	KoKo	Lat	rock mass quality from seismic refraction surveying
9.15	Adi	Levy	Engineering Geological and Liquefaction Assessment
9.30	James	Wilson	Rock Characteristics on foreshore morphology
9.45	Amber	Peek	Environmental Education and Data Generation
10.00	Kenzi	Yee	Insects as food (for who?)
10.15	Elliot	Stevens	‘Voice of the River’ in catchment management
10.30	Jaynie	Yang	Root production and root exudations in kauri forests

 

Kia Ora Disaster Researchers!

Welcome to the Disastrous Doctorates 2022 has a new date! The DD2022 symposium is rescheduled for 11-13 July. It will be hosted by The University of Auckland in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. At this time, this conference is moving forward with in-person attendance.

Please follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the most up-to-date information.

Disastrous Doctorates is an annual multi-day symposium for PhD students enrolled at a New Zealand university who are directly studying disaster-related topics. It is organized by PhD students for PhD students. The symposium provides a forum for students to network and learn from each other and subject experts, share best practices and learn helpful tips on managing a PhD career and beyond. We welcome students from across the full range of disciplines, including social sciences, engineering, geology, geography, and law.

Please register on the link below;

Official Registration Form – Disastrous Doctorates (wordpress.com)

 

SouthSci and WeSTEM – STEM Partner Role Description
Participatory science platforms (PSP) connect STEM experts with school and community groups, to explore a research or design question and engage youth in STEM. Please see for more information: SouthSci WeSTEM STEM partner role – 2022.

 

Dustsafe Aotearoa: our new community programme

Are you interested to know the concentration of metals in your home dust and/or, would you like to support colleagues (Emma and Melanie) and PG student (Declan) in mapping metals in home dust across Aotearoa NZ?

It is a free and easy! You just need to complete a short survey online and bring your dust to reception Level 6 (we are happy to get your whole vacuum bag if that’s easier).

Feel free to share this opportunity with your family, friends and broader community. It is a time-limited programme, so we hope to receive your sample soon!

Check out the details on our website at http://dustsafe.auckland.ac.nz.

 

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Funding

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Scholarships for students to undertake research at the SoE

The Rangahau Committee coordinates the distribution of three new scholarships to support students in undertaking research in our School. If you know potential applicants or if you are a potential applicant, make sure you contact the people below. There is no strict deadline at this stage, but the earlier we hear from you, the better. Note that these scholarships are also advertised via other channels.

1. Moana PG Research Scholarship: NZ$500-1000 (5-10 awards available) to support Pacific students to do research at the SoE at the post-grad level (Master or Hons). Contact Sonia Fonua s.fonua@auckland.ac.nz
2. Māori PG Research Scholarship: NZ$500-1000 (5-10 awards available) to support Māori students to do research at the SoE at the post-grad level (Master or Hons). Contact Kimoro Taiepa kimoro.taiepa@auckland.ac.nz
3. Undergrad Research Experience: NZ$800 (up to 10 awards available) for undergraduate students to shadow a researcher (Master/PhD student, research fellow etc.) for a period equivalent to 2 weeks (as a block or spread over a longer period that suits the research). Contact Melanie Kah melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz

 

Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research – Greener Cattle Initiative

The Greener Cattle Initiative (GCI), facilitated by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), invites applications for cutting edge research projects that facilitate transformative strategies and innovation to benefit farmers, consumers and the environment through the sustainable decrease in enteric methane emissions from cattle.

Grant Value and Duration:

• Up to USD4.67M (circa NZD7.3M) is available under this call for projects.
• Applicants can request up to that amount or a portion of the funds available.
• Project duration is 36 months or less.

Internal Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 14 June 2022

To register to apply, please:

1. Email your title, full name, email address, faculty/department and the funder/scheme to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz to receive the application template
2. You will need to create your own proposal on the funder portal.

 

Plastics Innovation Fund

***Application Deadline 20 June 2022***

The purpose of the Plastics Innovation Fund is to support projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment. The fund is seeking to fund projects that find ways to use less plastic and make what we do use reusable or recyclable.  It is targeted at projects that: minimise plastic waste; support circular solutions; protect the environment from harm; support the reduction of imported plastic; and improve the behaviour of people and businesses (up the waste hierarchy).  For further information visit the funder website or refer the Funder guidelines.  You can also view a One-hour webinar about the fund

 

Waka Kotahi Innovation Fund

Waka Kotahi Innovation Fund has been set up by Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to support the private sector to develop and accelerate innovative solutions that will help to solve some of New Zealand’s biggest transport challenges. Hoe ki angitū is only open to the private sector which includes: Start-ups, Iwi, Domestic and international companies, Community groups, Research institutions, and University groups. The funding available for round one of Hoe ki angitū is $3.5 million.

Internal Deadline for application: 5pm Wednesday 22 June 2022. Email your title, full name, email address, faculty/department and the funder/scheme to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz to receive the application template.

 

The inaugural 2022 round for Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland Research Impact Award is now open.

The Research Impact Award celebrates the transformative impacts of research and engagement. Individuals or small teams who have had an impact beyond academia in the last five years are welcome to apply.

This is a University of Auckland Research Committee (UARC) award, and there are up to five awards annually. Awards can be up to $10,000 in value and will support future impact and engagement activities.

Applications are to be submitted to your faculty contact (see application form for details) by the deadline of 30th June 2022. 

The 2022 guidelines and application form are available from the ResearchHub page. Any questions related to the award can be directed to internalawards@auckland.ac.nz.

 

FoS New Staff Grant

 Eligible new staff will be able to apply for a New Staff grant of $20k.As we are transitioning to a new internal funding process, all new staff who have joined the Faculty since 1 January 2020 will be eligible to apply in 2022. Applications are now open and the closing date for submission is 30th June 2022. Full details, guidelines and the application form are available on the Faculty of Science Staff Intranet – New Staff Research Grant page.

 

Call for Applications: New Zealand-German Academic Exchange Programme

Education New Zealand supports early-career researchers from New Zealand to collaborate on research projects in Germany. The call for the Programmes for Project-Related Personal Exchange (PPP) opened on 6 April 2022 (CET). You can find more information about the programme, application requirements, and the link to the application portal on the Education New Zealand Scholarships and Grants site.

Applications will close on 30 June at 11:59 PM NZT.

For any questions, please contact Jina Kim, International Networks Coordinator on jina.kim@auckland.ac.nz

Background information:

New Zealand-German Academic Partnership Event recording of the event.

For more information on the PPP mobility scheme, including requirements for applicants, please follow: https://www.daad.org/en/ppp/

 

2023 MBIE Endeavour Fund Support Sessions

Details on the support for MBIE Endeavour Fund 2023 is available on the Research Hub. There are a number of other events and workshops on offer, details of which can be found on the Research Hub.

 

The Research Committee Funding available

This is for activities to benefit Postdocs and RFs and allow them to connect.

To all those who fall into the following categories:

– Postdocs/Research Fellows;

– People conducting research on non-permanent contracts at the post-doctoral level,

We invite you to contact the new RF rep in the Rangahau/Research committee Joa Paredes-Mariño (for RFs/postdocs) joa.paredes.marino@auckland.ac.nz, for further information

 

3k writing grant available for students

Funds are available to support students writing up their thesis as publication(s). Each grant is worth $3000 (120 hours at 25$ all included). There is no deadline to apply. Applications are evaluated as they come by members of Rangahau (2 weeks turn over max.), until we use all the funds available.

Do you have a good candidate in mind? Please complete this form and submit to melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz.

 

Funding for class meet and greets 

The Student Experience Committee has limited funding available for class related activities. If you want to run a class event, online or otherwise (challenging given the current restrictions), and would benefit from some funds, please contact Joe (j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz). The Committee would prefer to fund several small events rather than one big one (but we are open to suggestions).

 

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Health, Safety and Wellbeing

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HSW minutes outline (meeting on 25/5/2022):

• Masks in lab spaces.

It is the expectation (in line with University guidance for shared indoor spaces; Mask use on campus – The University of Auckland) for mask-wearing within the ENV laboratories. Although there may be exceptions within certain lab spaces, please consult the laboratory technician of the space if unsure, masks are expected to be worn properly so that they cover both the mouth and nose. It is always important to consider mask wearing given that anyone could be immunocompromised. Please note that while masks are expected, there are those who cannot wear masks for specific reasons/medical conditions.

• Reporting Incidents

Please report any incidences to the technician/academic in charge of the space immediately.

To report an injury please follow the guidelines here: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/health-safety-wellbeing/report-concerns-hazards.html

• General wellbeing

The universities Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a 24-hour confidential service that can help through personal or work problems. Services offered but are not limited to stress, support (financial advice or otherwise), personal development, trauma, and legal advice. Visit the link (Employee assistance programme – The University of Auckland) to know more.

• Safety during field work

New objectives are being added to the committees overall aims: Mental health in the field and Cultural safety within the field. The details of each topic are under review, more information as the projects form.

 

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Publications 

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Wild, A. J., Bebbington, M. S., & Lindsay, J. M. (2022). Short-term eruption forecasting for crisis decision-support in the Auckland Volcanic Field, New Zealand. Frontiers in Earth Science, 874. 

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Please email content to Anna-Marie Simcock for next edition of P-cubed by Friday

HeadsUp

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I was in the Bay of Plenty on the weekend hoping to get out to Moutohora Island. Unfortunately sea conditions did not comply. That’s the third thwarted island visit this year; earlier cancellations were due to Covid and that the vessel was Russian. Maybe it’s time to park my little Aotearoa’s Archipelago project for this year!  It’s certainly a time to roll with what is possible and what is not. I hope you are all finding ways to nimbly navigate ways back into your research projects.

Back closer to home, one of the pleasures of being on campus more frequently than in recent months has been meeting up with colleagues for a coffee and yarn. Away from the set agenda of a meeting and the face-to-face intensity of zoom, there is a convivial pleasure in the coffee encounter. A mutual sharing of hopes and plans, a hearing of how lives – work as well as the R.O.L. (rest of life) – have unfolded during the latest chapter of covid times. In these days when larger gatherings can still feel a bit surreal (or risky for some), do take opportunities to connect and have one-on-one conversations. Keep the coffee and conversation flowing!

But there does come a time to gather as a team in a suitably spacious place. So, on Friday 10^th June, we’ll have a min-staff retreat 12noon -3pm, venue TBC. There will be a catered lunch with an opportunity to offer some overdue thanks to JR and David both of whom left their respective HoS and DHoS roles while we were not meeting in person.  Rangahau will then host a wananga /panel discussion on transdisciplinarity. This was a ‘deliverable’ in our School’s Implementation Plan so, as with the two other all-staff meetings each year (February and November) your attendance is respectfully requested.

Other reminders –

• ‘Discovery profiles’ – these need to be reviewed and edited by the end of the month (see recent emails from Melanie and Jan for details…)
• I would like to begin the cycle of interviews in June so that working through everyone in the school can proceed at a manageable pace. Please prepare your written reflection on Career Tools when requested.
• Promotions: Now is the time to decide whether this is the year to apply and if so, starting to assemble materials in light of the relevant standard and have a preliminary conversation with me.
• Thank you for the fulsome participation in our all-school workshop last week; 28 was a great attendance. The challenge seems to be being confronted with good ideas in the absence of knowing how they will be operationalised. George, Tom and I are assembling a submission and will circulate for comment prior to pushing ‘send’.

Have a great week!

Robin Kearns

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General Announcements

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Staff Please Read – Future University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships

The University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship Scheme is under review. There is a high likelihood the Guaranteed Doctoral Scholarships for domestic students with GPA > 8 will end with the new scheme having some strategic scholarships and some scholarships that will sit with faculty and be competitively allocated in 4 rounds a year. While we will have to see what final shape takes form if you have got domestic graduates who would qualify for the guaranteed scholarship and are still thinking about if/when to do a PhD it may be good to encourage them to make the decision and apply sooner rather than later!”

 

Supervisors and PhD Students Pre-Confirmation Please Read – PhD Proposals

A reminder the word limit on PhD proposals is 5000 words (excluding references) with the full guidelines in the PD8 document students receive on induction (or can be found on the PG Coursebuilder https://www.coursebuilder.cad.auckland.ac.nz/flexicourses/4112/publish/1/). Students are encouraged to submit your PhD Proposal offline to j.eccles@auckland.ac.nz as soon as it is ready to get the review and feedback underway before the official Wahapu confirmation process. Supervisors please do not approve the PhD Proposal on Wahapu before it has been reviewed as once you approve it is then locked in and a revised version (if needed) cannot be uploaded without an extension to the provisional year. Please also look carefully at the milestones you are approving as for example the confirmation presentation should not be signed off before it is actually done! ”  

 

Postgraduate Research administration after the reforms (sounds like a Human Geography PhD title)

We have entered the new post-Liana realm of post-graduate research administration. It’s a lesson in just how much work is required in making systems work … and just how good Liana was at that job. Short of somehow stealing her back as the go to person for all queries, here’s a PG research specific guide to complement the more general post-reform guide to administrative roles produced in an earlier issue of P-Cubed:

1. Postgraduate student administrative queries – first step is to consult https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/current-students/postgraduate-students.html. In practice, that site will direct you to direct most queries to sciencepg@auckland.ac.nz. Academic programme advisors, supervisors, and the relevant postgraduate advisors listed below are also points of contact for academic, pastoral and other queries.
2. Staff administrative queries
   1. Matters to do with Honours and all sub-90 point masters theses – Gretel is normally the first port of call
   2. Matters to do with 90 and 120 masters theses – Phil Shane is first port of call
   3. PhD matters – Wahapū is the formal interface with the University for most students now and Jennifer Eccles is your contact in the School. For any students still on the old system please liaise with Jennifer.
   4. Anything that asks for an HoD (or nominee) signature – Nick Lewis is your first port of call
3. Fire-fighting
   1. Masters’ supervisors will be receiving AS512 forms from sciencepg@auckland.ac.nz. Please complete Part A of the forms as quickly as possible and email to Phil Shane (ie recommend examiners and fill in any fields that are incomplete in terms of co-supervisors, student name and ID number, thesis title etc). DO NOT send AS512 forms to Robin. Phil will initiate the process of HoD nominee sign-off.
   2. More to come I’m sure….
4. New processes are being developed centrally to administer Masters programmes, and we can expect to see something akin to Wahapū – especially given the changes to postgraduate programmes being signalled from Curriculum Transformation initiatives

Nick

Associate Professor, School of Environment

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Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities 

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Halfway through transition period to public launch! 18% of faculty of science profiles have been reviewed!

We encourage everyone who has not done it yet, to complete the review of their profiles by the end of May, as Discovery Profiles will be visible publicly from early June. It is likely that irrelevant information was imported from your original profile. You may also want to update this profile picture you uploaded at the time you joined UoA! 😊

There are plenty of learning and support resources available. For more information please see the Discovery Profiles News and FAQs pages, or contact the Staff Service Centre.

Thanks for your continued support of this initiative.

 

Winds of Change 2022 – Applications Now Open for postgraduate students

Now in its third year, the Winds of Change programme has established a strong network of young leaders who come together online to investigate common climate change issues and how sustainable development strategies can be created for the future.

Who can apply?

Current and recently completed postgraduate students with an interest in climate change and a general background in the sciences, business, science communication, or the humanities. We will also consider applications for undergraduates in their final year of study that have demonstrated independent research experience. We expect that these candidates will discuss aspects of this research experience in their applications.

If you know potential candidates, encourage them to apply here by the 3rd of June: https://airtable.com/shr4YV9esGIabvDSG

 

Stories for world environment day

Central is pulling together some stories that focus on sustainability-linked projects/research at UoA, for multi-channel delivery to celebrate world environment day on 5 June. They are looking for 2 or 3 projects from FoS that focus on environmental sustainability. Would you like to have your project featured? Please email Stephanie Look

 

Geologize Practical Geocommunication online course

Last year, we acquired a 12 month site-license allowing all UoA staff and students, and limited alumni FREE access to Geologize’s critically acclaimed and widely accredited course, ‘Practical Geocommunication’. You also have FREE access to Geoscience Outreach in Schools mini-course (by Out There Learning Ltd) as part of the package until June 2022. All together this is worth $720 NZD per person, so please take advantage of this. Otago University are also now offering the course.

The training helps geoscientists become more effective and powerful public ambassadors for our field, something the geosciences urgently need. It will also look great on your CV, so there is nothing to lose and everything to gain from this opportunity. And as Warren Buffet, the famous American investor said “The one easy way to become worth at least 50 percent more than you are now, is to hone your communication skills”.

HOW TO ENROL ON THE COURSE

UoA’s unique access code is: auck-pggz-2122

1) Head over to https://training.geologize.org/courses/auckland (Links to an external site.)

2) Click on ‘UNIVERSITY ACCESS’
3) Register (Free. This MUST be your university address)
4) Click on the link ‘Have a coupon?’
5) Enter the code above. This will apply the discount.
6) Start learning!

The number of times this coupon can be used is limited to the those at UoA, so please do not share this code to those outside our institution. If you attempt to enrol with a non-UoA e-mail you will be unenrolled.

Learners follow the course at their own pace and you will have lessons, quizzes, assignments and the opportunity to interact directly Dr Haydon Mort, the course teacher through the forums. A certificate is provided at the end of the course, with the seals of the many international organisations who endorse this course.

Enjoy!

Martin Brook

 

Honours Research Projects and sub-90 points Masters dissertations 

Dear colleagues,

Thank you to everyone who supervised and/or examined Honours Research projects and sub-90-point Masters projects/dissertations in 2021. Your time and effort in supervising students and/or examining projects in what was a disrupted year, protracted by deadline extensions, is greatly appreciated. The 2021 cohort should now be all finished and moving onto new things.

In 2022, we have students completing Honours and MENVSCI 30-point research projects, and Bachelor of Advanced Science 60-point dissertations, with submissions in Semester 1 (Monday 27 June) and Semester 2 (Monday 14 November).

For your diary:  

• S1 Honours and MENVSCI Oral presentations– Wednesday 8 June. Time and venue to be confirmed.
• S2 Honours, MENVSCI and BAdvSci Oral Presentations – Wednesday 26 October. Time and venue to be confirmed.

These are on the same day as Masters presentations and every effort will be made to avoid clashes.

Finally, if you are supervising Honours/MENVSCI/BAdvSci students this year, please ensure their project is achievable within the one- or two-semester timeframe and that it can be completed under pandemic conditions. Please encourage your student(s) to meet the end-of-semester submission date too, even if Covid-19 extensions are again offered by the Faculty; it is helpful to the students, for getting grades back in time to go on to further study or work, and to those involved in the examination process if we can all stick to the schedule.

Kind regards

Gretel Boswijk

(Honours coordinator)

 

Masters Research Seminars  8 June 2022 — Rm 302-G20

Students who started in S2, 2021 will present their preliminary results. These are 10 minute oral talks followed by 5 minutes of questions. They are designed to assist students with the direction that their project is going in. Supervisors should support their students and all staff should support the research culture in our school.. This is an on-campus seminar series. However, we may revert to Zoom if campus access is not possible. Below is a preliminary schedule.

Cheers,

Phil Shane (coordinator)

Time	Name		Topic
9.00	KoKo	Lat	rock mass quality from seismic refraction surveying
9.15	Adi	Levy	Engineering Geological and Liquefaction Assessment
9.30	James	Wilson	Rock Characteristics on foreshore morphology
9.45	Amber	Peek	Environmental Education and Data Generation
10.00	Kenzi	Yee	Insects as food (for who?)
10.15	Elliot	Stevens	‘Voice of the River’ in catchment management
10.30	Jaynie	Yang	Root production and root exudations in kauri forests

 

Kia Ora Disaster Researchers!

Welcome to the Disastrous Doctorates 2022 has a new date! The DD2022 symposium is rescheduled for 11-13 July. It will be hosted by The University of Auckland in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. At this time, this conference is moving forward with in-person attendance.

Please follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the most up-to-date information.

Disastrous Doctorates is an annual multi-day symposium for PhD students enrolled at a New Zealand university who are directly studying disaster-related topics. It is organized by PhD students for PhD students. The symposium provides a forum for students to network and learn from each other and subject experts, share best practices and learn helpful tips on managing a PhD career and beyond. We welcome students from across the full range of disciplines, including social sciences, engineering, geology, geography, and law.

Please register on the link below;

Official Registration Form – Disastrous Doctorates (wordpress.com)

 

Presentation of PhD research in EGU-2022

Niraj Bal Tamang, a third year PhD student at the School of Environment, is presenting his ongoing research titled “Network-scale analysis of sedimentary hotspots in dynamic, seismically-active steepland rivers” in the European Geosciences  Union (EGU) General Assembly 2022 at Vienna, Austria. The work is based upon the interaction of the network-scale sediment transport modelling and the individual channel classification in 16 catchments of the upper South Island, New Zealand, from where the sediment transport behavior in the form of sedimentary hotspots will be tied up with the respective channel type and the overall pattern is analyzed to give the response. The presentation (ID EGU22-1395) is scheduled under GM2.1 program within New approaches for monitoring and modelling sediment transport section, at 18:17-18:24 (CEST) on May 26, and also has been highlighted by the session convenors for public interest.

More details about the program and abstract can be accessed through the following link:

Tamang, N. B. and Tunnicliffe, J.: Network-scale analysis of sedimentary hotspots in dynamic, seismically-active steepland rivers, EGU General Assembly 2022, Vienna, Austria, 23–27 May 2022, EGU22-1395, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu22-1395

 

SouthSci and WeSTEM – STEM Partner Role Description
Participatory science platforms (PSP) connect STEM experts with school and community groups, to explore a research or design question and engage youth in STEM. Please see for more information: SouthSci WeSTEM STEM partner role – 2022.

 

Dustsafe Aotearoa: our new community programme

Are you interested to know the concentration of metals in your home dust and/or, would you like to support colleagues (Emma and Melanie) and PG student (Declan) in mapping metals in home dust across Aotearoa NZ?

It is a free and easy! You just need to complete a short survey online and bring your dust to reception Level 6 (we are happy to get your whole vacuum bag if that’s easier).

Feel free to share this opportunity with your family, friends and broader community. It is a time-limited programme, so we hope to receive your sample soon!

Check out the details on our website at http://dustsafe.auckland.ac.nz.

 

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Funding

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Plastics Innovation Fund

***Application Deadline 20 June 2022***

The purpose of the Plastics Innovation Fund is to support projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment. The fund is seeking to fund projects that find ways to use less plastic and make what we do use reusable or recyclable.  It is targeted at projects that: minimise plastic waste; support circular solutions; protect the environment from harm; support the reduction of imported plastic; and improve the behaviour of people and businesses (up the waste hierarchy).  For further information visit the funder website or refer the Funder guidelines.  You can also view a One-hour webinar about the fund

 

Waka Kotahi Innovation Fund

Waka Kotahi Innovation Fund has been set up by Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to support the private sector to develop and accelerate innovative solutions that will help to solve some of New Zealand’s biggest transport challenges. Hoe ki angitū is only open to the private sector which includes: Start-ups, Iwi, Domestic and international companies, Community groups, Research institutions, and University groups. The funding available for round one of Hoe ki angitū is $3.5 million.

Internal Deadline for application: 5pm Wednesday 22 June 2022. Email your title, full name, email address, faculty/department and the funder/scheme to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz to receive the application template.

A webinar about this funding round will be held by the funder on 25 May 2022 at 12:30pm. To attend the webinar use this link to register with the funder. 

 

FoS New Staff Grant

Eligible new staff will be able to apply for a New Staff grant of $20k.As we are transitioning to a new internal funding process, all new staff who have joined the Faculty since 1 January 2020 will be eligible to apply in 2022. Applications are now open and the closing date for submission is 30th June 2022. Full details, guidelines and the application form are available on the Faculty of Science Staff Intranet – New Staff Research Grant page.

 

Call for Applications: New Zealand-German Academic Exchange Programme

Education New Zealand supports early-career researchers from New Zealand to collaborate on research projects in Germany. The call for the Programmes for Project-Related Personal Exchange (PPP) opened on 6 April 2022 (CET). You can find more information about the programme, application requirements, and the link to the application portal on the Education New Zealand Scholarships and Grants site.

Applications will close on 30 June at 11:59 PM NZT.

For any questions, please contact Jina Kim, International Networks Coordinator on jina.kim@auckland.ac.nz

Background information:

New Zealand-German Academic Partnership Event recording of the event.

For more information on the PPP mobility scheme, including requirements for applicants, please follow: https://www.daad.org/en/ppp/

 

2023 MBIE Endeavour Fund Support Sessions

Details on the support for MBIE Endeavour Fund 2023 is available on the Research Hub. There are a number of other events and workshops on offer, details of which can be found on the Research Hub.

 

The Research Committee Funding available

This is for activities to benefit Postdocs and RFs and allow them to connect.

To all those who fall into the following categories:

– Postdocs/Research Fellows;

– People conducting research on non-permanent contracts at the post-doctoral level,

We invite you to contact the new RF rep in the Rangahau/Research committee Joa Paredes-Mariño (for RFs/postdocs) joa.paredes.marino@auckland.ac.nz, for further information

 

3k writing grant available for students

Funds are available to support students writing up their thesis as publication(s). Each grant is worth $3000 (120 hours at 25$ all included). There is no deadline to apply. Applications are evaluated as they come by members of Rangahau (2 weeks turn over max.), until we use all the funds available.

Do you have a good candidate in mind? Please complete this form and submit to melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz.

 

Funding for class meet and greets

The Student Experience Committee has limited funding available for class related activities. If you want to run a class event, online or otherwise (challenging given the current restrictions), and would benefit from some funds, please contact Joe (j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz). The Committee would prefer to fund several small events rather than one big one (but we are open to suggestions).

 

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Health, Safety and Wellbeing

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Please email content to Iliane Gomez Vilchis for next edition of P-cubed by Friday

HeadsUp

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I trust you are enjoying being back on campus more. Seeing many of you last Monday afternoon at the welcome back drinks reminded me of the first 3-D movie I saw as a child: it felt both real and unreal at the same time.  I’m sure the novelty may wear off, but not for a while. It was a long pause between time in the buildings and occasions like last Monday. Let us never take anything for granted!

During the many weeks off-campus I often took a break walking the beach. I’d often stop, finding myself staring at the waves for no particular reason. It seems a wonder that one always follows another. My fascination for waves has remained long after precise details of their origins and generation learnt in coastal geomorphology have receded.

Waves are such a pervasive metaphor for what rolls our way incessantly. Like organisational change.  Three such processes are upon us: one in each of teaching, research and admin. We need to stay alert to ensure they don’t wash over us.

First, the Curriculum Transformation Project. Next week we get the chance to being to consider and react to changes proposed by this university-wide Project. They may yet have implications as deep-reaching on our teaching programmes as the External School Review. Fortunately, in Murray, Mel and Marie we have colleagues deeply immersed in the process who can offer clarifications and elaborations. Please stay tuned for a hui (like those held for the Review but shorter and necessarily very soon) to consider and discuss aspects that will potentially most impact our teaching programmes.

Second, the way in which we present ourselves and the research we do to the world is under change. As Melanie describes below, as Rangahau Chair, we are asked to edit our individual profile which will be a public-facing account of what we do. As I found out last night, material imported certainly needs updating and amending. Again, an important wave of change to ride and not be overwhelmed by.

Third,  we also are now seeing the new landscape of Student Service provision. Assistance for a range of areas for which we were accustomed to having familiar in-School face to go to are now being handled by a team. That team does include some people known to us however: Min-Young Lee and Tim Wade-Yeo will be known to many.   But here below are the contact email addresses to which we are asked to direct queries. And if there is a domain of assistance not immediately apparent in the list below are asked to inform Sean Maguire, the Academic Services Manager for the Faculty s.maguire@auckland.ac.nz

Non-standard requests that require faculty approvals: scienceprogrammeadvisers@auckland.ac.nz

 Student Hubs all student enquiries: studentinfo@auckland.ac.nz

 Application for Admissions queries: admissions@auckland.ac.nz

 Non-doctoral related support: sciencepg@auckland.ac.nz

 Doctoral related support: phdscience@auckland.ac.nz

 Regulations Amendments, CUAP proposals: u.taylor@auckland.ac.nz

 Timetabling support: sciencetimetabling@auckland.ac.nz

 Faculty scholarships & prizes: sciencepg@auckland.ac.nz

So, embrace the waves and see you on campus soon!

 

Robin Kearns,

Acting Head of School

 

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General Announcements

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The 20^th May is Pink Shirt Day for Mental Health Awareness. Check in with your desk or office neighbour and see how they’re going 🙂

Over the next couple of weeks look out for the Diversi-Tea cards around the School which you can use to get to know your colleagues.

 

Pacific Languages Week kicks off from the 8th May, to celebrate our cultural diversity! This event is part of the UNESCO Decade of Indigenous Languages

We’ll have some ways for you to practice your Pacific Language introductions over the next weeks – keep an eye out in the tea rooms on floors 4 and 5 of the School!

On behalf of the School of Environment Equity Committee

 

Postgraduate Research administration after the reforms (sounds like a Human Geography PhD title)

We have entered the new post-Liana realm of post-graduate research administration. It’s a lesson in just how much work is required in making systems work … and just how good Liana was at that job. Short of somehow stealing her back as the go to person for all queries, here’s a PG research specific guide to complement the more general post-reform guide to administrative roles produced in an earlier issue of P-Cubed:

 

1. Postgraduate student administrative queries – first step is to consult https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/current-students/postgraduate-students.html. In practice, that site will direct you to direct most queries to sciencepg@auckland.ac.nz. Academic programme advisors, supervisors, and the relevant postgraduate advisors listed below are also points of contact for academic, pastoral and other queries.
2. Staff administrative queries
   1. Matters to do with Honours and all sub-90 point masters theses – Gretel is normally the first port of call
   2. Matters to do with 90 and 120 masters theses – Phil Shane is first port of call
   3. PhD matters – Wahapū is the formal interface with the University for most students now and Jennifer Eccles is your contact in the School. For any students still on the old system please liaise with Jennifer.
   4. Anything that asks for an HoD (or nominee) signature – Nick Lewis is your first port of call
3. Fire-fighting
   1. Masters’ supervisors will be receiving AS512 forms from sciencepg@auckland.ac.nz. Please complete Part A of the forms as quickly as possible and email to Phil Shane (ie recommend examiners and fill in any fields that are incomplete in terms of co-supervisors, student name and ID number, thesis title etc). DO NOT send AS512 forms to Robin. Phil will initiate the process of HoD nominee sign-off.
   2. More to come I’m sure….
4. New processes are being developed centrally to administer Masters programmes, and we can expect to see something akin to Wahapū – especially given the changes to postgraduate programmes being signalled from Curriculum Transformation initiatives

Nick

Associate Professor, School of Environment

 

Geocomputation lab update 

The School of Environment’s Geocomputation Lab has reopened following a major upgrade. The lab now features 16 new, high-spec workstations to support the computational needs of researchers in the School. A variety of specialist CAD, GIS, photogrammetry, data analysis, coding and transcription software is installed.

To learn more about this facility and to discuss how it can be of use in your next project, contact the technician in charge Thomas Mules.

 

Milk options update

Hi all,

Thanks to the work from Indigo there is now lactose free, soy milk available for floor 4-6 within building 302 (primarily delivered to level 6).

Deliveries of milk occur every Thursday and Sunday.

Hope you enjoy!

 

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Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities 

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10th ENV seminar: 9^th of May, Monday 16:00 – 17:00  on Zoom + drinks in OGH 😊

Join us next Monday,   May, 9 from 4 pm to learn about research your colleagues do. All staff members and students from the School of Environment are warmly invited to attend this brilliant seminar. As you may be already aware we are running  the seminars every “three” months and so far they have been incredibly fascinating.

In the upcoming ENV Seminar, we will have three amazing presenters: Carolyn Lundquist, Larry Murphy and Joa Paredes Marino and their talks will be followed by in person and real drinks in OGH.

9^th of May, Monday 16:00 – 17:00  on Zoom Location: Zoom Meeting

https://auckland.zoom.us/j/8698433089

 

Sustainability Research Awards for Students

A reminder that we welcome applications for the Faculty of Science Student Sustainability Research Awards. Awards of up to $2,000 each are available to postgraduate research students within the Faculty of Science to support the student’s living costs. 

The awards are open to applications from postgraduate Honours, Masters or PhD students who are currently undertaking their research project and are enrolled in the Faculty of Science (or whose primary discipline is administered through the FoS). Preference will be given to projects that are likely to lead to tangible impacts such as changes in culture, practice or process, or in facilities and capabilities that improve sustainable outcomes. Preference will also be given to non-doctoral students and those without an existing stipend.

For students who have not yet commenced their research project we ask that you instead wait to apply in our second 2022 round, which will open in October 2022.

Applications for this round will close at 5pm on Sunday 15 May.

For more details and the application form, please check this link: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/about-the-faculty/sustainability/sustainability-network-research-awards.html

 

Newsletter of the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Geographical Society

Find the latest newsletter here where you will be able to find the “Geography Auckland Dialogues” event information that will take place on Tuesday 17th of May. 

 

Critical Questions for Urban Coastal Adaptation webinar and workshop  Malcolm Fraser from the i4 Programme (a collaborative network focussing on data science and artificial intelligence ) is preparing for a digital workshop for the Urban Coastal Adaptation to discuss what key questions should be asked about using data for urban coastal regions facing climate change concerns. 18^th May, 1PM.

Here is all the information plus the invite link: https://www.i4.community/events/critical-questions-for-urban-coastal-adaptation

 

Halfway through transition period to public launch! 18% of faculty of science profiles have been reviewed!

We encourage everyone who has not done it yet, to complete the review of their profiles by the end of May, as Discovery Profiles will be visible publicly from early June. It is likely that irrelevant information was imported from your original profile. You may also want to update this profile picture you uploaded at the time you joined UoA! 😊

There are plenty of learning and support resources available. For more information please see the Discovery Profiles News and FAQs pages, or contact the Staff Service Centre.

Thanks for your continued support of this initiative.

 

Winds of Change 2022 – Applications Now Open for postgraduate students

Now in its third year, the Winds of Change programme has established a strong network of young leaders who come together online to investigate common climate change issues and how sustainable development strategies can be created for the future.

Who can apply?

Current and recently completed postgraduate students with an interest in climate change and a general background in the sciences, business, science communication, or the humanities. We will also consider applications for undergraduates in their final year of study that have demonstrated independent research experience. We expect that these candidates will discuss aspects of this research experience in their applications.

If you know potential candidates, encourage them to apply here by the 3rd of June: https://airtable.com/shr4YV9esGIabvDSG

 

Geologize Practical Geocommunication online course

Last year, we acquired a 12 month site-license allowing all UoA staff and students, and limited alumni FREE access to Geologize’s critically acclaimed and widely accredited course, ‘Practical Geocommunication’. You also have FREE access to Geoscience Outreach in Schools mini-course (by Out There Learning Ltd) as part of the package until June 2022. All together this is worth $720 NZD per person, so please take advantage of this. Otago University are also now offering the course.

The training helps geoscientists become more effective and powerful public ambassadors for our field, something the geosciences urgently need. It will also look great on your CV, so there is nothing to lose and everything to gain from this opportunity. And as Warren Buffet, the famous American investor said “The one easy way to become worth at least 50 percent more than you are now, is to hone your communication skills”.

HOW TO ENROL ON THE COURSE

UoA’s unique access code is: auck-pggz-2122

1) Head over to https://training.geologize.org/courses/auckland (Links to an external site.)

2) Click on ‘UNIVERSITY ACCESS’
3) Register (Free. This MUST be your university address)
4) Click on the link ‘Have a coupon?’
5) Enter the code above. This will apply the discount.
6) Start learning!

The number of times this coupon can be used is limited to the those at UoA, so please do not share this code to those outside our institution. If you attempt to enrol with a non-UoA e-mail you will be unenrolled.

Learners follow the course at their own pace and you will have lessons, quizzes, assignments and the opportunity to interact directly Dr Haydon Mort, the course teacher through the forums. A certificate is provided at the end of the course, with the seals of the many international organisations who endorse this course.

Enjoy!

Martin Brook

 

Honours Research Projects and sub-90 points Masters dissertations 

Dear colleagues,

Thank you to everyone who supervised and/or examined Honours Research projects and sub-90-point Masters projects/dissertations in 2021. Your time and effort in supervising students and/or examining projects in what was a disrupted year, protracted by deadline extensions, is greatly appreciated. The 2021 cohort should now be all finished and moving onto new things.

In 2022, we have students completing Honours and MENVSCI 30-point research projects, and Bachelor of Advanced Science 60-point dissertations, with submissions in Semester 1 (Monday 27 June) and Semester 2 (Monday 14 November).

For your diary:  

• S1 Honours and MENVSCI Oral presentations– Wednesday 8 June. Time and venue to be confirmed.
• S2 Honours, MENVSCI and BAdvSci Oral Presentations – Wednesday 26 October. Time and venue to be confirmed.

These are on the same day as Masters presentations and every effort will be made to avoid clashes.

Finally, if you are supervising Honours/MENVSCI/BAdvSci students this year, please ensure their project is achievable within the one- or two-semester timeframe and that it can be completed under pandemic conditions. Please encourage your student(s) to meet the end-of-semester submission date too, even if Covid-19 extensions are again offered by the Faculty; it is helpful to the students, for getting grades back in time to go on to further study or work, and to those involved in the examination process if we can all stick to the schedule.

Kind regards

Gretel Boswijk

(Honours coordinator)

 

Masters Research Seminars  8 June 2022 — Rm 302-G20

Students who started in S2, 2021 will present their preliminary results. These are 10 minute oral talks followed by 5 minutes of questions. They are designed to assist students with the direction that their project is going in. Supervisors should support their students and all staff should support the research culture in our school.. This is an on-campus seminar series. However, we may revert to Zoom if campus access is not possible. Below is a preliminary schedule.

Cheers,

Phil Shane (coordinator)

Time	Name		Topic
9.00	KoKo	Lat	rock mass quality from seismic refraction surveying
9.15	Adi	Levy	Engineering Geological and Liquefaction Assessment
9.30	James	Wilson	Rock Characteristics on foreshore morphology
9.45	Amber	Peek	Environmental Education and Data Generation
10.00	Kenzi	Yee	Insects as food (for who?)
10.15	Elliot	Stevens	‘Voice of the River’ in catchment management
10.30	Jaynie	Yang	Root production and root exudations in kauri forests

 

Kia Ora Disaster Researchers!

Welcome to the Disastrous Doctorates 2022 has a new date! The DD2022 symposium is rescheduled for 11-13 July. It will be hosted by The University of Auckland in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. At this time, this conference is moving forward with in-person attendance.

Please follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the most up-to-date information.

Disastrous Doctorates is an annual multi-day symposium for PhD students enrolled at a New Zealand university who are directly studying disaster-related topics. It is organized by PhD students for PhD students. The symposium provides a forum for students to network and learn from each other and subject experts, share best practices and learn helpful tips on managing a PhD career and beyond. We welcome students from across the full range of disciplines, including social sciences, engineering, geology, geography, and law.

Please register on the link below;

Official Registration Form – Disastrous Doctorates (wordpress.com)

 

Smartphone Video DIY workshop 

The Rangahau/Research Committee has organized a workshop called: “4 hr Smartphone Video DIY workshop”, where the idea is that people participating try and produce a video about their research so that material can show the research going on in the school, which can be used later for outreach.

It is open to postdoc, staff, and also PhD students as long as participants agree to produce one video about their research that can be used on the University’s social media.

This workshop was organized to be held before the lockdown, so there are some people that already signed up for it. The good news is that there are still 5 spots left. If any of you is interested send me an email at joa.paredes.marino@auckland.ac.nz, those spots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis

The idea is to have an in-person workshop, here at University, after May 2nd and as soon as we have all the participants sign up.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

 

Presentation of PhD research in EGU-2022

Niraj Bal Tamang, a third year PhD student at the School of Environment, is presenting his ongoing research titled “Network-scale analysis of sedimentary hotspots in dynamic, seismically-active steepland rivers” in the European Geosciences  Union (EGU) General Assembly 2022 at Vienna, Austria. The work is based upon the interaction of the network-scale sediment transport modelling and the individual channel classification in 16 catchments of the upper South Island, New Zealand, from where the sediment transport behavior in the form of sedimentary hotspots will be tied up with the respective channel type and the overall pattern is analyzed to give the response. The presentation (ID EGU22-1395) is scheduled under GM2.1 program within New approaches for monitoring and modelling sediment transport section, at 18:17-18:24 (CEST) on May 26, and also has been highlighted by the session convenors for public interest.

More details about the program and abstract can be accessed through the following link:

Tamang, N. B. and Tunnicliffe, J.: Network-scale analysis of sedimentary hotspots in dynamic, seismically-active steepland rivers, EGU General Assembly 2022, Vienna, Austria, 23–27 May 2022, EGU22-1395, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu22-1395

 

SouthSci and WeSTEM – STEM Partner Role Description
Participatory science platforms (PSP) connect STEM experts with school and community groups, to explore a research or design question and engage youth in STEM. Please see for more information: SouthSci WeSTEM STEM partner role – 2022.

 

Dustsafe Aotearoa: our new community programme

Are you interested to know the concentration of metals in your home dust and/or, would you like to support colleagues (Emma and Melanie) and PG student (Declan) in mapping metals in home dust across Aotearoa NZ?

It is a free and easy! You just need to complete a short survey online and bring your dust to reception Level 6 (we are happy to get your whole vacuum bag if that’s easier).

Feel free to share this opportunity with your family, friends and broader community. It is a time-limited programme, so we hope to receive your sample soon!

Check out the details on our website at http://dustsafe.auckland.ac.nz.

 

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Funding

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Outreach activities funding

The ENV Outreach Committee is providing contestable funds for School of Environment staff members (including research and teaching fellows) to support outreach projects. The project can be of any nature to promote SoE rangahau/research or the science behind our majors. Activities could involve kura/schools, the public and whakawhanaungatanga. The funds can cover travel, materials, RA time, venue hire, etc. Initially the funds are capped at NZD 1000 per project, but if the call is undersubscribed, we can raise this limit.

To apply, please fill this Application Form and email it to Mila Adam (l.adam@auckland.ac.nz) by May 20th. Funds need to be used by October 2022 and activities can start by June 1st.

 

Plastics Innovation Fund

***Application Deadline 20 June 2022***

The purpose of the Plastics Innovation Fund is to support projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment. The fund is seeking to fund projects that find ways to use less plastic and make what we do use reusable or recyclable.  It is targeted at projects that: minimise plastic waste; support circular solutions; protect the environment from harm; support the reduction of imported plastic; and improve the behaviour of people and businesses (up the waste hierarchy).  For further information visit the funder website or refer the Funder guidelines.  You can also view a One-hour webinar about the fund

 

FoS New Staff Grant

Eligible new staff will be able to apply for a New Staff grant of $20k.As we are transitioning to a new internal funding process, all new staff who have joined the Faculty since 1 January 2020 will be eligible to apply in 2022. Applications are now open and the closing date for submission is 30th June 2022. Full details, guidelines and the application form are available on the Faculty of Science Staff Intranet – New Staff Research Grant page.

 

Call for Applications: New Zealand-German Academic Exchange Programme

Education New Zealand supports early-career researchers from New Zealand to collaborate on research projects in Germany. The call for the Programmes for Project-Related Personal Exchange (PPP) opened on 6 April 2022 (CET). You can find more information about the programme, application requirements, and the link to the application portal on the Education New Zealand Scholarships and Grants site.

Applications will close on 30 June at 11:59 PM NZT.

For any questions, please contact Jina Kim, International Networks Coordinator on jina.kim@auckland.ac.nz

Background information:

New Zealand-German Academic Partnership Event recording of the event.

For more information on the PPP mobility scheme, including requirements for applicants, please follow: https://www.daad.org/en/ppp/

2023 MBIE Endeavour Fund Support Sessions

Details on the support for MBIE Endeavour Fund 2023 is available on the Research Hub. There are a number of other events and workshops on offer, details of which can be found on the Research Hub.

 

The Research Committee Funding available

This is for activities to benefit Postdocs and RFs and allow them to connect.

To all those who fall into the following categories:

– Postdocs/Research Fellows;

– People conducting research on non-permanent contracts at the post-doctoral level,

We invite you to contact the new RF rep in the Rangahau/Research committee Joa Paredes-Mariño (for RFs/postdocs) joa.paredes.marino@auckland.ac.nz, for further information

 

3k writing grant available for students

Funds are available to support students writing up their thesis as publication(s). Each grant is worth $3000 (120 hours at 25$ all included). There is no deadline to apply. Applications are evaluated as they come by members of Rangahau (2 weeks turn over max.), until we use all the funds available.

Do you have a good candidate in mind? Please complete this form and submit to melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz.

 

Funding for class meet and greets

The Student Experience Committee has limited funding available for class related activities. If you want to run a class event, online or otherwise (challenging given the current restrictions), and would benefit from some funds, please contact Joe (j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz). The Committee would prefer to fund several small events rather than one big one (but we are open to suggestions).

 

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Health, Safety and Wellbeing

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Publications

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S.J. Watson, M. Ribó, S. Seabrook, L.J. Strachan, R. Hale & G. Lamarche (2002) The footprint of ship anchoring on the seafloor. Scientific Reports, 12:7500

 

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Please email content to Iliane Gomez Vilchis for next edition of P-cubed by Friday

HeadsUp

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I was supposed to be on Rakiura this week doing interviews for a project on community impacts of tourism. But with Covid still doing the rounds, it seemed only right to postpone visiting (for the second time). Here on another island, the virus is still getting its claws into people. Yesterday I delivered dinner to the doorstep of a bed-bound PhD supervisee. We’re not out of the woods yet, as they say.

Another proverbial expression comes to mind as I approach colleagues to join an ad hoc appointments committee: Ask and you shall receive.  With the School Review having identified GISci as a key growth area for us, I proposed a PTF position in this teaching area. Not only was this approved but I was told by the Dean we could be more ambitious and make the position a lectureship. So, we are underway with a second job search for the year. Who would have guessed!

Speaking of the Review, George and I spent a good deal of time over the last two weeks distilling the deliberations of the Action Area groups according to the required Implementation Plan template.   I am hoping all of you will read the penultimate version I’ve circulated for (brief, please!) comments. And, aroha mai again for the very tight timeframe.  As one colleague suggested, we need to find a way to convey to readers the distributed and deliberative manner in which our plan was developed. Indeed we will. I suspect that, in proceeding in this manner, our School has allowed more voice in responding to an External Review than many academic units achieve. Again, thanks to all for your efforts. It will be good to have this next stage of the Review behind us as we submit it on 2nd May, the same day as the second half the semester begins and, more momentously, we see a return to in-person teaching.

Other notices:

A reminder: To mark the return to the in-person second half of semester, I look forward to seeing many of you for celebratory drinks – in the 302 6th Floor break-out space from 3pm on Monday 2^nd May.

Faculty of Science Student Sustainability Research Awards. Awards of up to $2,000 each are available to postgraduate research students within the Faculty of Science to support students’ living costs. Applications for this round will close at 5pm on Sunday 15 May.

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/about-the-faculty/sustainability/sustainability-network-research-awards.html

Travel: As the world opens up again please remember that all travel and accommodation must be booked via Orbit (unless they determine that they cannot assist)

Congratulations:  Carolyn Lundquist is a researcher/mentor on one of the MBIE VCMF proposals led by a recent postdoc Tom Brough (NIWA) in collaboration with Patuharakeke in Whangarei.

 

Robin Kearns,

Acting Head of School

 

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Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities

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Honours Research Projects and sub-90 points Masters dissertations 

Dear colleagues,

Thank you to everyone who supervised and/or examined Honours Research projects and sub-90-point Masters projects/dissertations in 2021. Your time and effort in supervising students and/or examining projects in what was a disrupted year, protracted by deadline extensions, is greatly appreciated. The 2021 cohort should now be all finished and moving onto new things.

In 2022, we have students completing Honours and MENVSCI 30-point research projects, and Bachelor of Advanced Science 60-point dissertations, with submissions in Semester 1 (Monday 27 June) and Semester 2 (Monday 14 November).

For your diary:  

• S1 Honours and MENVSCI Oral presentations– Wednesday 8 June. Time and venue to be confirmed.
• S2 Honours, MENVSCI and BAdvSci Oral Presentations – Wednesday 26 October. Time and venue to be confirmed.

These are on the same day as Masters presentations and every effort will be made to avoid clashes.

Finally, if you are supervising Honours/MENVSCI/BAdvSci students this year, please ensure their project is achievable within the one- or two-semester timeframe and that it can be completed under pandemic conditions. Please encourage your student(s) to meet the end-of-semester submission date too, even if Covid-19 extensions are again offered by the Faculty; it is helpful to the students, for getting grades back in time to go on to further study or work, and to those involved in the examination process if we can all stick to the schedule.

Kind regards

Gretel Boswijk

(Honours coordinator)

 

SouthSci and WeSTEM – STEM Partner Role Description
Participatory science platforms (PSP) connect STEM experts with school and community groups, to explore a research or design question and engage youth in STEM. Please see for more information: SouthSci WeSTEM STEM partner role – 2022.

 

Masters Research Seminars  8 June 2022 — Rm 302-G20

Students who started in S2, 2021 will present their preliminary results. These are 10 minute oral talks followed by 5 minutes of questions. They are designed to assist students with the direction that their project is going in. Supervisors should support their students and all staff should support the research culture in our school.. This is an on-campus seminar series. However, we may revert to Zoom if campus access is not possible. Below is a preliminary schedule.

Cheers,

Phil Shane (coordinator)

Time	Name		Topic
9.00	KoKo	Lat	rock mass quality from seismic refraction surveying
9.15	Adi	Levy	Engineering Geological and Liquefaction Assessment
9.30	James	Wilson	Rock Characteristics on foreshore morphology
9.45	Amber	Peek	Environmental Education and Data Generation
10.00	Kenzi	Yee	Insects as food (for who?)
10.15	Elliot	Stevens	‘Voice of the River’ in catchment management
10.30	Jaynie	Yang	Root production and root exudations in kauri forests

 

Another PBRF consultation!

The 4^th round of consultation is looking at how the Moderation Team is composed.

https://www.tec.govt.nz/assets/Consultation-Documents/SRG-Consultation-paper-4-Moderation-Team-roles-and-person-specifications.pdf

There is only one option proposed by TEC – to have two co-moderators with one to be a recognised expert in Mātauranga Māori. We are asked if we support this option and what our preferred model would be if we don’t support it. Also, if there are any changes we’d suggest to the proposed option if we do support it. The university is collecting feedback by 27 April, so if it was possible to get reactions or suggestions by 26 April that would be wonderful. Please send any feedback directly to Robert directly (trebor@cs.auckland.ac.nz).

 

Smartphone Video DIY workshop

The Rangahau/Research Committee has organized a workshop called: “4 hr Smartphone Video DIY workshop”, where the idea is that people participating try and produce a video about their research so that material can show the research going on in the school, which can be used later for outreach.

It is open to postdoc, staff, and also PhD students as long as participants agree to produce one video about their research that can be used on the University’s social media.

This workshop was organized to be held before the lockdown, so there are some people that already signed up for it. The good news is that there are still 5 spots left. If any of you is interested send me an email at joa.paredes.marino@auckland.ac.nz, those spots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis

The idea is to have an in-person workshop, here at University, after May 2nd and as soon as we have all the participants sign up.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

 

Presentation of PhD research in EGU-2022

Niraj Bal Tamang, a third year PhD student at the School of Environment, is presenting his ongoing research titled “Network-scale analysis of sedimentary hotspots in dynamic, seismically-active steepland rivers” in the European Geosciences  Union (EGU) General Assembly 2022 at Vienna, Austria. The work is based upon the interaction of the network-scale sediment transport modelling and the individual channel classification in 16 catchments of the upper South Island, New Zealand, from where the sediment transport behavior in the form of sedimentary hotspots will be tied up with the respective channel type and the overall pattern is analyzed to give the response. The presentation (ID EGU22-1395) is scheduled under GM2.1 program within New approaches for monitoring and modelling sediment transport section, at 18:17-18:24 (CEST) on May 26, and also has been highlighted by the session convenors for public interest.

More details about the program and abstract can be accessed through the following link:

Tamang, N. B. and Tunnicliffe, J.: Network-scale analysis of sedimentary hotspots in dynamic, seismically-active steepland rivers, EGU General Assembly 2022, Vienna, Austria, 23–27 May 2022, EGU22-1395, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu22-1395

 

ENV Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Committee – TIP

 

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Funding

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The Research Committee has funding available for activities to benefit Postdocs and RFs and allow them to connect.

To all those who fall into the following categories:

– Postdocs/Research Fellows;

– People conducting research on non-permanent contracts at the post-doctoral level,

We invite you to contact the new RF rep in the Rangahau/Research committee Joa Paredes-Mariño (for RFs/postdocs) joa.paredes.marino@auckland.ac.nz, for further information

 

3k writing grant available for students

Funds are available to support students writing up their thesis as publication(s). Each grant is worth $3000 (120 hours at 25$ all included). There is no deadline to apply. Applications are evaluated as they come by members of Rangahau (2 weeks turn over max.), until we use all the funds available.

Do you have a good candidate in mind? Please complete this form and submit to melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz.

 

Funding for class meet and greets

The Student Experience Committee has limited funding available for class related activities. If you want to run a class event, online or otherwise (challenging given the current restrictions), and would benefit from some funds, please contact Joe (j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz). The Committee would prefer to fund several small events rather than one big one (but we are open to suggestions).

 

2023 CapEx applications now open

https://auckland.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Rew1VYtLrpvkGO

Applications will close 5pm Friday April 29^th.

Any questions can be directed to Blair Sowman.

 

COVID-19 Hardship Fund – New closing date for Tranche 1: 29 April 2022

Support for critically impacted research projects through the COVID-19 Hardship Fund.

2021 was a challenging year for our University research community, navigating through a prolonged COVID-19 disruption. We acknowledge that many Researchers have been assessing the 2021 impacts on projects and taking the time to consider research plans in the context of COVID-19 Protection Framework settings.

Tranche 1 funding is targeted at Principal Investigators of externally funded research projects impacted by COVID-19 and ending before 31 Dec 2022.

 

James Cook Research Fellowships 

The James Cook Research Fellowships are awarded to researchers who have achieved national and international recognition in their area of scientific research. Funding is for Senior Researcher Fellowships in Biological, Engineering and Physical Sciences for up to $110,000 for two years.

Internal Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 03 May 2022. Email the following information to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz for James Cook Fellowship portal access: title (e.g. Dr, A/P, Professor), full name, email address, faculty, and department. Guidelines available here.

 

Plastics Innovation Fund

***Application Deadline 20 June 2022***

The purpose of the Plastics Innovation Fund is to support projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment. The fund is seeking to fund projects that find ways to use less plastic and make what we do use reusable or recyclable.  It is targeted at projects that: minimise plastic waste; support circular solutions; protect the environment from harm; support the reduction of imported plastic; and improve the behaviour of people and businesses (up the waste hierarchy).  For further information visit the funder website or refer the Funder guidelines.  You can also view a One-hour webinar about the fund

 

FoS New Staff Grant

Eligible new staff will be able to apply for a New Staff grant of $20k.As we are transitioning to a new internal funding process, all new staff who have joined the Faculty since 1 January 2020 will be eligible to apply in 2022. Applications are now open and the closing date for submission is 30th June 2022. Full details, guidelines and the application form are available on the Faculty of Science Staff Intranet – New Staff Research Grant page.

 

Call for Applications: New Zealand-German Academic Exchange Programme

Education New Zealand supports early-career researchers from New Zealand to collaborate on research projects in Germany. The call for the Programmes for Project-Related Personal Exchange (PPP) opened on 6 April 2022 (CET). You can find more information about the programme, application requirements, and the link to the application portal on the Education New Zealand Scholarships and Grants site.

Applications will close on 30 June at 11:59 PM NZT.

For any questions, please contact Jina Kim, International Networks Coordinator on jina.kim@auckland.ac.nz

Background information:

New Zealand-German Academic Partnership Event recording of the event.

For more information on the PPP mobility scheme, including requirements for applicants, please follow: https://www.daad.org/en/ppp/

 

Outreach activities funding

The ENV Outreach Committee is providing contestable funds for School of Environment staff members (including research and teaching fellows) to support outreach projects. The project can be of any nature to promote SoE rangahau/research or the science behind our majors. Activities could involve kura/schools, the public and whakawhanaungatanga. The funds can cover travel, materials, RA time, venue hire, etc. Initially the funds are capped at NZD 1000 per project, but if the call is undersubscribed, we can raise this limit.

To apply, please fill this Application Form and email it to Mila Adam (l.adam@auckland.ac.nz) by May 20th. Funds need to be used by October 2022 and activities can start by June 1st.

 

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Publications

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Sharp EL, Brierley B., Salmond JA and Lewis, N. (2022) Geoethical Futures: A Call for More-Than-Human Physical Geography. Environment and Planning F: Philosophy, Theory, Models, Methods and Practice 1(1)

 

Isley C, Fry K and Sharp EL and Taylor M (2022) Bringing citizen science to life: Evaluation of a national citizen science program for public benefit. Environmental Science & Policy. 134, 23-33.

 

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Please email content to Iliane Gomez Vilchis for next edition of P-cubed by Friday

HeadsUp

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“Seeing is believing”. That old proverb sums up the power of observation, a power that can be derived from both ‘real-world’ phenomena and data derived from the world.  “Look before you leap”. Another proverb that speaks to observation and lies behind something we’ve heard so often during the pandemic: an abundance of caution.

This last weekend, two occasions here on the motu reminded me of the importance of observation as the foundation of science.

First, I linked up with the Geog250 field trip. In response to necessary caution in Covid times, Joe Fagan and colleagues had redesigned the Waiheke excursion so that it was entirely based on observation, punctuated by pauses with comments from staff and tailor-made explanatory apps. As far as I could tell, the walking school bus of students seemed to be enjoying the experience and were seeing the landscapes in a suitably analytical light. This seemed to me to be a great outcome: sacrificing small group exercises and data collection but keeping and adapting the actual field experience. And for me, joining the group for only a couple of kilometres, it was a case of ‘seeing is believing’ what can be done with a bit of creativity in these times.

My second experience of the power of observation last week occurred more in the domain of citizen science than science education. In response to a question in Parliament the Minister of Conservation responded that DoC had advised her there were no active kororā (little penguin) burrows in the rock wall being dismantled for a massive marina development at Pūtiki Bay here on Waiheke.  That assertion ran counter to our local knowledge, so eight of us kept vigil late into last Wednesday evening observing and recording the mystical calls of the kororā in cavities beneath our feet on the rock wall. Supplied with this evidence, our local MP posed an updated question to the Minister the next day. In response, the Minister admitted she had been supplied with poor evidence by her Department and that she would henceforth be insisting representatives monitor the site with more vigilance.

How often our carefully-crafted papers take months if not years to appear in print and then have negligible impact in the political/environmental management realm? Yet here were simple observations recorded with nothing more than an iPhone that led to a ministerial u-turn in Parliament. Never under-estimate the power of doing science in your spare time and practicing on-the-ground observation!

Speaking of observation, I greatly look forward to seeing many of you in the week beginning Monday 2^nd May. Doubtless, zoom meetings are now firmly and conveniently embedded as part of our work routines. Doubtless also, WFH (working from home) saves on carbon emissions and time-loss. Yet, RTO (return to office) will bring a reminder that true collegiality grows more  in the context of fully-embodied personhood than through the second-best of talking to our laptops.

To mark the beginning of the great return migration, there will be catered drinks at 4pm on Monday 2^nd May in the Building 302 6^th Floor break out space. I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Robin Kearns,

Acting Head of School.

 

PS As a footnote, our challenge as we return to a more populated workplace is to continue create a positive and tolerant work environment. This will be particularly important as some people may be weary or anxious. To that end, please be familiar with the university’s code of conduct and how it relates to communications with other staff and students

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/on-campus/life-on-campus/code-of-conduct.html

 

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Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities

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Breaking news

Many of you will have seen the latest results of the QS World University Rankings last week. While these metrics have their flaws, it is nonetheless a huge accoladefor the Geographers in our School that their subject area has achieved such a strong result this year. (see this account in which Geography is revealed to be the highest ranking subject at the University of Auckland and that U of A is #30 in the world for the discipline). This result reflects well on the resolute focus on internationally- recognised scholarship within not only this group but also within the School at large, given the many links and collaborations that mark our trans-disciplinary outlook as people of the environment. Another reason to raise a glass in celebration when we next gather in person.

Robin Kearns, HoS

 

Reducing uncertainties in wastewater-based epidemiology through combining complementary population datasets – Mackay Price (PhD Proposal)

Wastewater-based epidemiology has fast become a valuable complementary public health tool. Through the analysis of municipal wastewater, wastewater-based epidemiology can provide objective estimates of the chemicals and pathogens that communities are exposed to. However, accurately estimating the number of people in a wastewater catchment at any given time is highly challenging and remains one of the largest sources of uncertainty for the discipline. My research focuses on exploring how complementary sources of information like national censuses and mobile phone data can be used to resolve this problem. This research will develop new methods to estimate the day-specific population size for wastewater treatment plant catchments across New Zealand. This research aims to reduce the uncertainties of wastewater-based epidemiology so that more accurate and robust insights into public health can be obtained.

More info: Mackay PhD Seminar Flyer

 

Revealing the Diverse Economies of Kaupapa Māori Community Housing Provision – Jack Barrett (PhD Proposal)
Supervisors: Larry Murphy, Tom Baker, Karen Fisher (Advisor)Aotearoa is experiencing a housing crisis, of which Māori have, and continue to be disproportionately impacted by its constituents. Aotearoa’s community housing sector has seen a growth in Māori led housing organisations and strategies aiming to address this inequity. However, to date the dynamics of these organisations as they navigate contemporary political and economic environments remains less understood. This project proposes a diverse
economies framing of Māori-led community housing provision to understand the diversity of methods, engagement and strategies that materialise place-based housing aspirations for Māori. The project will employ an in-depth case study of a hapu-led community housing project, accompanied by a broader institutional study of key actors in the Māori housing sector to develop these insights.
To hear more, please join my proposal seminar via zoom on Thursday,
April 21st at 10am.

More info: Jack PhD Seminar Flyer

 

Geological occurrence, mineralogical characterisation, and risk assessment of potentially carcinogenic erionite in New Zealand – Janki Patel (PhD Proposal)

This research aims to investigate the geological occurrence of erionite within New Zealand and characterise the minerals’ crystal habit, chemistry and aspect ratio. Erionite is a carcinogenic zeolite mineral that forms within rocks and soils that contain altered volcanic materials. While undisturbed erionite poses no risk to human health, disturbed and aerosolised erionite fibres can cause effects similar to asbestos exposure within the human body. The critical factor causing erionite’s toxic nature is its fibrous crystal habit and aspect. Within New Zealand, previous evidence for erionite has been found within Auckland, Taupo Volcanic Zone, and Moeraki. Thus, as erionite is present within New Zealand, it is vital to study the occurrence of the mineral and assess the potential risk associated with erionite exposure.

More info: Janki PhD Seminar Flyer

 

Travertine and Speleothems as recorders of magmatic processes and volcanic eruptions from Mount Taranaki – Nathan Collins (Phd Proposal)

Travertines are terrestrial carbonates precipitated from bicarbonate springs often found in volcanic settings. This volcano-travertine association is geochemically and texturally recorded within the travertine providing important information about volcanic processes, Speothems are increasingly being used as achieves of volcanic activity and can be U-Th dates, often with high precession. However, obtaining robust speleotem tephrochronologies have been challenging due to site specific variable which modify tephra signals before reaching the growing speleothem.

More info: Nathan PhD Seminar Flyer

 

Honours Research Projects and sub-90 points Masters dissertations 

Dear colleagues,

Thank you to everyone who supervised and/or examined Honours Research projects and sub-90-point Masters projects/dissertations in 2021. Your time and effort in supervising students and/or examining projects in what was a disrupted year, protracted by deadline extensions, is greatly appreciated. The 2021 cohort should now be all finished and moving onto new things.

In 2022, we have students completing Honours and MENVSCI 30-point research projects, and Bachelor of Advanced Science 60-point dissertations, with submissions in Semester 1 (Monday 27 June) and Semester 2 (Monday 14 November).

For your diary:  

• S1 Honours and MENVSCI Oral presentations– Wednesday 8 June. Time and venue to be confirmed.
• S2 Honours, MENVSCI and BAdvSci Oral Presentations – Wednesday 26 October. Time and venue to be confirmed.

These are on the same day as Masters presentations and every effort will be made to avoid clashes.

Finally, if you are supervising Honours/MENVSCI/BAdvSci students this year, please ensure their project is achievable within the one- or two-semester timeframe and that it can be completed under pandemic conditions. Please encourage your student(s) to meet the end-of-semester submission date too, even if Covid-19 extensions are again offered by the Faculty; it is helpful to the students, for getting grades back in time to go on to further study or work, and to those involved in the examination process if we can all stick to the schedule.

Kind regards

Gretel Boswijk

(Honours coordinator)

 

SouthSci and WeSTEM – STEM Partner Role Description
Participatory science platforms (PSP) connect STEM experts with school and community groups, to explore a research or design question and engage youth in STEM. Please see for more information: SouthSci WeSTEM STEM partner role – 2022.

 

Masters Research Seminars  8 June 2022 — Rm 302-G20

Students who started in S2, 2021 will present their preliminary results. These are 10 minute oral talks followed by 5 minutes of questions. They are designed to assist students with the direction that their project is going in. Supervisors should support their students and all staff should support the research culture in our school.. This is an on-campus seminar series. However, we may revert to Zoom if campus access is not possible. Below is a preliminary schedule.

Cheers,

Phil Shane (coordinator)

Time	Name		Topic
9.00	KoKo	Lat	rock mass quality from seismic refraction surveying
9.15	Adi	Levy	Engineering Geological and Liquefaction Assessment
9.30	James	Wilson	Rock Characteristics on foreshore morphology
9.45	Amber	Peek	Environmental Education and Data Generation
10.00	Kenzi	Yee	Insects as food (for who?)
10.15	Elliot	Stevens	‘Voice of the River’ in catchment management
10.30	Jaynie	Yang	Root production and root exudations in kauri forests

 

Another PBRF consultation!

The 4^th round of consultation is looking at how the Moderation Team is composed.

https://www.tec.govt.nz/assets/Consultation-Documents/SRG-Consultation-paper-4-Moderation-Team-roles-and-person-specifications.pdf

There is only one option proposed by TEC – to have two co-moderators with one to be a recognised expert in Mātauranga Māori. We are asked if we support this option and what our preferred model would be if we don’t support it. Also, if there are any changes we’d suggest to the proposed option if we do support it. The university is collecting feedback by 27 April, so if it was possible to get reactions or suggestions by 26 April that would be wonderful. Please send any feedback directly to Robert directly (trebor@cs.auckland.ac.nz).

 

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Employment Opportunities

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Research Assistant casual contract available:

Are you good at preparing figures using drawing packages like illustrator, photoshop of corel draw?  If you would like up 30+ hours work drafting figures for publication please get in touch with JR j.rowland@auckland.ac.nz

Professor in Geography, Earth Science or Atmospheric Science (Women Only)

Salary: Level E, Professor – $204,320 p.a (Pro Rata for part time)
Superannuation: Employer Contribution of 17%
Working Hours: Full time 1.0 FTE
Basis of Employment: Continuing

Opportunity
The newly formed School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences wishes to appoint a Professor in Geography, Earth Science or Atmospheric Science. The appointee will contribute to teaching excellence at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in one of the School’s disciplines and/or across the disciplines. They will also make major contributions to research, academic leadership and professional development including mentoring, and contribute to the School’s governance (e.g., committees, strategic planning, etc.).

The Professor will engage in high impact research collaborations and maintain a significant international profile through publications, presentations and other outputs. They will raise funding for their research and lead major projects as appropriate and engage with external communities and stakeholders.

About You
You will be an outstanding academic woman with expertise in Geography, Earth Science, or Atmospheric Science or a multidisciplinary area that encompasses those disciplines or any of its sub-disciplines

You will possess;

• A PhD in any area of geography, earth science, atmospheric science or a closely related discipline.
• An established research career of international standing in geography, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, or multidisciplinary research that encompasses those disciplines, ideally complementing our existing strengths.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic perspective in research and scholarship within their discipline area.
• Strong track record of collaboration with other researchers and relevant stakeholders.

The Faculty of Science is deeply committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment that welcomes and values all people. We firmly believe that diversity, including in senior leadership, is essential to our Faculty’s continued success. https://science.unimelb.edu.au/

 

 

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Funding

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The Research Committee has funding available for activities to benefit Postdocs and RFs and allow them to connect.

To all those who fall into the following categories:

– Postdocs/Research Fellows;

– People conducting research on non-permanent contracts at the post-doctoral level,

We invite you to contact the new RF rep in the Rangahau/Research committee Joa Paredes-Mariño (for RFs/postdocs) joa.paredes.marino@auckland.ac.nz, for further information

 

MBIE Catalyst: Strategic – New Zealand-China Strategic Research Alliance 2022 funding round.

New Zealand and China have agreed to support two projects through this funding round, one in each priority area of Food Science and Environmental Science. Grant value: Up to $300,000 (excluding GST) over three years is available for each successful project. Internal Deadline:

• Registration: 12pm, Thursday 21 April 2022.
• Full Proposal: 12pm, Friday 6 May 2022.

Applications are submitted via the MBIE IMS Portal. Returning applicants log in using your existing login details. New applicants contact the Funds Advisor Team submissions@auckland.ac.nz to create your User Profile. IMS portal opens on 5 April 2022.

 

3k writing grant available for students

Funds are available to support students writing up their thesis as publication(s). Each grant is worth $3000 (120 hours at 25$ all included). There is no deadline to apply. Applications are evaluated as they come by members of Rangahau (2 weeks turn over max.), until we use all the funds available.

Do you have a good candidate in mind? Please complete this form and submit to melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz.

 

FoS New Staff Grant

Eligible new staff will be able to apply for a New Staff grant of $20k.As we are transitioning to a new internal funding process, all new staff who have joined the Faculty since 1 January 2020 will be eligible to apply in 2022. Applications are now open and the closing date for submission is 30th June 2022. Full details, guidelines and the application form are available on the Faculty of Science Staff Intranet – New Staff Research Grant page.

 

Vision Mātauranga Hui

As part of the Vision Mātauranga support for researchers within Te Whare Pūtaiao Faculty of Science, the Māori advisors’ team will be running a 90-minute Vision Mātauranga Hui on the 12^th April 2022 from 1.15-2.45pm. Please complete the registration form to receive the zoom link Vision Mātauranga Hui.

 

Teaching & Learning Research Initiative (TLRI)

The TLRI funding call seeks to support research addressing themes of strategic importance to education in New Zealand that will lead to an improvement in outcomes for learners. Partnerships between researchers and practitioners are central to the TLRI. You can read more about this opportunity in the TLRI Expression of Interest 2022 Guidance document.  EOI Internal Deadline is  21 April 2022. Register interest to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz

 

James Cook Research Fellowships

The James Cook Research Fellowships are awarded to researchers who have achieved national and international recognition in their area of scientific research. Funding is for Senior Researcher Fellowships in Biological, Engineering and Physical Sciences for up to $110,000 for two years.

Internal Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 03 May 2022. Email the following information to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz for James Cook Fellowship portal access: title (e.g. Dr, A/P, Professor), full name, email address, faculty, and department. Guidelines available here.

 

2023 CapEx applications now open

https://auckland.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Rew1VYtLrpvkGO

Applications will close 5pm Friday April 29^th.

Any questions can be directed to Blair Sowman.

 

Funding for class meet and greets

The Student Experience Committee has limited funding available for class related activities. If you want to run a class event, online or otherwise (challenging given the current restrictions), and would benefit from some funds, please contact Joe (j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz). The Committee would prefer to fund several small events rather than one big one (but we are open to suggestions).

 

Rutherford Discovery Fellowships

Rutherford Discovery Fellowships (RDF) are to support the development of future research leaders, and to assist with the retention and repatriation of New Zealand’s talented early-to mid-career researchers. 10 Fellowships, up to $160,000 p.a. each for 5 years in length will be awarded in 2022. Internal Deadline: 9am Wednesday 20 April 2022. Applications are to be submitted on the RDF Portal by the deadline. Email the following information to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz for RDF portal access: title (e.g. Dr, A/P, Professor), full name, email address, faculty, department and years post PhD Experience. Further information is available on guidelines and the RDF Roadshow.

 

COVID-19 Hardship Fund – New closing date for Tranche 1: 29 April 2022

Support for critically impacted research projects through the COVID-19 Hardship Fund.

2021 was a challenging year for our University research community, navigating through a prolonged COVID-19 disruption. We acknowledge that many Researchers have been assessing the 2021 impacts on projects and taking the time to consider research plans in the context of COVID-19 Protection Framework settings.

Tranche 1 funding is targeted at Principal Investigators of externally funded research projects impacted by COVID-19 and ending before 31 Dec 2022.

 

Plastics Innovation Fund

***Application Deadline 20 June 2022***

The purpose of the Plastics Innovation Fund is to support projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment. The fund is seeking to fund projects that find ways to use less plastic and make what we do use reusable or recyclable.  It is targeted at projects that: minimise plastic waste; support circular solutions; protect the environment from harm; support the reduction of imported plastic; and improve the behaviour of people and businesses (up the waste hierarchy).  For further information visit the funder website or refer the Funder guidelines.  You can also view a One-hour webinar about the fund

 

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Publications

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Lorna J. Strachan, Julien Bailleul, Kyle J. Bland, Alan R. Orpin & Adam D. McArthur (2022) Understanding sedimentary systems and processes of the Hikurangi Subduction Margin; from Trench to Back-Arc. Volume 1, New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 65:1, 1-16, DOI: 10.1080/00288306.2022.2048032.

Available here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00288306.2022.2048032

 

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Please email content to Illiane Gomez Vilchis for next edition of P-cubed by Friday

HeadsUp

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To quote the recipient of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature, ‘the times they are a changin’. In our case, from after the mid semester break, “subject to any Government requirements in place at that time and with limited exceptions” activity will return to campus and the focus will be on “balancing the health and safety of staff and students with creating a lively and dynamic campus experience and the need to revitalise the campus community” (VC’s email, 24/03/22).

Some of you are already beginning to re-establish on-campus routines; others haven’t darkened the doors of their offices in a while. For now, both situations are fine. What will a more widespread return mean for our School? How can our School contribute to  “a lively and dynamic campus experience”? Will students actually and eagerly return?  Where do we all find ourselves on a continuum between anxiety and eagerness?

These past 2+ years have seen the most significant ever disruption in our academic careers and in our lives in general. There will be adjustment needed coming out of our Covid-imposed routines just as there was adjustment entering them. Please be easy on each other. Not everyone may be feeling as ready as you to be “back in the fray”.

We need to reconnect, however, and not just get back to business. We had neither an end of year gathering nor any welcome back ones this year. How might we celebrate a return?  Any suggestions of School-wide catch-up-with-each other activities and occasions welcome. We may even have a budget for such things….

Meantime in the lead-up to early May, if you are on campus and in our buildings please remember that mask use is required unless you are alone in your office or eating/drinking.

Many of you will also be aware that the University’s travel policy has recently changed. Always be familiar with this site in the first instance: https://www.staff.auckland.ac.nz/en/covid-19/travel-and-travel-insurance/travel-restrictions.html#84eae04d4f981087f9d04024bf91a183

If you have an urgent international personal travel requirement, contact me directly and I will attempt to expedite clearance from HR with haste. If you are planning a research-based trip, complete an FS-94 and submit to Patricia in the first instance for my and then the Dean’s consideration and signoff. Only then can you contact Orbit for bookings.

Understandably there is a high degree of interest in international travel at present. With this interest to get away and use unspent funds, there is the potential later in the year for teaching and service disruption with multiple absences at any time. We need to balance eagerness to be away with the need to keep the waka moving at home base. So, just as we are asked to signal in advance intentions to apply for RSL, please signal to your Subject Head if you intend to apply via a FS-94 to be away later in the year, when and for how long. You may be asked to adjust your dates.

Congratulations

Giovanni Coco for his part in a newly-funded ARC Discovery grant The Great Barrier Reef in 2100 led by University of Sydney.

Paul Oluwunmi who leaves us end of this month for a new position at GNS

Robin Kearns

 

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Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities

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Congrats to Paul Oluwunmi

Many congratulations to Paul Oluwunmi.  Paul has accepted a position as Scientist in GNS Science’s Groundwater Modelling group, starting in April.  Paul has received his PhD from the University of Auckland in 2020 before starting as post-doctoral Research Fellow focusing on gas hydrate modelling.  While we will miss Paul, this permanent position will be a fantastic opportunity to develop his expertise in a new research field

 

Social media

Don’t forget to share your research stories for diffusion on our social media! The School of Environment is active on both Facebook and Twitter:

• facebook.com/envuoa
• twitter.com/envuoa

Whether it be a new paper, workshop, seminar, appearance in the media, field trip, student success, new project, impact story etc… Just send a couple of lines to ENV Communications env-comms@auckland.ac.nz and we will take care of the rest!

 

Careers Roadshow (online) Enabling a Sustainable Future – AusIMM-NZ Tuesday 29 March 6pm to 7pm

Engage with recent graduates across  range of disciplines (e.g. Env Science, Earth Science, Engineering, GIS, Commerce, Social Science) who have started challenging and fun careers in the minerals industry. How they got there,

and how they are making a difference. Hear about AusIMM-NZ scholarships, as well as career pathways and opportunities. Please register for this event here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/ausimm-2022-careers-roadshow-university-of-auckland-registration-296430179647

 

Honours Research Projects and sub-90 points Masters dissertations 

Dear colleagues,

Thank you to everyone who supervised and/or examined Honours Research projects and sub-90-point Masters projects/dissertations in 2021. Your time and effort in supervising students and/or examining projects in what was a disrupted year, protracted by deadline extensions, is greatly appreciated. The 2021 cohort should now be all finished and moving onto new things.

In 2022, we have students completing Honours and MENVSCI 30-point research projects, and Bachelor of Advanced Science 60-point dissertations, with submissions in Semester 1 (Monday 27 June) and Semester 2 (Monday 14 November).

For your diary:  

• S1 Honours and MENVSCI Oral presentations– Wednesday 8 June. Time and venue to be confirmed.
• S2 Honours, MENVSCI and BAdvSci Oral Presentations – Wednesday 26 October. Time and venue to be confirmed.

These are on the same day as Masters presentations and every effort will be made to avoid clashes.

Finally, if you are supervising Honours/MENVSCI/BAdvSci students this year, please ensure their project is achievable within the one- or two-semester timeframe and that it can be completed under pandemic conditions. Please encourage your student(s) to meet the end-of-semester submission date too, even if Covid-19 extensions are again offered by the Faculty; it is helpful to the students, for getting grades back in time to go on to further study or work, and to those involved in the examination process if we can all stick to the schedule.

Kind regards

Gretel Boswijk

(Honours coordinator)

 

ENV Health, Safety, and Wellbeing committee

Hello All!

The ENV Health, Safety, and Wellbeing committee meet for the first time this year to discuss outcomes for 2022.

An outline of the meeting minutes are available within the Health, Safety, and Wellbeing tab of pqubed.

The committee welcomed Gina Swanney in replacement for Blair Sowman as a technician representative.

Major projects outlined within the meeting:

• Mental wellness within the field project
• Discussion regarding the possibility of including cultural safety as part of the committees objectives.

If you have information that can help aid these projects into the committee scope we would love to hear from you. Please email Andres (a.arcila@auckland.ac.nz) or Gina (gina.swanney@auckland.ac.nz ) any information or input you would like to have.

 

SouthSci and WeSTEM – STEM Partner Role Description
Participatory science platforms (PSP) connect STEM experts with school and community groups, to explore a research or design question and engage youth in STEM. Please see for more information: SouthSci WeSTEM STEM partner role – 2022.

 

3k writing grant available for students

Funds are available to support students writing up their thesis as publication(s). Each grant is worth $3000 (120 hours at 25$ all included). There is no deadline to apply. Applications are evaluated as they come by members of Rangahau (2 weeks turn over max.), until we use all the funds available.

Do you have a good candidate in mind? Please complete this form and submit to melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz.

 

Te Tumu Herenga | Libraries and Learning Services – What Is it Good for?

Heard about what we offer at the library? Many PhD students are not aware of all the help that is easily available to them. Join us for a chat about what Te Tumu Herenga | Libraries and Learning Services can offer science PhD students.

This session will give a brief overview of the library’s various services and support teams, and then touch on some research skills that science PhD students might find useful for their thesis and beyond. Feel free to come with any questions you may have!

Look forward to seeing you there!

• Place: Join Zoom Meeting
• Date: Thurs 7 April
  • 4:00pm Overview of services and support that the library offers
  • 4:10pm Science Research Advisers share some tips for science PhD students and introduce some of their workshops and services
  • 4:30pm Q&A

 

Seminar on the Proper Role of Science in Liberal Democracy

The University of Auckland – Critical Theory Network is hosting a seminar with Prof. Klemens Kappel (University of Copenhagen), who will speak on “THE PROPER ROLE OF SCIENCE IN LIBERAL DEMOCRACY.” The seminar is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday 6 April 2022 and will be held over zoom via the link
https://auckland.zoom.us/j/98045023756

Link to pdf for more information: On the Proper Role of Science

 

Masters Research Seminars  8 June 2022 — Rm 302-G20

Students who started in S2, 2021 will present their preliminary results. These are 10 minute oral talks followed by 5 minutes of questions. They are designed to assist students with the direction that their project is going in. Supervisors should support their students and all staff should support the research culture in our school.. This is an on-campus seminar series. However, we may revert to Zoom if campus access is not possible. Below is a preliminary schedule.

Cheers,

Phil Shane (coordinator)

Time	Name		Topic
9.00	KoKo	Lat	rock mass quality from seismic refraction surveying
9.15	Adi	Levy	Engineering Geological and Liquefaction Assessment
9.30	James	Wilson	Rock Characteristics on foreshore morphology
9.45	Amber	Peek	Environmental Education and Data Generation
10.00	Kenzi	Yee	Insects as food (for who?)
10.15	Elliot	Stevens	‘Voice of the River’ in catchment management
10.30	Jaynie	Yang	Root production and root exudations in kauri forests

 

 

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Employment Opportunities

---

Research Assistant casual contract available:

Are you good at preparing figures using drawing packages like illustrator, photoshop of corel draw?  If you would like up 30+ hours work drafting figures for publication please get in touch with JR j.rowland@auckland.ac.nz

Professor in Geography, Earth Science or Atmospheric Science (Women Only)

Salary: Level E, Professor – $204,320 p.a (Pro Rata for part time)
Superannuation: Employer Contribution of 17%
Working Hours: Full time 1.0 FTE
Basis of Employment: Continuing

Opportunity
The newly formed School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences wishes to appoint a Professor in Geography, Earth Science or Atmospheric Science. The appointee will contribute to teaching excellence at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in one of the School’s disciplines and/or across the disciplines. They will also make major contributions to research, academic leadership and professional development including mentoring, and contribute to the School’s governance (e.g., committees, strategic planning, etc.).

The Professor will engage in high impact research collaborations and maintain a significant international profile through publications, presentations and other outputs. They will raise funding for their research and lead major projects as appropriate and engage with external communities and stakeholders.

About You
You will be an outstanding academic woman with expertise in Geography, Earth Science, or Atmospheric Science or a multidisciplinary area that encompasses those disciplines or any of its sub-disciplines

You will possess;

• A PhD in any area of geography, earth science, atmospheric science or a closely related discipline.
• An established research career of international standing in geography, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, or multidisciplinary research that encompasses those disciplines, ideally complementing our existing strengths.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic perspective in research and scholarship within their discipline area.
• Strong track record of collaboration with other researchers and relevant stakeholders.

The Faculty of Science is deeply committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment that welcomes and values all people. We firmly believe that diversity, including in senior leadership, is essential to our Faculty’s continued success. https://science.unimelb.edu.au/

 

 

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Funding

---

The Research Committee has funding available for activities to benefit Postdocs and RFs and allow them to connect.

     To all those who fall into the following categories:

              – Postdocs/Research Fellows;

              – People conducting research on non-permanent contracts at the post-doctoral level,

     We invite you to contact the new RF rep in the Rangahau/Research committee Joa Paredes-Mariño (for RFs/postdocs) joa.paredes.marino@auckland.ac.nz, for further information

 

A critique of Maori inclusion:

Professor Alison Jones, from Te Puna Wānanga, School of Māori and Indigenous Education in the Faculty of Education and Social Work, will bring new insights to the popular ideas of ‘diversity’, ‘equity’ and ‘Māori inclusion’ in the University. Monday 4 April, 11am-12pm on Zoom. Register here to attend online.

 

Teaching & Learning Research Initiative (TLRI)

The TLRI funding call seeks to support research addressing themes of strategic importance to education in New Zealand that will lead to an improvement in outcomes for learners. Partnerships between researchers and practitioners are central to the TLRI. You can read more about this opportunity in the TLRI Expression of Interest 2022 Guidance document.  EOI Internal Deadline is  21 April 2022. Register interest to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz

 

James Cook Research Fellowships

The James Cook Research Fellowships are awarded to researchers who have achieved national and international recognition in their area of scientific research. Funding is for Senior Researcher Fellowships in Biological, Engineering and Physical Sciences for up to $110,000 for two years.

Internal Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 03 May 2022. Email the following information to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz for James Cook Fellowship portal access: title (e.g. Dr, A/P, Professor), full name, email address, faculty, and department. Guidelines available here.

 

2023 CapEx applications now open

https://auckland.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Rew1VYtLrpvkGO

Applications will close 5pm Friday April 29^th.

Any questions can be directed to Blair Sowman.

 

Funding for class meet and greets

The Student Experience Committee has limited funding available for class related activities. If you want to run a class event, online or otherwise (challenging given the current restrictions), and would benefit from some funds, please contact Joe (j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz). The Committee would prefer to fund several small events rather than one big one (but we are open to suggestions).

 

Rutherford Discovery Fellowships

Rutherford Discovery Fellowships (RDF) are to support the development of future research leaders, and to assist with the retention and repatriation of New Zealand’s talented early-to mid-career researchers. 10 Fellowships, up to $160,000 p.a. each for 5 years in length will be awarded in 2022. Internal Deadline: 9am Wednesday 20 April 2022. Applications are to be submitted on the RDF Portal by the deadline. Email the following information to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz for RDF portal access: title (e.g. Dr, A/P, Professor), full name, email address, faculty, department and years post PhD Experience. Further information is available on guidelines and the RDF Roadshow.

 

Covid-19 Hardship Fund

Applications due 31 March 2022

The University has launched the University C19 Hardship Fund to support externally funded research projects critically impacted by Covid-19 during Q3 and Q4 2021 and which incurred ongoing expenses and are now experiencing a shortfall.  Applicants must be a Principal Investigator of an externally funded research project ending before 31 Dec 2022, with a recorded COVID-19 Impact of Amber or Red. Please contact your RPC if your project has been impacted by Covid-19 to ensure its been assessed correctly. Please see the COVID-19 Hardship Fund Guidelines for more information and to determine what costs you can apply. Please contact your RPC if you wish to apply and to obtain the financial transaction details for the Q3 – Q4 period for your project. Please review the information that is sent to you and when you’re ready – apply online.

 

Plastics Innovation Fund

***Application Deadline 20 June 2022***

The purpose of the Plastics Innovation Fund is to support projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment. The fund is seeking to fund projects that find ways to use less plastic and make what we do use reusable or recyclable.  It is targeted at projects that: minimise plastic waste; support circular solutions; protect the environment from harm; support the reduction of imported plastic; and improve the behaviour of people and businesses (up the waste hierarchy).  For further information visit the funder website or refer the Funder guidelines.  You can also view a One-hour webinar about the fund

 

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Publications

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Wardlow Friesen (2022): Isaac Qölöni: Personal Reflections on an Important Actor in Post-Colonial Solomon Islands, The Journal of Pacific History, DOI: 10.1080/00223344.2021.2016055, 1-18.

Sharp EL, Brierley B., and Salmond J and Lewis, N. (2022) Geoethical Futures: A Call for More-Than-Human Physical Geography. Environment and Planning F: Philosophy, Theory, Models, Methods and Practice

Sharp EL, Petersen I, Mclellan G, Cavadino A and Lewis N (2022) Diverse values of surplus for a community economy of fish(eries). Asia Pacific Viewpoint.

Cook M, Brook MS, Tunnicliffe J, Cave M., Gulick N (2022). Preliminary investigation of emerging suburban landsliding in Gisborne, New Zealand. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology https://doi.org/10.1144/qjegh2021-087

Garrill R, Grieve S, George A, Richards N, Brook M. (2021). Monitoring slope instability during reinstatement of State Highway 11 at Lemon’s Hill (35 degrees S), Northland, New Zealand. Australian Geomechanics 56(4): 159-168.

Brierley, G., & Fryirs, K. (2022). Truths of the Riverscape: Moving beyond command-and-control to geomorphologically informed nature-based river management. Geoscience Letters, 9(1), 1-26.

Brierley, G., Li, X., Fryirs, K., Gao, J., Shi, Y., Perry, G. L., & Cullum, C. (2022). Development of place-based catenal models for grassland ecosystems of the Upper Yellow River, Western China. Catena, 213, 106193.

Sonam, Jain, V., Fryirs, K., & Brierley, G. (2022). Geomorphic characterization of a seasonal river network in semi-arid western India using the River Styles Framework. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences: X, 7, 100077.

Tolentino, P. L. M., Perez, J. E. G., Guardian, E. L., Boothroyd, R. J., Hoey, T. B., Williams, R. D., Fryirs, K. A., Brierley, G. J., & David, C. P. C. (2022). River Styles and stream power analysis reveal the diversity of fluvial morphology in a Philippine tropical catchment. Geoscience Letters, 9(1), 1-18.

Shi, Y., Gao, J., Li, X., Li, J., & Brierley, G. (2022). Effects of disturbances on aboveground biomass of alpine meadow in the Yellow River Source Zone, Western China. Ecology and Evolution, 12(3), e8640.

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Please email content to Jignasha Kumar for next edition of P-cubed by Friday

HeadsUp

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Some of us feel like we’ve been here a while and have seen a fair few changes. This dinosaur was an undergraduate student here when geographic data analysis was taught using punch cards and a mainframe computer. Then when I returned as a postdoc, every purchase was signed off in triplicate with carbon paper between layers and lecturing was aided by 35mm slides and overhead projectors.

But universities reach back well before such primitive technologies. Our own was established in 1883 as a constituent college of the University of New Zealand. If that seems a while ago, consider the University of Bologna which was founded in 1088 and has never been out of operation in the thousand years since.

The one value that has tracked through the history of universities is that of collegiality. An easy online definition is “companionship and cooperation between colleagues who share responsibility”. That implies we do things for each other out of a sense of a collective mission and with a sense of enjoyment even.

As we’ve needed to fill gaps with departures and secondments, I’ve been struck by the collegiality ethic at work. I’ve been heartened by people who say yes and worry about the consequences later. People in our team who give priority to the collective. People who step up rather than step aside. I’ve been most grateful.

We can, however, too easily expect postgraduates and recent graduates to do the same. The difference is we have ongoing salaries and are making time for more tasks; postgrads or recent graduates are, at times, yet to be contracted to do any work. And the eagerness to assist and be part of ‘Team Environment’ can lead to people beginning work before their employment is formalised.   This can seem all the more an imperative to both parties (us and them) if a new semester looms and a course needs to be ready.

But my plea is that absolutely no work be encouraged or undertaken prior to a contract being signed.  It is simply illegal in the eyes of employment law.

Despite us all standing on the shoulders of hundreds of years of universities and the academic ethic of mutual trust and collegiality, our contemporary university an employer and bound by the same rules as other corporate workplaces.

So, as the contemporary corporate meets the long-standing collegial community, let us maintain relationships in which active contracts for any work done protect everyone’s interest – even if a delayed completion of a contract results in late delivery on a work obligation.

Three cheers

Congratulations to Emma Sharp whose nomination for a UoA Early Career Research Excellence Award has progressed from the Faculty to the University stage.

Congratulations too to Rachael Boswell who last week successfully defended her PhD on ‘Play, politics and the production of space: DIY urbanism in post-earthquake Christchurch” and received an acceptance with no revisions or corrections.

Congratulations to Finn Lee who has progressed from the School to be one of five FoS nominations for the VCs Best Doctoral Thesis Prize to be considered at the University level.

An urging

Please get along (virtually speaking) to the brief by-zoom seminars by shortlisted candidates for the EnvSci lectureship.  Patricia has sent out details

A reminder

If you are planning on applying for RSL for a semester or shorter period beginning end of this academic year, applications need to come to me for approval before the end of March

And

Enjoy this great autumn weather and the last weeks of summer daylight time..!

Robin Kearns

 

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Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities

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Seminar on the Proper Role of Science in Liberal Democracy

The University of Auckland – Critical Theory Network is hosting a seminar with Prof. Klemens Kappel (University of Copenhagen), who will speak on “THE PROPER ROLE OF SCIENCE IN LIBERAL DEMOCRACY.” The seminar is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday 6 April 2022 and will be held over zoom via the link
https://auckland.zoom.us/j/98045023756

Link to pdf for more information: On the Proper Role of Science

 

Masters Research Seminars  8 June 2022 — Rm 302-G20

Students who started in S2, 2021 will present their preliminary results. These are 10 minute oral talks followed by 5 minutes of questions. They are designed to assist students with the direction that their project is going in. Supervisors should support their students and all staff should support the research culture in our school.. This is an on-campus seminar series. However, we may revert to Zoom if campus access is not possible. Below is a preliminary schedule.

Cheers,

Phil Shane (coordinator)

 

Time	Name		Topic
9.00	KoKo	Lat	rock mass quality from seismic refraction surveying
9.15	Adi	Levy	Engineering Geological and Liquefaction Assessment
9.30	James	Wilson	Rock Characteristics on foreshore morphology
9.45	Amber	Peek	Environmental Education and Data Generation
10.00	Kenzi	Yee	Insects as food (for who?)
10.15	Elliot	Stevens	‘Voice of the River’ in catchment management
10.30	Jaynie	Yang	Root production and root exudations in kauri forests

Student Support

If students are struggling support is available:

Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care  https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/student-support/te-papa-manaaki-campus-care.html

Financial Support https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/fees-and-money-matters/financial-support.html

Covid will have likely have impacted progress for many so there are Postgraduate Extensions and Fee Waivers programmes. Note International students will need to consider visas!

Honours and Masters (as you know who will have been impacted please don’t wait for the last few days before the submission deadline to apply!)

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/fees-and-money-matters/tuition-fees/postgraduate-research-fees-free-extension.html

Doctoral

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/school-of-graduate-studies/covid-19-doctoral-extension-fee-waiver.html

If any doctoral students are ‘twiddling their thumbs’ because they can’t get into labs or do fieldwork it may be a good time for them to generally upskill:

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/school-of-graduate-studies/doctoral-opportunities.html

Note to supervisors: Domestic PhD Admissions of those eligible for the guaranteed University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships are up so it has become even more competitive for international applicants. Please manage expectations around this as you communicate with international enquiries.

 

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Employment Opportunities

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The following position has just been advertised at The University of Melbourne (details at https://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/908285/professor-in-geography-earth-science-or-atmospheric-science-women-only )

This position is open to ANY discipline in Geography, Earth Sciences or Atmospheric Sciences.

Professor in Geography, Earth Science or Atmospheric Science (Women Only)

Salary: Level E, Professor – $204,320 p.a (Pro Rata for part time)
Superannuation: Employer Contribution of 17%
Working Hours: Full time 1.0 FTE
Basis of Employment: Continuing

Opportunity
The newly formed School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences wishes to appoint a Professor in Geography, Earth Science or Atmospheric Science. The appointee will contribute to teaching excellence at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in one of the School’s disciplines and/or across the disciplines. They will also make major contributions to research, academic leadership and professional development including mentoring, and contribute to the School’s governance (e.g., committees, strategic planning, etc.).

The Professor will engage in high impact research collaborations and maintain a significant international profile through publications, presentations and other outputs. They will raise funding for their research and lead major projects as appropriate and engage with external communities and stakeholders.

About You
You will be an outstanding academic woman with expertise in Geography, Earth Science, or Atmospheric Science or a multidisciplinary area that encompasses those disciplines or any of its sub-disciplines

You will possess;

• A PhD in any area of geography, earth science, atmospheric science or a closely related discipline.
• An established research career of international standing in geography, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, or multidisciplinary research that encompasses those disciplines, ideally complementing our existing strengths.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic perspective in research and scholarship within their discipline area.
• Strong track record of collaboration with other researchers and relevant stakeholders.

The Faculty of Science is deeply committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment that welcomes and values all people. We firmly believe that diversity, including in senior leadership, is essential to our Faculty’s continued success. https://science.unimelb.edu.au/

 

 

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Funding

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2023 CapEx applications now open

https://auckland.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Rew1VYtLrpvkGO

Applications will close 5pm Friday April 29^th.

Any questions can be directed to Blair Sowman.

 

Funding for class meet and greets

The Student Experience Committee has limited funding available for class related activities. If you want to run a class event, online or otherwise (challenging given the current restrictions), and would benefit from some funds, please contact Joe (j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz). The Committee would prefer to fund several small events rather than one big one (but we are open to suggestions).

 

Rutherford Discovery Fellowships

Rutherford Discovery Fellowships (RDF) are to support the development of future research leaders, and to assist with the retention and repatriation of New Zealand’s talented early-to mid-career researchers. 10 Fellowships, up to $160,000 p.a. each for 5 years in length will be awarded in 2022. Internal Deadline: 9am Wednesday 20 April 2022. Applications are to be submitted on the RDF Portal by the deadline. Email the following information to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz for RDF portal access: title (e.g. Dr, A/P, Professor), full name, email address, faculty, department and years post PhD Experience. Further information is available on guidelines and the RDF Roadshow.

 

Covid-19 Hardship Fund

Applications due 31 March 2022

The University has launched the University C19 Hardship Fund to support externally funded research projects critically impacted by Covid-19 during Q3 and Q4 2021 and which incurred ongoing expenses and are now experiencing a shortfall.  Applicants must be a Principal Investigator of an externally funded research project ending before 31 Dec 2022, with a recorded COVID-19 Impact of Amber or Red. Please contact your RPC if your project has been impacted by Covid-19 to ensure its been assessed correctly. Please see the COVID-19 Hardship Fund Guidelines for more information and to determine what costs you can apply. Please contact your RPC if you wish to apply and to obtain the financial transaction details for the Q3 – Q4 period for your project. Please review the information that is sent to you and when you’re ready – apply online.

 

Plastics Innovation Fund

***Application Deadline 20 June 2022***

The purpose of the Plastics Innovation Fund is to support projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment. The fund is seeking to fund projects that find ways to use less plastic and make what we do use reusable or recyclable.  It is targeted at projects that: minimise plastic waste; support circular solutions; protect the environment from harm; support the reduction of imported plastic; and improve the behaviour of people and businesses (up the waste hierarchy).  For further information visit the funder website or refer the Funder guidelines.  You can also view a One-hour webinar about the fund

 

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Publications

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Jaco H. Baas, Megan L. Baker, Patricia Buffon, Lorna J. Strachan, Helen C.Bostock, David Hodgson, Joris T. Eggenhuisen, Yvonne T. Spychala (2022) Blood, lead and spheres: a hindered settling equation for sedimentologists based on metadata analysis. The Depositional Record, 00, 1– 13. https://doi.org/10.1002/dep2.176

 

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More Information

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Need to store and share research data? Request Research storage or UoA Dropbox for research

Queries about virtual machines? Virtual machine consult or Nectar Research Cloud?

ResearchHub: connects people, resources, and services -research-hub.auckland.ac.nz

Remote working issues: Please refer to the remote working page. If you do not find the answers to your questions, please log a call on the IT Portal for any IT-related issues or contact the Staff Service Centre for other queries.

Two-factor Authentication : Authy

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/identity-and-access-management/two-factor-authentication/download-authy-for-desktops.html

YubiKeys work but of course require a USB port.

VPN: Instructions on how to install

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/postgraduate-support-and-services/vpn-service.html

VPN, Linux: FortiClient is running fine on Linux.  Check the VPN link listed above.

VPN, Mac desktops: (information from April, may be outdated).  Students may need IT to make their machines mobile and install FortiClient directly from the website.  They will also need to set-up two-factor authentication by downloading an app like “Authy” on their phones and then setting up their University of Auckland account.  I suggest people do this part before IT gets to them to make the process faster.  To do that, they can use the instructions on this page:

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/identity-and-access-management/two-factor-authentication/download-authy-for-desktops.html​

To get a mobile account set up, log a service request or go to one of the service kiosks. It is unclear how this is being done remotely but I am sure this can be done. Please let me Ingo (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz) know if you have managed to install FortiClient on their macs remotely.

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FlexIT and Remote Access

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FlexIT is straight-forward for remote access to computing power and programs. Alternatively, check if your project/group or so has a virtual machine. Remote desktop access to specific machines can be set up by IT but may note be reliable. Check the Staff Service Center https://uoaprod.service-now.com/sp.

Remote access is possible to some workstations in the geocomputational lab for research, and on a needs basis.  This may be a viable solution for specialized data analysis.  Please look into alternatives: It is unclear however, if/how on-site desktops can be maintained, if needed..

FlexIT access and requests: Use the FlexIT form in the IT Portal to request access as a staff member, to ask for an application be added, or to report any issues or faults.

FlexIT, Linux: Please check FlexIT link: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/my-tools/flex-it.html.  It does not have any information on Linux but should be useful for “translation”.

Depending on your browser (in particular, Firefox), you also need to do the following, from https://communities.vmware.com/thread/595554.

“…tested with the Horizon 4.8.x and 4.10.x clients and Firefox v64.0. Both are 64bit versions, running on Ubuntu 18.04.1

Download the client from the VMWare Horizon Client for 64-bit Linux
In Firefox, open about:config and click through the warning.
Add a new boolean entry called network.protocol-handler.expose.vmware-view and set the value to false
Create a file called `test.html` somewhere on your computer and put the following in it: test
Open the file in Firefox and click on the link, which should prompt you for a path to open the link.
Select /usr/bin/vmware-view and it should work for future uses! “

(1) was provided by UoA but I think it works with generic software from VMWare as well.

Check with Ingo (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz) if you run into problems.

Software licenses: Software vendors have relaxed their licensing to allow students to install software at home, rather than relying on Flex IT. There is a running list here https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/my-tools/flex-it/install-software.html

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Please email content to Jignasha Kumar for next edition of P-cubed by Friday

HeadsUp

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Kia ora tatou

As there’s sadly, no in-person all-School gathering I’d like to wish you all a relaxing, safe and enjoyable time of annual leave over Christmas/New Year and, for most of you, well into January.

It’s a cliché to say it’s been a tough year, but there’s no harm in stating the obvious again. So I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your efforts this year. We’ve kept the waka on course, even though the paddling has been demanding and the navigating has been guesswork at times. It takes a team to get to the end of an academic year with boxes ticked in these times.

This time last year I would not have anticipated being in this Head of School role. When I was asked, the imposter syndrome raised its head high. Yet the last eight months have brought unexpected rewards such as getting to know both the School’s operations and many of you better than I did before. I’ve had to write ‘Happy to approve” more times than I care to imagine! But I have been happy to serve and try to broker ways of making things work more smoothly for many of you – as individuals and for our operation as a whole. I couldn’t do that alone though, so I would like to thank David H for such stellar work as Deputy and Director of Academic Operations; JR for occasional guidance; Michael, Bizza, Anna, Jess and Patricia in the Group Services team for their invariable willingness to help; Blair and the Technical Services team as we’ve worked our way through tricky building access and other issues; and members of the Steering Group for solidarity and wisdom as we’ve talked our way into new ways of proceeding.

As we close the year, we have two farewells that sadly we won’t formally mark:  in January, Evan Weller leaves us and returns to Australia and Ingo Pecher leaves for a position in Texas (however he may well be back mid-year so I hope we can properly farewell him then).

I would also like to congratulate those who recently gained promotion: Giovanni, Sila, Michael M, Emma, Jennifer E, Sam and Melanie K. A big well done to you all.

For the early days of 2022 I, like many of you, will take Leave and Giovanni has kindly agreed to be Acting HoS for me. I have assured him that few issues will arise, so if you can avoid it please hold off asking for HoS approval for anything until I am back January 17^th!  

What will 2022 hold for us all? As a wise friend said ‘these are times of uncertainty and we either embrace the uncertainty or distract ourselves by fruitlessly trying to resist it’.  Omicron-permitting, I greatly look forward to seeing you all at the Wednesday February 23^rd  annual Kaupapa session, and many of you in various combinations beforehand then.

More immediately, in the coming weeks as you take Annual Leave, do try and keep your laptops closed and your horizons open to all the insights, encounters and opportunities that sometimes elude us during the working year. I am looking forward to one of my favourite aspects of the holiday season: reaching such a point of wind-down that I no longer know what day it is.  It’s a fleeting feeling being released from deadlines and diaries. Do enjoy it.

Meri Kirihimete me te tau hou!/ Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!   Robin

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Marsden Grants

With the upcoming Marsden round, I hope a good number of you will be considering developing an idea over the summer.  Please bear in mind FTE on these applications. While a ‘Marsden Fast-start’ is fine with a reasonably generous level of FTE, standard Marsden grants should be kept in the range 0.1 or 0.2FTE. If you have questions please contact Kathryn Howard k.howard@auckland.ac.nz

 

Annual Leave

While our plans and preferred dates inevitably change from time to time, please note that Annual Leave should only be changed in advance. Retrospectively changing booked leave dates after you have worked them is not permitted by HR, so please keep on top of what dates you have had approved for Leave. Thanks for your understanding.

 

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Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities

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Congratulations to Michaela Dobson! 

Michaela Dobson, a doctoral candidate from the Faculty of Science, has become the first New Zealander to be awarded the Lunar and Planetary Institutes Eugene M. Shoemaker Impact Cratering Award. She’s also part of a team that received the U21 Researcher Resilience to create an online space science workshop. 

Click on the link to read the full article: Planetary prizes for Auckland PhD candidate – The University of Auckland 

 

Congratulations to Mark Costello! 

Mark Costello was recently awarded the 2021 Alumni Award in the field of Engineering, Science and Technology from the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Click the link to read the full article: National University of Ireland, Galway on LinkedIn: Professor Mark Costello – Alumni Award for Engineering and Science

 

External Advertisement – Senior Technician: Terrestrial Ecology

External advertisement for a Senior Technician – Terrestrial Ecology role (permanent, full time) at the School of Biological Sciences (SBS). Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 9th January 2022. 

Click on the following link to apply and to find the position description:                                              University of Auckland Senior Technician – Terrestrial Ecology | SmartRecruiters

**Please reach out to Peter Schlegel via p.schlegel@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.

 

2022 SoE lab opening dates

The last day this year for lab access is the 22^nd December.

Most SoE Labs will reopen on the 10^th of January once the technical team have had a chance to start things back up.

If you want more information on a specific lab then please email Blair.

 

Expression of Interest: The Women in Earth and Environmental Sciences 

The Women in Earth and Environmental Sciences in Australasia (Womeesa) network now has more than 700 members. Are you one? If not, it is an excellent network for anyone from student to professor level. The latest monthly newsletter will give you an idea of their current activities, and support for women working in Earth and Environmental Sciences in academia, industry, and government.

https://www.womeesa.net/newsletter/october-8jek2

Our very own Lorna Strachan was recently elected as a member of the Womeesa committee, and so if you would like to find out more, please drop her a line at l.strachan@auckland.ac.nz 

 

Work-Integrated Learning NZ

Prompted by Martin Brook the University of Auckland very soon (Bridget Kool has actioned this) will be members of Work-Integrated Learning NZ:

https://www.wilnz.nz/

As you will see in the Members section, many of our peers (AUT, Massey, Waikato, VuW, UC, and some polytec’s) have already been involved as Institutional and Corporate Partners, but until now, not UoA. WILNZ have a really interesting annual conference too, which gets good participation from the different tertiary institutions. The next conference is at AUT in April 2022, and the 2021 WILNZ online proceedings make for interesting reading.

It’s a good networking opportunity, to learn from others and see what best practice, pitfalls etc are out there.

 

Student Support

If students are struggling support is available:

Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care  https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/student-support/te-papa-manaaki-campus-care.html

Financial Support https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/fees-and-money-matters/financial-support.html

Covid will have likely have impacted progress for many so there are Postgraduate Extensions and Fee Waivers programmes. Note International students will need to consider visas!

Honours and Masters (as you know who will have been impacted please don’t wait for the last few days before the submission deadline to apply!)

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/fees-and-money-matters/tuition-fees/postgraduate-research-fees-free-extension.html

Doctoral

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/school-of-graduate-studies/covid-19-doctoral-extension-fee-waiver.html

If any doctoral students are ‘twiddling their thumbs’ because they can’t get into labs or do fieldwork it may be a good time for them to generally upskill:

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/school-of-graduate-studies/doctoral-opportunities.html

Note to supervisors: Domestic PhD Admissions of those eligible for the guaranteed University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships are up so it has become even more competitive for international applicants. Please manage expectations around this as you communicate with international enquiries.

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Upcoming Events

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Registration for Disastrous Doctorates 2022 

Official registration form to attend Disastrous Doctorates 2022 (DD2022)! DD2022 is a forum for disaster-related doctoral students, which welcomes participants from various disciplines, including engineering, earth science, emergency management, geography, law, psychology, business etc. This forum aims to bring together students across the disaster-research field and build a network and community of early career researchers.

This year’s theme is New Zealand’s Resilience to Climate Change. However, any researcher involved in disaster research is encouraged to attend and present a 3MT about their research.

The DD2022 symposium will be held on 1-3 February 2022 and hosted by The University of Auckland in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Official Registration Form – Disastrous Doctorates (wordpress.com)

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AKO

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Applications: Ako Innovation Committee Teaching & Learning Innovation Fund 2022

Call for applications to the Ako Innovation Committee Teaching and Learning Innovation Fund 2022 Grants are to encourage innovative teaching and learning practices that have the potential for widespread adoption within the School Due: 08/02/2022, noon Please see the guidelines here and the application form here Please contact Mel Wall if you have any questions

 

New programme: Master of Environmental Management

We will soon be offering a new 180 point taught masters degree in Environmental Management. This has just been given the go-ahead from the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) and will be available from Semester 1, 2022. It builds upon the long-established PGDipSci and MSc options, and the existing foundations of critical social science will be augmented with new courses with a more applied focus. The fairly tight programme and the core course (701) will ensure that all students get a coherent and well-rounded experience, but with space to include courses from related subjects, as well.

With our recently-appointed new colleagues we will be able to roll out a full programme in 2022:

Semester 1

• ENVMGT 741: Social Change for Sustainability (Georgia Pigott)
• ENVMGT 744: Resource Management (Karen Fisher)
• ENVMGT 749: Environmental Sociotechnologies (Emma Sharp)
• ENVMGT 751: River Management (Gary Brierley)

Semester 2

• ENVMGT 701: Environmental Management in Practice (Brad Coombes + other staff)
• ENVMGT 742: Social Dimensions of Global Environmental Change (Meg Parson)
• ENVMGT 746: Collaborative Environmental Management (Brad Coombes)
• ENVMGT: 748: Coastal Management (Emma Ryan)

Brad Coombes is the Environmental Management programme adviser.

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Rangahau – Research

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Summer Research Student – Lab access

In line with what SCS and SBS are doing this year, and in line with covid/RED level protocols, we will be allowing SRS to be given temporary swipe access to laboratories.

Students will still need to complete the regular online inductions.  They will also need to be accompanied by the supervisor while in laboratories as we cannot leave UGs in PG research spaces alone.  Please email Blair with any questions.

Research Impact Guide

The University of Auckland’s Research Impact Guide is available on the Research Hub, the University’s internal one-stop shop for research resources.

The Research Impact guide contains tools, resources and signposts on where to get support to develop the impact of your research. We currently have a summer intern working to revamp these pages, looking to provide up-to-date best practice content, accurate signposting to a broad range of support services, and content on specialist topics including policy engagement and public engagement. We have initial ideas on how to improve these pages, but would love to understand from our research community what type of additional information you might benefit from.

ACTION: visit the Research Impact Guide and let us know your opinion! We welcome your feedback via this anonymous google form as we continue to add content. Thank you in advance!

 

Discovery Profiles

Improving discoverability of our research and expertise – introducing Discovery Profiles

In March 2022, our current Research Outputs  system will be renamed Te Waka Huia Rangahau | Research Outputs, upgraded to provide an improved user interface, and extended to include staff and doctoral candidate profiles, as well as advertising research projects and supervision opportunities to potential research students.

These changes will improve discoverability of our research and expertise, and streamline our research eco system, by incorporating three existing systems (Research Outputs, University Directory and FindaThesis) into one.

The external facing elements of University Directory and FindaThesis will be retired and replaced by Discovery Profiles, a module of the Te Waka Huia Rangahau | Research Outputs system.

For more information on these improvements and how you can prepare for this change please see the Discovery Profiles News page.

 

Marsden – bid writing support

Please contact Kathryn or Franca if you’re going to apply for a Marsden grant this year and would like to request bid writing support.  Three levels of support is available (general proof reading; editorial review; or full bid development)  Please submit your request by mid December at the latest.  Note funding is limited, and not all requests will be able to be supported. 

 

Research Projects impacted by Covid-19

Please advise your RPC if any of your research projects have been impacted by Covid-19 so we can discuss options to resolve impacts. Note, key information on research continuity through COVID-19 is being updated regularly via COVID-19: Researcher continuity support and information.

 

Antarctica field work

Any one preparing funding bids that involve fieldwork in Antarctica is encouraged to contact Esme Robinson (e.robinson@antarcticanz.govt.nz) Science Programme Advisor, at Antarctica New Zealand early in the development of their research plan so that they can support the preparation of a logistically feasible application.

 

Funding Call 

 

Marsden Fund

Applications due 8 February 2022

The Marsden Fund invests in excellent, investigator-led research aimed at generating new knowledge, with long-term benefit to New Zealand.  View the guidelines here.  To register to apply, email the following information to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz: you title, full name, email address, faculty, department and type of Marsden Grant (Standard, Fast-Start, Council).

 

School of Environment DRDF funding call

Applications due 1 March 2022

The purpose of this fund is to increase the quality and international reach of our research output. It will support initiatives that produce tangible outcomes that are in line with the School strategic objectives and improve our future PBRF quality scores. The fund will be distributed in two contestable application rounds in March and July 2022.

You can apply for direct research costs up to $10,000 for a single applicant, and up to $15,000 for a group of applicants from the SoE.

Please refer to the attached Guidelines for DRDF applications for 2022 for further information or contact Katarzyna.sila-nowicka@auckland.ac.nz  with any questions.  Email your application using the attached application form to Katarzyna.sila-nowicka@auckland.ac.nz by 1 March 2022.

2022 Application Form for ENV DRDF funds

 

Covid-19 Hardship Fund

Applications due 31 March 2022

The University has launched the University C19 Hardship Fund to support externally funded research projects critically impacted by Covid-19 during Q3 and Q4 2021 and which incurred ongoing expenses and are now experiencing a shortfall.  Applicants must be a Principal Investigator of an externally funded research project ending before 31 Dec 2022, with a recorded COVID-19 Impact of Amber or Red. Please contact your RPC if your project has been impacted by Covid-19 to ensure its been assessed correctly. Please see the COVID-19 Hardship Fund Guidelines for more information and to determine what costs you can apply. Please contact your RPC if you wish to apply and to obtain the financial transaction details for the Q3 – Q4 period for your project. Please review the information that is sent to you and when you’re ready – apply online.

 

Vision Mātauranga hui

As part of the Vision Mātauranga support for researchers within Te Whare Pūtaiao Faculty of Science. The Māori advisors’ team will be running two 90-minute Vision Mātauranga Hui on the 19^th and 20^th January 2022. Please complete the registration form to receive the zoom link Vision Mātauranga Hui .  We have gone with a hui versus a workshop because the session is designed to help researchers think in this space and decide how YOU can embed Vision Mātauranga into your proposal. We hope the session will be interactive and enable discussion. We would like to encourage researchers to engage early in this space. Those who attend the hui will have an opportunity to have a 1:1 discussion and develop your proposal before EoI submission. Should you be successful at EoI stage (and have attended the Vision Mātauranga hui) you will be invited to further discuss your proposal 1:1 with the faculty advisors. In advance of the session, please find attached a document (Responsiveness to Maaori tool v1.3) to help map out your proposal ideas and how they connect with Māori aspirations, build Māori capability and capacity, and look at how you can ensure your research is reaching Māori communities. Although we will not be focused on this document, it may help you as you look to see how your research can be responsive to Māori, and you are welcome to bring it with you to the session.

 

Plastics Innovation Fund

***Application Deadline 20 June 2022***

The purpose of the Plastics Innovation Fund is to support projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment. The fund is seeking to fund projects that find ways to use less plastic and make what we do use reusable or recyclable.  It is targeted at projects that: minimise plastic waste; support circular solutions; protect the environment from harm; support the reduction of imported plastic; and improve the behaviour of people and businesses (up the waste hierarchy).  For further information visit the funder website or refer the Funder guidelines.  You can also view a One-hour webinar about the fund

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Publications

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Carter, L., Bostock-Lyman, H., Bowen, M., (2022) Water masses, circulation and change in the modern Southern Ocean, in Antarctic Climate Evolution, pg. 165-197, Elsevier, Amsterdam.

Shi Z, Assis J, Costello MJ. 2021. Vulnerability of marine species to low oxygen. In: Goldstein, M.I., DellaSala, D.A. (Eds.), Imperiled: The Encyclopedia of Conservation. Elsevier, online https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-821139-7.00203-8

Kanakiya, S., Turner, G. M., Rowe, M. C., Adam, L., & Lindsay, J. M. (2021). High remanent magnetization measured in hydrothermally altered lavas. Geophysical Research Letters. 48, e2021GL095732. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL095732

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More Information

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Need to store and share research data? Request Research storage or UoA Dropbox for research

Queries about virtual machines? Virtual machine consult or Nectar Research Cloud?

ResearchHub: connects people, resources, and services -research-hub.auckland.ac.nz

Remote working issues: Please refer to the remote working page. If you do not find the answers to your questions, please log a call on the IT Portal for any IT-related issues or contact the Staff Service Centre for other queries.

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Two-factor Authentication : Authy

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https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/identity-and-access-management/two-factor-authentication/download-authy-for-desktops.html

YubiKeys work but of course require a USB port.

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VPN: Instructions on how to install

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https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/postgraduate-support-and-services/vpn-service.html

VPN, Linux: FortiClient is running fine on Linux.  Check the VPN link listed above.

VPN, Mac desktops: (information from April, may be outdated).  Students may need IT to make their machines mobile and install FortiClient directly from the website.  They will also need to set-up two-factor authentication by downloading an app like “Authy” on their phones and then setting up their University of Auckland account.  I suggest people do this part before IT gets to them to make the process faster.  To do that, they can use the instructions on this page:

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/identity-and-access-management/two-factor-authentication/download-authy-for-desktops.html​

To get a mobile account set up, log a service request or go to one of the service kiosks. It is unclear how this is being done remotely but I am sure this can be done. Please let me Ingo (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz) know if you have managed to install FortiClient on their macs remotely.

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FlexIT and Remote Access

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FlexIT is straight-forward for remote access to computing power and programs. Alternatively, check if your project/group or so has a virtual machine. Remote desktop access to specific machines can be set up by IT but may note be reliable. Check the Staff Service Center https://uoaprod.service-now.com/sp.

Remote access is possible to some workstations in the geocomputational lab for research, and on a needs basis.  This may be a viable solution for specialized data analysis.  Please look into alternatives: It is unclear however, if/how on-site desktops can be maintained, if needed..

FlexIT access and requests: Use the FlexIT form in the IT Portal to request access as a staff member, to ask for an application be added, or to report any issues or faults.

FlexIT, Linux: Please check FlexIT link: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/my-tools/flex-it.html.  It does not have any information on Linux but should be useful for “translation”.

Depending on your browser (in particular, Firefox), you also need to do the following, from https://communities.vmware.com/thread/595554.

“…tested with the Horizon 4.8.x and 4.10.x clients and Firefox v64.0. Both are 64bit versions, running on Ubuntu 18.04.1

Download the client from the VMWare Horizon Client for 64-bit Linux
In Firefox, open about:config and click through the warning.
Add a new boolean entry called network.protocol-handler.expose.vmware-view and set the value to false
Create a file called `test.html` somewhere on your computer and put the following in it: test
Open the file in Firefox and click on the link, which should prompt you for a path to open the link.
Select /usr/bin/vmware-view and it should work for future uses! “

(1) was provided by UoA but I think it works with generic software from VMWare as well.

Check with Ingo (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz) if you run into problems.

Software licenses: Software vendors have relaxed their licensing to allow students to install software at home, rather than relying on Flex IT. There is a running list here https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/my-tools/flex-it/install-software.html

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Please email content to Isabella for next edition of P-cubed by Friday

HeadsUp

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Feminist geographer Heidi Nast memorably said “we are always, already in the field”. Amid the twin limitations of the Delta lockdown and the preoccupations being Head of School, I recently turned my attention again to writing about where I live.  In this case, I worked with an island-based researcher, Pam Oliver, and PG student Neil Lindsey to examine the question of how the island community managed to remain so Covid-free. Our paper concludes that the obvious ‘island-ness’ is only part of the story. The rest of the explanation we attribute to the strength of community cohesiveness and resolve to look after each other. Survey respondents cited examples like the ‘Pandemic of Kindness’ Facebook page and the Chair of the Local Board saying she would defend the wharf with a pitchfork . We interpreted the community’s wish for a localised response to Covid as reflecting political ‘subsidiarity’: the view that a centralised authority should control only those tasks that cannot be performed more effectively through local governance.

It may seem a stretch, but I see a degree of this subsidiarity at work in our collective response to the School Review. Yes, the Review was initiated and convened from elsewhere in the university. But now that we have its report, it is up to us to reflect, interpret and act on it. That it because the university recognises that we are the place and people best able to perform those tasks through our own processes of local governance.

To that end we currently are in a phase that will stretch over the summer, connecting two of our three annual all-staff gatherings: November’s Wrap-Up and February’s Kaupapa. I have asked five established groups (the three platforms and some of the committees) to host open discussions of one or more of the Action Points raised by the Review. The schedule is below and, despite us all being both over-zoomed and meeting-ed out, I encourage you to join as many of the discussions as you can. The purpose is not to arrive at solutions but rather to reflect on possibilities and implications. As one wise member of the Steering Group suggested, we need to ask ‘What problem is being addressed?’ and ‘What opportunities, if any, are open up by addressing it?’.

So, no matter how hoha we feel, to use a Te Reo word (ie blasé, ‘over it’) please join the conversations (this week and again in late January or early February) so that by our Wednesday 23^rd February Kaupapa session, we will have points and potential responses to consider that have been filtered through the views of many within the School.

Another development also reflects subsidiarity. Blair and his team have refined a process for ENV people to apply for access to our buildings and facilities for as long as we remain stopped at the Red Traffic Light. Please read the process outlined and use the application form. This process is yet another example of the Technical Services team serving us well locally by responding to needs in light of a larger regulatory settings.

So, unlike Waiheke, there are no threats of officials with pitchforks at our doorways (!) but hopefully a pandemic of kindness will continue to prevail. It’s a time for continued compliance with regulations that are designed to protect us all. And, with respect to the Review deliberations, there’ll be no pitchfork from me goading you into participation. But, please, no claims come February that you didn’t have a chance to have your voice heard.

Robin Kearns

–

• School Review discussions next week

As a way of moving the collective conversation forward as we look to the next academic year, I have asked Platforms /Committees to

• Meet at least twice between now and the School’s Kaupapa session Wednesday 23rd Feb
• Schedule the first such conversation before we break for 2021.
• By mid-Feb, and in anticipation of the Kaupapa session,, develop a 1-2 page document and PPT slides for a 10 min max presentation that will:

# Summarise the Action Areas and the Review Committee’s observations and concerns

#  Reviewing any context, as appropriate

# Outline any possible responses & implications

#  Include 2-3 questions to help deliberation at the Kaupapa session

Please bear in mind that

• We need to respond to the Review, so a do-nothing stance isn’t viable.
• Be aware of what ‘problem’ is being addressed and what opportunity is being presented.
• Take a whole-of-School view, trying to suspend (at least for now) subject-area partisan concerns.

 

Meetings

• Action Areas 8 and 9: Determining transdisciplinary research directions; and Enhancing external engagement.

Hosted by Nick Lewis &  PG Research Committee

Monday 6th Dec 2-3pm

https://auckland.zoom.us/j/93127976250

 

• Action Areas 8 and 9: Determining transdisciplinary research directions; and Enhancing external engagement.

Hosted by Sila  and Rangahau

Tuesday 7th December 2-3pm

https://auckland.zoom.us/j/8698433089

 

• Action Area 4: Strengthening the integration of the Tuākana programme

Hosted by Emma Sharp,  School Review (Equity Committee and Tuākana)

Thursday, 9 Dec 1-2:30 –

https://auckland.zoom.us/j/8913664680

 

• Action Area 3: Development of a delivery modes strategy  & Action Area 7: Increasing visibility of employability across all programmes 

Hosted by Mel Wall & AKO Innovation Committee

Friday 10th Dec 10-11.30

https://auckland.zoom.us/j/94791316892

 

• Action Area 1 and 2: Implications of Climate Change Curriculum Position and Curriculum Rationalisation

Hosted by Lorna Strachan & AKO Committee

Friday, 10 Dec 1:00-2:30pm

https://auckland.zoom.us/j/91524318068?pwd=OWhBb0FWZDBOeGcxSUlkK3U0bjU0Zz09

 

2. Access to buildings under the Red Traffic Light

Blair asks that you read and follow this newly-designed process:

1. Staff fill out the form requesting access  (students still cannot do this themselves) https://auckland.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NSjdFaJF4bkXAy
2. Robin, Blair and Jenny undertake a quick assessment to make sure the work is priority.
3. Blair provides details of approved work to faculty.
4. The faculty generates a letter letting the user know if they have been approved (can take 24 hours).
5. They can then make a booking in the calendar which lets us work within capacity limits for each space  
6. People on site will be assigned a primary work zone (where they use toilets and tearooms)     
7. They can move between other labs provided they aren’t at capacity and this has been agreed. 
8. We can decline or cancel requests if no staff are present on a particular day                           
9. Field activity doesn’t require faculty approval.

 

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Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities

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Congratulations Ema Nersezova! 

Congratulations to Ema Nersezova who has been awarded a S. J. Hastie scholarship from the Geoscience Society of New Zealand. This is for an MSc Earth Science thesis on: Water and organic contents of digitate sinter in contrasting hotspring environments: The Taupo Volcanic zone as a Martian analogue, to be supervised by Mike Rowe.

 

Expression of Interest: The Women in Earth and Environmental Sciences 

The Women in Earth and Environmental Sciences in Australasia (Womeesa) network now has more than 700 members. Are you one? If not, it is an excellent network for anyone from student to professor level. The latest monthly newsletter will give you an idea of their current activities, and support for women working in Earth and Environmental Sciences in academia, industry, and government.

https://www.womeesa.net/newsletter/october-8jek2

Our very own Lorna Strachan was recently elected as a member of the Womeesa committee, and so if you would like to find out more, please drop her a line at l.strachan@auckland.ac.nz 

 

Work-Integrated Learning NZ

Prompted by Martin Brook the University of Auckland very soon (Bridget Kool has actioned this) will be members of Work-Integrated Learning NZ:

https://www.wilnz.nz/

As you will see in the Members section, many of our peers (AUT, Massey, Waikato, VuW, UC, and some polytec’s) have already been involved as Institutional and Corporate Partners, but until now, not UoA. WILNZ have a really interesting annual conference too, which gets good participation from the different tertiary institutions. The next conference is at AUT in April 2022, and the 2021 WILNZ online proceedings make for interesting reading.

It’s a good networking opportunity, to learn from others and see what best practice, pitfalls etc are out there.

 

Student Support

If students are struggling support is available:

Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care  https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/student-support/te-papa-manaaki-campus-care.html

Financial Support https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/fees-and-money-matters/financial-support.html

Covid will have likely have impacted progress for many so there are Postgraduate Extensions and Fee Waivers programmes. Note International students will need to consider visas!

Honours and Masters (as you know who will have been impacted please don’t wait for the last few days before the submission deadline to apply!)

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/fees-and-money-matters/tuition-fees/postgraduate-research-fees-free-extension.html

Doctoral

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/school-of-graduate-studies/covid-19-doctoral-extension-fee-waiver.html

If any doctoral students are ‘twiddling their thumbs’ because they can’t get into labs or do fieldwork it may be a good time for them to generally upskill:

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/school-of-graduate-studies/doctoral-opportunities.html

Note to supervisors: Domestic PhD Admissions of those eligible for the guaranteed University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships are up so it has become even more competitive for international applicants. Please manage expectations around this as you communicate with international enquiries.

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Upcoming Events

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Registration for Disastrous Doctorates 2022 

Official registration form to attend Disastrous Doctorates 2022 (DD2022)! DD2022 is a forum for disaster-related doctoral students, which welcomes participants from various disciplines, including engineering, earth science, emergency management, geography, law, psychology, business etc. This forum aims to bring together students across the disaster-research field and build a network and community of early career researchers.

This year’s theme is New Zealand’s Resilience to Climate Change. However, any researcher involved in disaster research is encouraged to attend and present a 3MT about their research.

The DD2022 symposium will be held on 1-3 February 2022 and hosted by The University of Auckland in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Official Registration Form – Disastrous Doctorates (wordpress.com)

 

RSNZ Marsden

The University and UniServices are running a series of Marsden support events as below. All of these will be remote via Zoom.  Please contact your RPC if you’d like to attend and to receive the zoom link.

1. Vision Mātauranga overview/introduction:

• Tuesday Dec 07, 1:15 – 2:15pm
• An introduction to Vision Mātauranga policy targeted at researchers new to Vision Mātauranga and/or Marsden Funding.

1. Insights Q&A panel:

• Thursday Dec 09,  2-3pm
• Panellists:
  • Tyron Love
  • Fred Vanholsbeeck
  • Catherine Tsai
  • Tim Kuhner

1. Vision Mātauranga follow-up and Marsden-specific advice:

• Tuesday Dec 14, 10-11am

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AKO

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Applications: Ako Innovation Committee Teaching & Learning Innovation Fund 2022

Call for applications to the Ako Innovation Committee Teaching and Learning Innovation Fund 2022 Grants are to encourage innovative teaching and learning practices that have the potential for widespread adoption within the School Due: 08/02/2022, noon Please see the guidelines here and the application form here Please contact Mel Wall if you have any questions

 

New programme: Master of Environmental Management

We will soon be offering a new 180 point taught masters degree in Environmental Management. This has just been given the go-ahead from the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) and will be available from Semester 1, 2022. It builds upon the long-established PGDipSci and MSc options, and the existing foundations of critical social science will be augmented with new courses with a more applied focus. The fairly tight programme and the core course (701) will ensure that all students get a coherent and well-rounded experience, but with space to include courses from related subjects, as well.

With our recently-appointed new colleagues we will be able to roll out a full programme in 2022:

Semester 1

• ENVMGT 741: Social Change for Sustainability (Georgia Pigott)
• ENVMGT 744: Resource Management (Karen Fisher)
• ENVMGT 749: Environmental Sociotechnologies (Emma Sharp)
• ENVMGT 751: River Management (Gary Brierley)

Semester 2

• ENVMGT 701: Environmental Management in Practice (Brad Coombes + other staff)
• ENVMGT 742: Social Dimensions of Global Environmental Change (Meg Parson)
• ENVMGT 746: Collaborative Environmental Management (Brad Coombes)
• ENVMGT: 748: Coastal Management (Emma Ryan)

Brad Coombes is the Environmental Management programme adviser.

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Rangahau – Research

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Applications: The Laura Bassi Scholarship 

The Laura Bassi Scholarship, which awards a total of $8,000 thrice per annum, was established by Editing Press in 2018 with the aim of providing editorial assistance to postgraduates and junior academics whose research focuses on neglected topics of study, broadly construed. The scholarships are open to every discipline and the next round of funding will be awarded in Winter 2021:

Winter 2021
Application deadline: 15 December 2021
Results: 3 January 2022

All currently enrolled master’s and doctoral candidates are eligible to apply, as are academics in the first five years of full-time employment. Applicants are required to submit a completed application form along with their CV through the application portal by the relevant deadline. Further details, previous winners, and the application portal can be found at: https://editing.press/bassi

 

Research Impact Guide

The University of Auckland’s Research Impact Guide is available on the Research Hub, the University’s internal one-stop shop for research resources.

The Research Impact guide contains tools, resources and signposts on where to get support to develop the impact of your research. We currently have a summer intern working to revamp these pages, looking to provide up-to-date best practice content, accurate signposting to a broad range of support services, and content on specialist topics including policy engagement and public engagement. We have initial ideas on how to improve these pages, but would love to understand from our research community what type of additional information you might benefit from.

ACTION: visit the Research Impact Guide and let us know your opinion! We welcome your feedback via this anonymous google form as we continue to add content. Thank you in advance!

 

Discovery Profiles

Improving discoverability of our research and expertise – introducing Discovery Profiles

In March 2022, our current Research Outputs  system will be renamed Te Waka Huia Rangahau | Research Outputs, upgraded to provide an improved user interface, and extended to include staff and doctoral candidate profiles, as well as advertising research projects and supervision opportunities to potential research students.

These changes will improve discoverability of our research and expertise, and streamline our research eco system, by incorporating three existing systems (Research Outputs, University Directory and FindaThesis) into one.

The external facing elements of University Directory and FindaThesis will be retired and replaced by Discovery Profiles, a module of the Te Waka Huia Rangahau | Research Outputs system.

For more information on these improvements and how you can prepare for this change please see the Discovery Profiles News page.

 

Marsden – bid writing support

Please contact Kathryn or Franca if you’re going to apply for a Marsden grant this year and would like to request bid writing support.  Three levels of support is available (general proof reading; editorial review; or full bid development)  Please submit your request by mid December at the latest.  Note funding is limited, and not all requests will be able to be supported. 

 

Research Projects impacted by Covid-19

Please advise your RPC if any of your research projects have been impacted by Covid-19 so we can discuss options to resolve impacts. Note, key information on research continuity through COVID-19 is being updated regularly via COVID-19: Researcher continuity support and information.

 

Antarctica field work

Any one preparing funding bids that involve fieldwork in Antarctica is encouraged to contact Esme Robinson (e.robinson@antarcticanz.govt.nz) Science Programme Advisor, at Antarctica New Zealand early in the development of their research plan so that they can support the preparation of a logistically feasible application.

 

Research Assistant position available

The Sustainability Practices for a Future-focussed Faculty Initiative is concerned with finding gaps and opportunities for the Faculty of Science (FoS) to achieve a higher degree of sustainability. The research team is examining potential pathways for transitioning to new ways of doing things regarding our carbon emissions, lab-based teaching and research, and our sustainability mindset. The team is seeking input from the Faculty of Science’s staff and postgraduate students, which will help inform the University’s sustainability strategy. Engagement will include interviews and surveys. The data will be collected and coded in NVivo with the support of three Research Assistants (RAs), and the analysis and insights will be informed by transition theory frameworks. The initiative is led by Robin Kearns,  Gillian Lewis (Associate Dean Sustainability), and Caroline Roughneen (FoS Strategic Projects Manager). The initiative leaders have appointed a Research Fellow (RF), Dr Barbara Ribeiro, to act as Project Lead (designing the research structure, providing a theoretical grounding, and day to day project management). We are seeking  a further suitably qualified  RA experienced in conducting interviews and undertaking qualitative research.  Theis researcher would start at the primary data collection phase (mid-October)  and continue until  the project is completed by December 17th. Pay rate to be assessed by experience and qualifications by HR. For further information and /or to apply,  please contact Barbara at b.ribeiro@auckland.ac.nz.

 

Funding Call 

Plastics Innovation Fund

***Application Deadline 20 June 2022***

The purpose of the Plastics Innovation Fund is to support projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment. The fund is seeking to fund projects that find ways to use less plastic and make what we do use reusable or recyclable.  It is targeted at projects that: minimise plastic waste; support circular solutions; protect the environment from harm; support the reduction of imported plastic; and improve the behaviour of people and businesses (up the waste hierarchy).  For further information visit the funder website or refer the Funder guidelines.  You can also view a One-hour webinar about the fund

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Publications

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Pelling M, Biesbroek R, Caretta MA, Cissé G, Costello MJ, Ebi KL, Gunn EL, Kerr RB, Parmesan C. Schuster-Wallace C, van Aalst MK, Woodward A, 2021. Synergies between COVID-19 and climate change impacts and responses. Journal of Extreme Events, online. https://doi.org/10.1142/S2345737621310023

Fryirs, K., & Brierley, G. (2021). How far have management practices come in ‘working with the river’?. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms.https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.5279

Gao, S., Hofstra, A.H., Zou, X., Valley, J.W., Kitajima, K., Marsh, E.E., Lowers, H.A., Adams, D.T., Qin, K., Xu, H., 2021, Oxygen isotope evidence for input of magmatic fluids and precipitation of Au-Ag-tellurides in an otherwise ordinary adularia-sericite epithermal system in NE China. American Mineralogist, vol. 106, p. 2020 – 2027. https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2021-7825

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More Information

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Need to store and share research data? Request Research storage or UoA Dropbox for research

Queries about virtual machines? Virtual machine consult or Nectar Research Cloud?

ResearchHub: connects people, resources, and services -research-hub.auckland.ac.nz

Remote working issues: Please refer to the remote working page. If you do not find the answers to your questions, please log a call on the IT Portal for any IT-related issues or contact the Staff Service Centre for other queries.

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Two-factor Authentication : Authy

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https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/identity-and-access-management/two-factor-authentication/download-authy-for-desktops.html

YubiKeys work but of course require a USB port.

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VPN: Instructions on how to install

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https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/postgraduate-support-and-services/vpn-service.html

VPN, Linux: FortiClient is running fine on Linux.  Check the VPN link listed above.

VPN, Mac desktops: (information from April, may be outdated).  Students may need IT to make their machines mobile and install FortiClient directly from the website.  They will also need to set-up two-factor authentication by downloading an app like “Authy” on their phones and then setting up their University of Auckland account.  I suggest people do this part before IT gets to them to make the process faster.  To do that, they can use the instructions on this page:

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/identity-and-access-management/two-factor-authentication/download-authy-for-desktops.html​

To get a mobile account set up, log a service request or go to one of the service kiosks. It is unclear how this is being done remotely but I am sure this can be done. Please let me Ingo (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz) know if you have managed to install FortiClient on their macs remotely.

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FlexIT and Remote Access

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FlexIT is straight-forward for remote access to computing power and programs. Alternatively, check if your project/group or so has a virtual machine. Remote desktop access to specific machines can be set up by IT but may note be reliable. Check the Staff Service Center https://uoaprod.service-now.com/sp.

Remote access is possible to some workstations in the geocomputational lab for research, and on a needs basis.  This may be a viable solution for specialized data analysis.  Please look into alternatives: It is unclear however, if/how on-site desktops can be maintained, if needed..

FlexIT access and requests: Use the FlexIT form in the IT Portal to request access as a staff member, to ask for an application be added, or to report any issues or faults.

FlexIT, Linux: Please check FlexIT link: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/my-tools/flex-it.html.  It does not have any information on Linux but should be useful for “translation”.

Depending on your browser (in particular, Firefox), you also need to do the following, from https://communities.vmware.com/thread/595554.

“…tested with the Horizon 4.8.x and 4.10.x clients and Firefox v64.0. Both are 64bit versions, running on Ubuntu 18.04.1

Download the client from the VMWare Horizon Client for 64-bit Linux
In Firefox, open about:config and click through the warning.
Add a new boolean entry called network.protocol-handler.expose.vmware-view and set the value to false
Create a file called `test.html` somewhere on your computer and put the following in it: test
Open the file in Firefox and click on the link, which should prompt you for a path to open the link.
Select /usr/bin/vmware-view and it should work for future uses! “

(1) was provided by UoA but I think it works with generic software from VMWare as well.

Check with Ingo (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz) if you run into problems.

Software licenses: Software vendors have relaxed their licensing to allow students to install software at home, rather than relying on Flex IT. There is a running list here https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/my-tools/flex-it/install-software.html

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Please email content to Isabella for next edition of P-cubed by Friday