
6 February 2023

As we enter Race Equality Week 2023 (6 to 12 February) we are likely to become more mindful of how we speak about the diverse population of staff and students on campus.
To help, Queen's Gender Initiative has published the following document as a source of information that staff and students may wish to review.
Consultation on Language and Terminology relating to Race and Ethnicity
To provide feedback, please email k.laverty@qub.ac.uk.
During the academic year 2021/22 the QGI team – supported by the REC Network and iRise (the University's Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) – held a number of consultation sessions, that were open to both staff and students, to facilitate discussions on the language that we use at Queen's when discussing race and ethnicity. The conversations that took place were rich and varied, with staff and students agreeing that it is difficult to come to a consensus on what could be considered 'correct' terminology due to the very personal and individual nature of the topic. The group did however agree that some terms are widely accepted as inappropriate and should be avoided.
The outputs from the consultation are not intended to act as guidance or instruction on what we should and should not say when discussing race and ethnicity at Queen's, but the above document can be used as a source of information for staff and students.

The major student experience surveys (QSS and NSS) opened to students at the beginning of February. These surveys target students at key stages in their academic journey and are instrumental in giving students a voice in their education.
All staff are encouraged to publicise the surveys and urge students to complete before the deadlines: QSS on Sunday 12 February and NSS on Sunday 30 April 2023.
Students can find more info at https://go.qub.ac.uk/haveyoursay.
Student feedback given in the QSS and NSS is used by Queen's to enhance the quality of courses and improve the wider student experience. The continued support of all staff is fundamental to the success of the surveys, so your help is very welcome.
QUB Student Survey (QSS)
The QUB Student Survey targets all first-year and pre-final-year students on undergraduate programmes. These institutional surveys are bespoke to Queen’s, they cover key aspects of the student experience and will provide some early indicators for the NSS results. QSS is administered by the Student Survey Team which is part of the Directorate of Academic and Student Affairs.
National Student Survey (NSS)
The National Student Survey (NSS) targets all final-year students on undergraduate programmes. The NSS is a UK-wide survey commissioned by the Office for Students (OfS) on behalf of the UK funding and regulatory bodies. Ipsos, an independent market research agency, administer the survey on behalf of OfS and the funding bodies.
For any queries on these surveys, please email the Student Surveys Team at surveys@qub.ac.uk.

The Campus Food Market returns on Wednesday 8 February from 12.00pm to 3.00pm outside the front of the Lanyon Building.
This market brings together a great selection of hot food stalls showcasing Northern Irish produce and foods from around the world, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Everyone is welcome.

Race Equality Week is 6 to 12 February 2023. Queen's Gender Initiative is offering some suggestions of things Schools could do to endorse racial equity during this week:
- Virtual Badges
- 5-Day Challenge
- Hear what your colleagues really think and feel
- Join virtual thought leadership events
Virtual Badges
The virtual badge campaign enables people to publicly share their support for race equality before and during Race Equality Week. By wearing/displaying the digital badge, you will be joining hundreds of thousands of others in:
- Creating a visible movement of support for race equality
- Showing ethnically diverse colleagues that they are not alone
- Demonstrating the level of support for race equality within your organisation
- Making a commitment to shift words to meaningful action to achieve race equality
Login/register and then download and display, the:
- REW23 Logo
- Social Media Badge
- Virtual Background
- Email footer
5-Day Challenge
Built by the Race Equality Matters Community. There are different activities for each day – they include videos, articles, and activities to help your employees reflect and more importantly take action to drive Race Equality. Each activity takes five minutes. There are downloadable PDFS for each day too.
Hear what your colleagues really think and feel
Hold school-wide themed discussions to enable courageous conversations. Hear the honest voices and feelings of your colleagues.
To help facilitate the conversation, please contact Dr Kate Laverty, Queen's Gender Initiative, at k.laverty@qub.ac.uk.
Join virtual thought leadership events
The Race Equality Week team have a series of events and webinars you can join.

The University is currently advertising for the following positions internally:
- 23/110665 – Interim Director of Strategic Communications, Office of the Vice President of Strategic Engagement and External Affairs
- 23/110657 – Acting Director of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility, Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility
- 23/110651 – Project Manager, Office of the Vice President of Strategic Engagement and External Affairs
- 23/110626 – Website Officer (Maternity Cover), Marketing, Recruitment, Communications and Internationalisation (MRCI)
- 23/110637 – Clerical Officer, Centre for Dentistry
Staff can view internal vacancies on Queen's Online. Other vacancies are often advertised externally and are on the Job Vacancies page.

The 2023 Academic Progression process launched on 30 January and all eligible staff were issued with a communication advising that the portal is now open for applications on Queen's Online.
As part of the review of the process, new Academic Progression Intranet pages have been produced by the People and Culture Directorate to provide guidance and resources to academic staff interested in applying. These pages will remain on the People and Culture Intranet long-term and will continue to be updated to reflect any future changes in the process. Staff who don't wish to apply this year, but may in future, are invited to familiarise themselves with the pages to support their personal development planning.
To provide feedback or suggestions on the new Intranet pages, please email academic.progression@qub.ac.uk.

Linguistic diversity is a key feature of university campus life, and part of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
The Language Centre at Queen's and staff representatives are keen to hear from you on language learning to help gauge demand – including which languages staff are interested in, preferred language class locations on campus, and what time of the day suits best.
The survey will open from 15 January to 28 February 2023. Complete the survey here for a chance to win one of five £20 Amazon vouchers.
Survey findings will inform decision-making in relation to language training provision.

Staff are invited to an introductory workshop on the Guzheng, a traditional Chinese string instrument, on Monday 6 February from 3.00pm to 4.30pm in the Auditorium, McClay Library.
The workshop will be delivered by Queen's graduate Wei DENG.

The latest articles from Queen's Policy Engagement (QPol):
- Professor Katy Hayward, Professor David Phinnemore: Future-proofing a UK-EU deal for Northern Ireland begins here and now
- Dr Ulrike M Vieten: Countering the normalization of the violent German Far Right
To submit an article to Queen's Policy Engagement, please email Kevin at qpol@qub.ac.uk.

The Conversation is a news website featuring articles by academics, often republished to global media outlets. Articles by Queen's academics published in The Conversation have been read by 12.5 million people internationally. Read the latest:
- Professor John Nagle: Beirut port disaster: former Lebanon prime minister charged with homicide
- Dr Gemma Catney (QUB), Dr Richard Wright (Dartmouth College): Census data shows England and Wales are more ethnically diverse – and less segregated – than ever before
- Clara Wilson: Les chiens peuvent sentir notre stress, littéralement
Original article: Dogs can smell people's stress – new study - Dr Alexander Titov: Ukraine war: life on Russia's home front after ten months of conflict
- Dr Deborah Wells: Are dogs left- or right-handed? What the science says

Queen's Staff Blog provides a space for staff to share our reflections, knowledge and experiences and build a connected University community:
- BLOG: Supporting and connecting our staff who identify as carers, by Conor Curran, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Staff Wellbeing, People and Culture Directorate.
If you are interested in writing a staff blog piece, please contact internalcommunications@qub.ac.uk.

Our latest 'Spotlight on our Staff' profile features Professor Graeme Swindles.
Graeme is Professor of Physical Geography and Director of Geography, Archaeology & Palaeoecology in the School of Natural and Built Environment.

The School of Psychology invites staff to the Inaugural Lecture of Professor Pauline Adair, taking place on Thursday 9 February at 5.30pm in room 0G.012 (The Bridge), David Keir Building, followed by a reception in the DKB Hub.
The title of Professor Adair's lecture is: 'A health psychology approach to empowering parents to prevent dental caries in their children'.

Staff are invited to join Mary Phillips (City University of New York) and Ericka Huggins in conversation as they explore the complex relationship between historian and subject and the political urgency of the Black Power project – both in its past and present guises, and heading into future.
This event takes place on Wednesday 15 February from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in Linen Hall Library - Performance Area, Level 3, 17 Donegall Square North, Belfast, BT1 5GB.
Refreshments will be served after this event.
Professor Mary Phillips (Lehman College, City University of New York) is an expert on the history of race, gender and social movements in late-twentieth century America. She is also the author of a forthcoming book about Ericka Huggins, a leading player in the Black Panther Movement, former political prisoner, and human rights advocate.

As part of the NI Science Festival, the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research (PGJCCR) will hold a Public Open Day on Saturday 18 February from 10.00am to 1.00pm.
This is an opportunity to tour PGJCCR research laboratories, meet its research teams and find out more about cancer research in Northern Ireland.
Tickets are limited; visitors must register in advance.

Staff are invited to the 21st Annual Sir Bernard Crossland Lecture, taking place on Wednesday 22 February from 5.30pm in Riddel Hall.
The 2023 lecture, entitled '"A great wind is blowing, and that gives you either imagination or a headache": Security of supply in a low carbon energy system', will be given by Professor Keith Bell, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
This lecture series is hosted by the Chief Executives' Club at Queen's and Engineers Ireland, in association with The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Queen's Catholic Chaplaincy invites staff and students to the next event in its 'Conversations for the Common Good' series on Tuesday 7 March at 7.00pm in the Chaplaincy, Elmwood Avenue.
This lecture will be delivered by guest speaker, Queen's alumna and human rights lawyer, Caroline Haughey OBE KC. Caroline will address the theme of modern slavery, its evolution and the Church's response.

Staff are invited to the Inaugural Lectures of Professor Brendan Dromey (Centre for Light-Matter Interactions) and Professor Chris Watson (Astrophysics Research Centre). For more information, visit the following links:
- Professor Brendan Dromey: 'Ultrafast Nanodosimetry: Tracking the emergence of ultrafast response in complex materials using laser driven accelerators'. Wednesday 15 March, 4.00pm, Emeleus Lecture Theatre, Old Physics Building
- Professor Chris Watson: 'Terra Hunting: searching for temperate rocky worlds beyond our own solar system'. Tuesday 21 March, 4.00pm, Larmor Lecture Theatre, Physics Building

The Agility Fund + (Global Research Partnerships) is now open for applications. This scheme will provide pump-priming support for partnerships between Queen's academics and global collaborators with the aim of strengthening future research funding applications.
Applications to the scheme are open on a limited submission basis with an extended deadline of 4.00pm on Wednesday 15 February 2023.
The Agility Fund + (Global Research Partnerships) scheme goes beyond the standard Agility Fund support, to provide more substantial funding for pilot projects and/or workshops, which have a strong potential to secure external research awards in the near future. The scheme will support research projects with collaborators in global organisations, including academic institutions, business, government and third sector partners (including NGOs, civic and community organisations, etc) in any country beyond the UK. Applicants should be able to identify future opportunities aligned with research funder priorities and Queen's strategic initiatives.
Application Procedure
Applications should be submitted using the online application system and should be written for a non-specialist audience. Completed applications should be submitted via the online application form. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
More information and full guidance notes
Applications will be assessed by an internal panel of senior academic colleagues in early March 2023. Awards will be announced in March 2023 and all research activity must be completed before 31 July 2024.

Research and Enterprise invite staff to an Impact Acceleration Account Speed Dating event on Monday 20 February from 10.00am to 2.00pm in Isdell Courtyard, Riddel Hall.
This is an opportunity to discover more about research impact and the funding opportunities available to support it; chat with experts in research communications, policy, commercialisation and partnership-building; and connect with colleagues and impact partner organisations over lunch.
Register via Eventbrite: Impact Acceleration Account Speed Dating

Research and Enterprise's 'Proof-of-Principle' (PoP) funding programme is now open to applications. This is an open call across all Faculties.
The deadline for applications is 22 February 2023 at 5.00pm.
More information / access an application form
One of the key challenges in commercialising University research is access to the early stage funding necessary to take a novel idea to an early stage of proof – thereby validating the commercial potential in order to attract additional investment. To overcome this funding challenge, the University has developed a 'Proof-of-Principle' (PoP) programme to support projects with significant potential to deliver economic impact via either licensing or creation of a spin-out.
The award of up to £10,000 is intended to move the projects to the next stage of proof.

Applications are now open for a new March cohort of the ICURe Explore Programme, with up to £35,000 funding available for salary, market discovery activities and business advisor support.
ICURe is open to research teams in all UK universities and approved public sector research enterprises (PSREs).
Apply here for the ICURe Explore Programme.
The closing date for applications is 12.00pm on Monday 6 March 2023.
This 12-week pre-accelerator programme is designed to support researchers through testing key market assumptions and market exploration activities, with the result of taking their breakthrough innovations out of the lab and transforming them into successful spin-outs.
The ICURe Programme has already engaged with over 500 projects nationwide, with over 200 spin-out companies being created and more than 650 jobs created across the UK.
The ICURe Explore Programme is delivered by NXNW Partners and The Helix Way.

The call is now open for applications to the Medical Research Council (MRC) Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) for the following funding schemes:
- MRC IAA Confidence in Concept
- MRC IAA Enterprise Fellowships
The deadline for applications is Monday 13 March. View available opportunities here
Information Session
A MRC IAA Information Session will take place on 13 February at 9.30am via Microsoft Teams. This session will provide an overview of the MRC IAA at Queen’s, details of current funding opportunities, and there will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

Researchers from Queen's are calling for parents and carers of children aged 0-3 years old to take part in a survey for the ESRC funded 'Toddlers, Tech and Talk' research project, which is looking at family usage of and parental/carer attitudes towards digital devices for this group of young children.
Data shows that the digital and online activity of children aged 3-15 grows each year, but comparatively little is known about how the very youngest use technology.
This survey is available in 12 different languages, accessed online through the QR code below, and will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.

The January edition of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Newsletter is now available to view online.
View the latest AHSS Faculty Focus Newsletter.

The February 2023 edition of the Mitchell Institute Newsletter is now available. This edition includes:
- Latest events
- Postgraduate activity and events
- Fellows' Activity and Blogs
- Publications and recent articles
- New podcast episodes

Details of ongoing works being carried out across the University campus can be found on the Estates Directorate webpage.
More information: Campus Development: The week ahead.

An information session on Personal Development and Recognition in Higher Education Teaching, designed for postdocs and research staff, will take place online on Tuesday 21 February from 12.00pm to 1.00pm.
This session will highlight opportunities for professional development aligned to teaching, including the certification of teaching experience via the Queen's Merit Award and HEA fellowships. Gaining teaching experience and awareness of good teaching practice in higher education is key for research staff who are aiming at an academic career.
The 'Postdoc Life' series of information sessions aims at highlighting some of the internal and sector developments and initiatives to postdocs and research staff, to help them better understand and navigate their direct (Queen's) and wider (UK Research and Innovation sector) environment.

A workshop on 'Time management for productive work and a happy life' will take place on Thursday 9 March from 1.00pm to 5.00pm in the Research and Enterprise Seminar Room, First Floor, 63 University Road.
This workshop will provide information, tools, tips, and self-reflection exercises to enable you to prioritise and efficiently deliver on your research and other duties without compromising your wellbeing.
The introduction of this workshop is aimed at complementing the work-life balance guidance developed with the PDC Representatives' Network.

This competition is open to Queen's University students at all levels and is a fantastic opportunity to market test and validate an idea, as well as a chance to pitch for a share of the £20,000 prize pot.
Staff are asked to encourage any students who may have an idea to apply here, or for more information please email su.enterprise@qub.ac.uk.
The deadline to apply is Monday 20 February at midnight.
Students will receive the opportunity to network with successful entrepreneurs, receive specialist mentoring, avail of co-working space and attend free workshops as part of the programme.
Successful graduate businesses who started their journey on QUB Dragons' Den competition include MoveTru, Machine Eye Technology, Bella Moon, Loyalbe and Atlas Smart Technologies.
This competition is sponsored by MCS Recruitment, Tughans Solicitors, Engineers in Business Fellowship, QUBIS and Santander Universities.

This week’s new and returning films at Queen’s Film Theatre, your cinema on campus. Staff tickets are priced at £6.00 (standard ticket price £8.40). If you’re 26 and under join LUMI to get tickets for £4.50 everyday, all year round.
New this week
SAINT OMER: Acclaimed filmmaker Alice Diop (Nous) reinvents the courtroom drama in this concentrated, gripping study of a writer and the young African woman whose fate comes to fascinate her.
THE WHALE: A bereft Charlie (Brendan Fraser) has become a recluse and is eating himself into an early grave. With his health failing, he reaches out to the daughter (Stranger Things’ Sadie Sink) he abandoned when he fell in love with a man and left his wife.
Continuing

Staff are invited to the opening reception for the Naughton Gallery's new exhibition, FIX YOUR PONY!, on Thursday 9 February from 5.30pm to 8.00pm. Free admission. All welcome. Refreshments provided.
FIX YOUR PONY! is the fifth edition in the Naughton Gallery's sports exhibition series, celebrating the coming together of art and sport and exploring a range of issues around diversity and inclusion.
International in its scope, the exhibition features a range of contemporary artists, all of whom incorporate sports and/or sports iconography into their practices. Tackling race, gender, politics, sexuality, and beyond, the works in the exhibition span the sporting world, from basketball, skateboarding, gymnastics, and tennis to lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) and bull racing in Bali.
The exhibition also highlights a selection of notable athletes through photography, collectible vinyl figurines, and specially-commissioned illustrations, including Brittney Griner, Sha'Carri Richardson, Naomi Osaka, Briana King, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and tennis G.O.A.T. Serena Williams.
Please note that the Naughton Gallery will be closed for installation from Monday 30 January to Thursday 9 February.

A Section 75 training session on the University's obligations as a public authority in Northern Ireland will be held on Wednesday 22 February from 10.00am to 11.00am via MS Teams.
This training is for any staff members who update policies, procedures or services at Queen's.
Register via iTrent Self Service.
As a public authority in Northern Ireland, Queen's has an obligation to equality screen all policies, procedures and service delivery to review the potential impact on equality of opportunity and/or good relations.
Screening is one of the key tools to enable public authorities like Queen's to fulfil their statutory obligations and mainstream the Section 75 equality and good relations duties into policy development and service delivery and provides tangible evidence as to how Queen's has given 'due regard' to the promotion of equality of opportunity and 'regard' to the desirability of promoting good relations in the initial stage of policy development.
What to expect
This training will provide an overview of the University's obligations as a public authority in Northern Ireland and how to ensure we promote equality of opportunity at Queen’s, including how the Diversity and Inclusion Unit can support staff undertaking equality screening of policies and procedures. If you are involved in developing or updating policies or procedures at Queen’s, or involved in service delivery we encourage you to join us.
This session will cover:
- Northern Ireland equality legislation
- What is our Equality Duty?
- Equality Screening at Queen’s

The Centre for Educational Development invites staff across Queen's to register for a 'Developing Leadership in Educational Practice' programme, beginning on 22 February from 2.00pm to 4.00pm and continuing for 10+ weeks.
Register here: Developing Leadership in Educational Practice - registration page
The Developing Leadership in Educational Practice is a programme of study designed to bring together staff who work within the same environment to share good practice and discuss issues to enhance their personal development and wider professional practice. It is intended that you will transfer new-found knowledge to adapt or change the way you work to improve the student experience. This award recognises the importance of Academic and Professional Services Leaders who have a pivotal role at Queen's. You may join this programme whether you are from a professional service or academic role. Those in leadership roles in the Students’ Union would also be eligible for this programme.
This programme will run over multiple weeks with a mix of Teams meetings and online activities that will contribute to the continuous assessment. There will also be a series of lunchtime forum discussion sessions that will help build a learning community.
Participants will:
- identify their own professional development goals, directions or priorities;
- plan for their initial and/or continuing professional development;
- undertake appropriate development activities;
- review their development and their practice, and the relations between them.

The QUB Teaching Awards scheme for 2023 is now open.
The scheme was established to encourage and reward the development of learning and teaching practices and learning support practices that have led to particularly effective/worthwhile learning.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 27 March.
The Teaching Awards Scheme is a competitive process and up to 10 Teaching Awards are available across a number of categories.
A prize of £1,000 will be awarded to each successful individual or team in the Sustained Excellence, Rising Stars, Impact and Team categories. The prize will be paid into a dedicated School account for the exclusive use of the winning team or individual for professional development purposes.
Further details and application forms are available on the CED website. Queries can be directed to e.mcdowell@qub.ac.uk.

Canvas System Updates
Canvas VLE is continually evolving. Updates from Saturday 21 January include the ability to enter a keyboard shortcut ("mi") into the Gradebook for missing assignments and a new help button in Blackboard Ally to support you in improving the accessibility of your course content. Visit the Digital Learning at Queen's blog to learn more.
Semester 2 Preparation
To support your course preparations for Semester 2, the following link will direct you to a list of helpful resources, including the 'Go Live' checklist.
Need a 1-2-1 Consultation?
Book a 30-minute virtual session with a Digital Learning Developer from your Faculty, School or VLE Pedagogy Support Team (subject to availability).

Are you making time for your learning? LinkedIn Learning – an extensive online learning resource – is available for all Queen's staff.
Sign up for LinkedIn Learning here to request your individual access.
Email stafflearning@qub.ac.uk if you have any questions about requesting access.
LinkedIn Learning top features include:
- Content: 15,000+ digital courses taught by industry experts.
- Curation: Relevant course recommendations in Professional Skills, Creative, Technical, IT Learning and many more.
- Convenience: In-depth and bite-sized courses for learning when and where suits you.
- Develop your skills and career with learning paths and bite-sized videos for learning 'in the moment'.

Staff training delivered by CED (the Centre for Educational Development), Information Services and various Digital Learning teams across Faculties is now available to book via the Digital Learning Training Events calendar.
Training coming up this week:
- Introduction to Power BI: Tuesday 7 February, 9.30am to 10.30am
- Excel 1: Essentials (ECDL - Spreadsheets): Tuesday 7 February, 10.00am to 11.00am
- Introduction to Microsoft Publisher 2021: Wednesday 8 February, 10.00am to 11.00am
- Turnitin Essentials: Thursday 9 February, 10.00am to 11.00am

Each Microsoft Team sits on top of an individual SharePoint site and has a range of functions, including document libraries that can facilitate servicing committees.
To find out more, register for the training session on 28 February.
Staff who missed the 'What's New in Microsoft Teams' session on 17 January can now watch the recording here.
Staff can find additional training materials on the IT Training Unit SharePoint site.

The IT training course programme schedule can be viewed here. Booking is via iTrent on Queen's Online.
Places are available on the following courses:
- Dynamic PowerPoint: Wednesday 15 February, 10.00am to 11.00am
- Advanced Word, Getting More out of Word: Friday 24 February, 10.00am to 11.30am
Training courses will continue to be scheduled throughout this academic year, covering a range of desktop products. If your School or Directorate requires IT training for staff geared towards a specific area or set of tasks, please email itcourses@qub.ac.uk who will arrange a consultation.
To submit an item for Round Up, please email details to roundup@qub.ac.uk by 1.00pm on the Thursday before the Monday edition in which they are to appear.