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Round Up

22 May 2023

non-QUB-branded iRise logo
STAFF NETWORKS
DEADLINE EXTENDED: EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – IRISE CO-CHAIR POSITIONS

The current Co-Chairs of iRise, the University's Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network, are completing their term. Expressions of Interest are now invited for the two Co-Chair positions, which opens a development opportunity for new colleagues to be involved in the network. The Co-Chair role can be shared by more than two people and the roles are available for one year, with the option to extend.

Staff interested in the roles are asked to please complete this Microsoft form before close of business on Wednesday 31 May. It is hoped the new Co-Chairs will take up the role in June.

If you wish to discuss the role, you can also contact current Co-Chair Nimmy John at n.john@qub.ac.uk.

iRise, the University's Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network, is a peer network open to all academic and professional services staff (permanent, contract and sessional) who identify as, or are characterised as, Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and/or international; to contribute to addressing misrepresentation, inequalities and unbelonging within the academic functions at Queen’s University Belfast.

iRISE provides a safe and welcoming space for BAME and/or international staff in Queen's to regularly meet during working hours to discuss issues and work matters, in addition to planning social events both on and off campus.   

The iRise Co-Chairs are responsible for leading the network in the hopes of serving its membership and the University community, and supporting the network in the following ways:      

  • As a social space, by providing opportunities for staff members to meet, share experiences, network, and collaborate.  
  • To offer a ‘safe space’ where staff and students can seek advice, support and signposting in the interests of their welfare.  
  • To give members, as university stakeholders, a platform for engaging in productive discussions to inform and collaborate on activities related to BAME and international staff issues.  
  • As a platform for sharing information about initiatives and events tackling issues pertinent to its members, raising awareness of problems, giving voice to experiences, and showcasing findings related to the different communities classified under the labels ‘BAME’ and ‘international’ within the university.  
  • As a platform for contributing to institutional, cultural change by contributing insights, offering perspectives and raising critical questions in the interests of staff who identify as or are categorised as BAME international staff   as a platform for representing the interest of BAME and international staff and sharing knowledge that will help improve decision-making at all levels within the institution.  
  • Participate in QUB Committee/ forums where iRISE interests are required to be represented (e.g., QGI, Staff Forum, ISAT, Racial Equity Working Group etc.).  
  • Working with People and Culture. 
  • Partnering with UCU Equality officer on workplace issues affecting iRISE members. 
  • Answering any queries that initially come to iRISE (which can be from the Vice-Chancellor, any other Senior Management, or academic and professional service colleagues). 
  • Responsible for the budget for iRISE activities.   
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a male and female student listening to another student talking
TRAINING
ONLINE TRAINING: '#QUBEWELL: SUPPORTING STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING'

A new online training course for all staff within the University is now available, titled '#QUBeWell: Supporting Student Mental Health and Wellbeing'. This is an action that was promised within the #QUBeWell Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework and has been designed by the Student Disability and Wellbeing Service along with colleagues throughout the University.

All Queen's staff are strongly encouraged to complete this 45-minute online training course which is now live on Queen's Online alongside general (mandatory) courses.

The course is designed to empower all staff working across the University, providing a baseline knowledge and understanding of mental health, and enabling staff to learn how to effectively signpost students who are experiencing a range of mental health difficulties to appropriate support services and apply knowledge to real life situations through relatable scenario-based examples.

Throughout the course there are links embedded in the course to direct staff to important (support) services, informational websites and the staff contact form for student wellbeing service. Upon completion of the course there are downloadable PDF documents for staff to takeaway key learning outcomes and resources from the course.

Staff can complete the course independently online, and it can become part of staff inductions. Tom Magee (Student Support Liaison Officer) is available to deliver face-to-face sessions, or there will be live sessions in The Cube and advertised on iTrent throughout the year.

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Queen's graduation gown detail
GRADUATIONS
CALL FOR GRADUAND SUCCESS STORIES

Each year, the Communications Office showcases a selection of our graduands who have interesting stories to tell. In advance of the Summer Graduations, they would like your help to tell those stories.

Do you know a student who has won an award or is involved in charity work? Who has overcome adversity or achieved sporting success while studying? Or a student who has secured an exciting graduate job or career placement or who has their own business start-up idea?

If so, please email comms.office@qub.ac.uk with an outline of the student's story, School and subject. Please also include a mobile number and email address for the student so the Communications Office can get in touch to discuss it further.

The closing date for submitting information on Graduand success stories is 5.00pm on Friday 2 June.

seated group of people listening in a large workshop
ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS
PREPARING FOR STUDENT SUPPORT MEETINGS – INFORMATION WORKSHOPS

Workshops to help prepare for the Student Support Meetings following publication of examination results will take place in May and June as detailed below. Staff can sign up here, or for more information please contact Tom Magee (Student Support Liaison Officer, Student Disability and Wellbeing Services).

  • Tuesday 30 May, 9.45am to 11.30am (The Cube, One Elmwood)
  • Tuesday 6 June, 1.45pm to 3.30pm (Blue Sky Room, One Elmwood)
  • Monday 12 June, 11.00am to 12.30pm (online, MS Teams)

These workshops would be of particular interest to Advisors of Studies, Personal Tutors, Chairs of Student Support Meetings and any other school-based staff supporting students during this period. 

Topics to include:

  • Purpose of Student Support Meeting
  • Managing difficult conversations
  • Academic Assessment Support Options
  • Appropriate signposting to appeals and wellbeing
  • EC Process
  • Looking after yourself
  • Q&A

Staff from the following services will be present during the session: SU Advice, Immigration Support Service (formerly International Student Support), Student Wellbeing, and Appeals.

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Digital Experience Insights Survey for Students 2022 - image shows young female sitting in yoga pose talking into a megaphone
CENTRE FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
DIGITAL EXPERIENCE INSIGHTS SURVEY – WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS SAY?

The Digital Experience Insights Survey is part of a national initiative where data about the student digital experience is gathered from a range of higher education institutions and further education colleges across the UK. Annually, we can report the local findings before the aggregated data is available from across the participating institutions in the HE sector.

What do our students at Queen's say about their digital experience? To find out, access the Digital Experience Insights Survey 2023 for students at Queen's.

Please contact ced@qub.ac.uk for any queries in relation to this report of findings.

group of QUB staff in leadership roles at a training session
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN: CONNECTED LEADERS LEVEL 1 AND AURORA FEMALE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

As part of the continued focus on developing leadership capability at Queen's, the Organisational Development team is pleased to offer two exciting leadership development programmes this Autumn. The Queen's Connected Leaders Level 1 programme launches in September 2023 and the Aurora female-only leadership development programme will be available in November 2023.

Application forms for both programmes are now available via a new online platform (access via the intranet pages linked below), from Monday 22 May. Please ensure that you discuss this opportunity with your line manager before submitting an application.

About Aurora

The Advance HE Aurora programme is an external 'leadership ignition' programme which supports women to fulfil their leadership potential. It is suitable for women at Level 2 of the Leadership and Management Framework. Information on the programme is available on Queen's Aurora webpages.

About Connected Leaders 1

Connected Leaders 1 is a Queen's programme, delivered by The William J. Clinton Leadership Institute, suitable for leaders at Level 1 of the Leadership and Management Framework, described as staff who supervise and plan the work of others, or those without line manager responsibility, who lead a particular piece of work or project. Staff at this level may be new to the leader role or may have had little or no formal management/leadership training. General information about the programme is available on the Connected Leaders 1 Staff Intranet page.

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Active Campus Staff Social Taster Sessions - Open to all QUB staff
ACTIVE CAMPUS
STAFF SOCIAL TASTER SESSIONS

As part of Queen's Staff Wellbeing programme, Active Campus is hosting a four-week Staff Social Taster Programme. Each week will be a different sport giving staff the opportunity to try a new sport while socialising with colleagues. This programme will begin on Thursday 8 June at the PEC.

  • Basketball: Thursday 8 June, 12.45pm to 1.30pm
  • Badminton: Thursday 15 June, 12.45pm to 1.30pm
  • Volleyball: Thursday 22 June, 9.00am to 9.45am
  • Squash: Thursday 29 June, 9.00am to 9.45am

This programme is open to all levels and abilities and staff can stay as long as they like.

Sign up here

Queen's Sport Summer Scheme 2023 - image shows young children laughing, celebrating and climbing on a climbing wall
QUEEN'S SPORT
SUMMER SCHEME – STILL TIME TO ENROL

The 2023 Queen's Sport Summer Scheme returns in July for seven weeks. This scheme offers children aged six to 14 years old a high-quality activity experience. Children can learn new skills that promote an active lifestyle by providing opportunities to try new sports in a fun and supportive environment.

Queen's staff can enrol their child(ren) online from Tuesday 9 May. Open enrolment for members and the public commences on Thursday 1 June.

Visit the Queen's Sport Summer Scheme website for regular updates and more information. Or contact the team at courseenquiries@qub.ac.uk.

Members of Queen's Gardening team pictured in one of the University's grassy no mow areas
ESTATES
NO MOW MAY 2023

Queen’s University Belfast is participating in ‘No Mow May’, which means closing the lawn mower in your shed and letting your garden grow wild for the entire month. We encourage all staff and students to leave their gardens to grow, as the wildflowers and plants that can grow are a great source of food for bees and other pollinators.

When you are travelling around Queen’s campus, be sure to keep an eye out for our No Mow areas, with three well-established areas found at Riddel Hall, the David Keir Quad and the Ashby Hill, and a brand-new No Mow area at the back of the MBC. If you have any questions or photos of your gardens that you would like to share, please send them to sustainability@qub.ac.uk.

POLICY ENGAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
QUEEN'S POLICY ENGAGEMENT AND RESEARCH BLOG

Recent posts from Queen's Policy Engagement (QPol):

To submit an article to Queen's Policy Engagement, please email Kevin at qpol@qub.ac.uk.

The Conversation icon
RESEARCH COMMUNICATION
THE CONVERSATION

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:

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Dr Gemma Catney standing against a red brick wall
STAFF PROFILES
SPOTLIGHT ON... DR GEMMA CATNEY, SCHOOL OF NATURAL AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Our latest 'Spotlight on our Staff' profile features Dr Gemma Catney.

Gemma is a Senior Lecturer in Geography in the School of Natural and Built Environment.

Read Gemma's profile

Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action - Socio-ecological Justice lecture series - image shows aerial view of conifer forest
EVENT
'TRIPLE PLANETARY CRISES AND BOTTOM LINES: IMPLICATIONS FOR AGRICULTURE IN NI'

Staff are invited to the inaugural lecture in the Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action (SECA)'s 'Socio-ecological Justice' lecture series, taking place on Thursday 25 May from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in Lanyon Building, room 0G/074 and online. The event title is 'Triple planetary crises and bottom lines: Implications for agriculture in NI'.

Register here

SECA's 'Socio-ecological Justice' lecture series brings together academics and practitioners from across and beyond Queen's who focus on issues of socio-ecological justice, including intersectional inequalities, global climate injustices, unsustainability and multi-level movements for transitions to sustainable futures.

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Lanyon building and front lawns at night time
EVENT
THE WILES LECTURE SERIES 2023

Staff are invited to The Wiles Lecture Series 2023, delivered by Professor Barbara D. Savage (University of Pennsylvania).

Professor Savage will deliver four lectures on 'Uncharted Territory: The Future of African American History' on the following dates. Each lecture will take place in the Larmor Lecture Theatre, Physics Building.

  • Wednesday 24, Thursday 25 and Friday 26 May at 5.00pm
  • Saturday 27 May at 11.00am

All are welcome. Registration is not required.

Find out more 

black and white photo of a pre-1925 family sitting/standing outside a cottage
EVENT
IRISH STUDIES INTERNATIONAL LECTURE 2023

The annual Irish Studies International Lecture takes place on Wednesday 31 May from 5.00pm to 6.00pm, followed by a drinks reception, in the Canada Room and Council Chamber, Lanyon Building. The lecture 'Coming home: Travelling from Australia to Ireland before 1925' will be delivered by Professor Dianne Hall (Victoria University, Melbourne).

Register here 

Find out more 

Image of text-based conference flyer
CONFERENCE
KN CHEUNG SK CHIN InterSim INAUGURAL CONFERENCE

The InterSim Inaugural Conference is being held on Friday 9 June from 9.00am to 5.00pm at the KN Cheung SK Chin InterSim Centre, MBC, Queen’s University Belfast.

Register here.*

Simulation is a widely used method of experiential learning to help transform learners and their skills.

The event will provide a unique opportunity to hear about innovations in simulation-based education and practice. Whether through the medium of virtual reality, working with actors, or humanoid manikins, the conference is an opportunity to learn about advances in simulation and network. The theme of this year’s conference will be interprofessional simulation-based education, ‘Getting Better, Together’.

* Note there is a nominal fee to attend the conference and details can be found on the registration website.

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University Square road sign with footpath in the background
SYMPOSIUM
CRITICAL DOMESTICITIES SYMPOSIUM: 'RETRO & HETERO WITH THE HOUSEWIFE OF THE YEAR (1968–1995)'

Staff are invited to the Critical Domesticities Symposium: 'Retro & Hetero with the Housewife of the Year (1968-1995)', taking place on Friday 26 May from 1.00pm to 9.00pm in the Brian Friel Theatre and rehearsal room, 20 University Square.

This event will be an afternoon of presentations and discussion reflecting on the 'Housewife of the Year' and taking a critical and creative look at the evolving role of women in the domestic sphere on the island of Ireland.

More information | Register

Communities in Transition Research Area Report
EVENT
COMMUNITIES IN TRANSITION AREA RESEARCH REPORT – LAUNCH EVENT

The Mitchell Institute, in partnership with The Executive Office (NI) and Co-operation Ireland, invites staff to the launch of a collection of Area Research Reports, which have been developed on behalf of the Communities in Transition (CiT) programme.

This launch will take place on Wednesday 24 May from 10.00am to 12.00pm in room TR6, The Graduate School, and will feature a presentation of research findings and presentations from some CiT Delivery Partners working in the eight project areas. The event will conclude with a Q&A session with the speakers.

Tea and coffee will be provided on arrival at 10.00am. The event will officially start at 10.30am.

Register here

The Communities in Transition programme funds projects that aim to develop the capacity of eight areas in Northern Ireland where there has been a history of paramilitary activity, organised crime and coercive control.

The authors of the Area Research Reports, Professor Dominic Bryan and Dr Brendan Sturgeon, have adopted an innovative mix-methods approach, which includes a Household Survey, in-depth Qualitative Interviews and a PGIS Spraycan Mapping Tool, to explore the current social condition of each of the sites where the Communities in Transition programme is active.

You can also download the Research Reports from Co-operation Ireland's website.

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fireside chats - image shows cosy open fire
MITCHELL INSTITUTE
FIRESIDE CHATS: DARREN COLBOURNE – 'WHOSE MOVEMENT IS IT, ANYWAYS?'

The Mitchell Institute's next Fireside Chat will take place on Wednesday 24 May from 5.00pm to 6.30pm in the Common Room, Mitchell Institute, 18 University Square.

At this event third year PhD candidate Darren Colbourne will give a talk on 'Whose Movement is it, Anyways?: Participation and Prefigurative Politics in the People's Democracy and Student's for a Democratic Society.

Find out more | Register

blurred woman walking past a piece of abstract wall art
SEMINAR
SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY SEMINAR: 'THE INFLUENCE OF NORMS ON FAIRNESS IN CHILDHOOD'

The School of Psychology invites staff to a seminar by Dr Katherine McAuliffe (Boston College, USA) on Tuesday 23 May at 2.00pm in room 02.527, David Keir Building, followed by a coffee hour where attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Katherine and discuss her research.

The title of Dr McAuliffe's seminar is 'The influence of norms on fairness in childhood'.

More information | Register

abstract art logo in reds, oranges, yellows, and greens
SEMINAR
SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY SEMINAR – 'CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN MATHEMATICAL ABILITY'

The School of Psychology invite you to a seminar by Dr Wei Wei (Zhejiang University, China) on Wednesday 31 May from 1.00pm to 2.00pm in David Keir Building room 02.527. Light refreshments will be served from 12.30pm.

The title of Dr Wei's presentation is 'Cultural Differences in Mathematical Ability'.

Register here

As a cognitive neuroscientist, Dr Wei's research focuses on understanding the development of children's mathematical skills and related cognitive processes. Her research interests are the behavioural manifestation and biological bases for gender differences in mathematical cognition and cognitive mechanism of mathematical cognition.

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Image in NI - image shows neon strips of light. Logos include QUB, University of Surry and The Alan Turing Institute
WORKSHOP
IMAGE IN | NI

Staff are invited to the free workshop 'Image IN | NI', taking place on Tuesday 13 June from 11.00am to 2.30pm in Riddel Hall.

The workshop will include talks around astrophysics, medical imaging, construction and architectural design, sports science, food security and production, quantum imaging, and creative imaging (AR/VR/AI generated artistic images).

More information | Register

Staff also have the opportunity to showcase their work and that of their team in imaging with a short poster. Free printing and template are available.

The term "image" can be interpreted in many ways – whether that is a 2D picture, 3D video, high-dimensional multispectral image, or an immersive image like AR/VR. Whether you are involved in image generation, image processing/analysis, data analysis deriving from images, or creating real-world solutions, this workshop aims to connect people with interesting problems with those people with potential solutions and ideas.

This free workshop is funded by the Turing Institute and is delivered in collaboration with University of Surrey.

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Queen's staff seated at a workshop in the Great Hall
WORKSHOP
WHAT DOES SCHOLARSHIP MEAN TO QUB?

Staff are invited to the workshop 'What does Scholarship mean to QUB?', taking place on Monday 12 June from 9.30am in The Great Hall.

This event is open to all staff engaged and/or interested in scholarship at Queen's. Using an Appreciative Inquiry approach those attending will work to co-produce a professional model of scholarly enquiry. Lunch will be provided.

Register here

SEMINAR
QUB SCHOLARSHIP SEMINAR SERIES – SCHOLARSHIP OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

The seminar 'Developing the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) in the field of higher education research' will take place on Friday 23 June from 10.00am in the Peter Froggatt Centre, room OG/007, main campus.

This is the first in a series of seminars focusing on educational scholarship and will be delivered by Dr Frank Su, Associate Professor and Head of Education Studies at Liverpool Hope University.

More information | Register

In this seminar, Dr Su will discuss the concept and dimensions of the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), and how it can enhance academic practice and student learning. Dr Su will locate SoTL in the field of higher education research, identify opportunities and challenges in developing SoTL in academic practice and will explore institutional conditions to support and reward SoTL. This seminar will provide opportunities for colleagues to explore collaborative interdisciplinary SoTL ideas and projects.

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PeacePlus Programme 2021-2027
RESEARCH COMMUNICATION
PEACEPLUS PROGRAMME

PEACEPLUS is a new €1.1bn European Union funding Programme, designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Aimed to address longstanding social and economic challenges, the programme has been divided into 22 investment areas across six themes.

With the anticipated launch of initial funding calls, the Research Development team are seeking information on the level of interest at Queen's. Staff who anticipate leading or participating in a PEACEPLUS bid are asked to please complete the following MS Form:

PEACEPLUS Application Information Form

To receive future communications and additional information on this programme, please email internationalresearch@qub.ac.uk to be added to the PEACEPLUS Teams channel.

colour logo for UKRI NERC - Natural Environment Research Council
RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE
NERC CROSS-FACULTY COLLABORATION AWAY DAY

The NERC Funder Liaison Group will host a 'Cross-Faculty Away Day' on Friday 26 May from 10.00am to 3.00pm in the Lanyon Building (Canada Room/Great Hall). Refreshments will be provided.

More information | Register. Please indicate on the form if you want to present a talk or poster on the day.

NERC has expanded its remit and increased the number of calls for large grants funding interdisciplinary research, such as those on digital environment and monitoring (interface with data science and digital infrastructure), health (medical and health interface) Policy (societal research).

Staff can contact Evelyn Keaveney for further information.

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Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair 2023 - 'Future-proof your career' - image shows smiling male student wearing beanie hat
CAREERS, EMPLOYABILITY AND SKILLS
NORTHERN IRELAND GRADUATE RECRUITMENT FAIR

The Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair will take place on Tuesday 6 June from 11.00am to 3.00pm in the Whitla and South Dining Halls at Queen's.

This year's event will connect final year students and recent graduates with employers offering immediate graduate and training opportunities.

Students can pre-register via nigradfair.org

The organisers would appreciate staff support in communicating this news to final year students and recent graduates. A promotional toolkit is available on request from careers-marketing@qub.ac.uk.

This event is delivered by Careers, Employability and Skills at Queen's University Belfast and Employability and Careers at Ulster University, and sponsored by FinTrU with Media Partner nijobfinder.

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pot of fenugreek beside glass teacup filled with black tea
TAKE PART
RESEARCH STUDY: EFFECTS OF FENUGREEK SEED TEA ON HYPERLIPIDAEMIA

Researchers in Queen's Centre for Public Health are looking for volunteers interested in taking part in a research study which will help determine the lipid-altering effect of fenugreek seed tea amongst patients with hyperlipidaemia.

To find out more, please contact Dr Danielle Logan via phone or email at: 07385968725 / fenugreekstudy@qub.ac.uk.

Participants will receive a £30 gift voucher upon completion of the study and travel expenses will be reimbursed.

You may be suitable to take part if you meet the below criteria:

  • Aged 18-70 years
  • Have hyperlipidaemia (ie high triglyceride levels between 1.7-4.5mmol/L)
  • You are not on any lipid-lowering treatment (ie statins) OR
  • You are on a stable lipid lowering treatment for the last six months and triglyceride levels remain high
  • No diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory or kidney disease

What the study involves

Participants will be asked to attend three study visits at the Centre for Public Health over an eight-week intervention. Each study visit involves: the completion of questionnaires, blood pressure, height and weight and a small blood sample. Participants will be randomly allocated to the Fenugreek Tea or Control tea and asked to take the tea twice a day at a 12-hour interval.

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A chat with Dr Keziah Davison - 'Career opportunities beyond academia and how to navigate the transition' - with image of Keziah
POSTDOCTORAL DEVELOPMENT
PDC CAREER EXPLORATION INTERVIEW FOR RESEARCHERS

Postdoctoral researchers and PhD students at Queen's are invited to the next Postdoctoral Development Centre Career Exploration Interview, held online on Thursday 1 June from 12.00pm to 1.00pm.

This event, followed by Q&A, welcomes Dr Keziah Davison (Life Sciences Executive Search Consultant, Cranmore Executive Search) for a chat about career opportunities beyond academia and how to navigate the transition.

More information | Register

This event is part of 'Career Exploration Month' (June 2023) organised by the PDC. In this interview led by Dr Alice Dubois (PDC Manager), Dr Keziah Davison will provide her insight as a clinical psychologist and biotech head-hunter on navigating the identity shift that comes with making significant career changes. Keziah will also outline the types of opportunities available to PhD/postdoctoral researchers outside academia from industry to consulting and share advice on how to succeed when applying.

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Career Exploration panel for researchers: Careers in Social Sciences and Policy, with Dr Claire McCartan, Dr Bethany Waterhouse-Bradley and Dr Jane Clarke, 8 June 2023
POSTDOCTORAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
CAREER EXPLORATION PANEL DISCUSSION FOR RESEARCHERS: CAREERS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES AND POLICY

Postdocs and PhD students at Queen's are invited to a panel discussion on careers in social sciences and policy, taking place online on Thursday 8 June from 12.30pm to 2.00pm. This discussion will be followed by Q&A.

More information | Register

This event is part of 'Career Exploration Month' (June 2023) organised by the PDC. This panel discussion will highlight some career options for postdocs and PhDs in the public sector or non-governmental organisations, by focusing on policy-related roles in the health, social and environmental sciences. Dr Bethany Waterhouse-Bradley (Programme Manager (PEACEPLUS) at Special EU Programmes Body), Dr Claire McCartan (Senior Researcher at the Northern Health and Social Care Trust) and Dr Jane Clarke (Principal Analyst at The Office for Environmental Protection) will discuss their current roles, how they transitioned from academia, which skills and expertise they use from their research background as well as the advantages and challenges of their positions, and offer advice to current postdocs and PhDs interested in similar roles.

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Career Exploration Interview: Research Careers in the Life Sciences, with Dr Deborah Cox, Dr Billy Hunter and Dr Suha Dadou
POSTDOCTORAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
CAREER EXPLORATION PANEL DISCUSSION FOR RESEARCHERS: RESEARCH CAREERS IN THE LIFE SCIENCES

Postdocs and PhD students are invited to this panel discussion on research careers in the life sciences, taking place online on Wednesday 14 June from 11.00am to 12.30pm. This discussion will be followed by Q&A.

More information | Register

This event is part of ‘Career Exploration Month’ (June 2023) organised by the PDC. This panel discussion will highlight some research career options for postdocs and PhDs outside of academia, focusing on roles in the public sector, start-up companies and big pharma. Dr Deborah Cox (Managing Director at Lagan Valley Scientific), Dr Billy Hunter (Senior Marine Chemist at Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute (AFBI) Norther Ireland) and Dr Suha Dadou (Senior Scientist in the Analytical R&D at Pfizer UK) will discuss their current roles, how they transitioned from academia, which skills and expertise they use from their research background as well as the advantages and challenges of their positions, and offer advice to current postdocs and PhDs interested in similar roles.

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Careers for Engineers - with Dr Mark Coughlan, Dr Roy Bitrus and Dr Rebecca Lutton - Career exploration panel for researchers
POSTDOCTORAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
CAREER EXPLORATION PANEL DISCUSSION FOR RESEARCHERS: CAREERS FOR ENGINEERS

Queen's Postdocs and PhD students are invited to a panel discussion on 'Careers for Engineers', taking place online on Thursday 22 June from 11.30am to 1.00pm followed by Q&A.

More information | Register 

This event is part of 'Career Exploration Month' (June 2023) organised by the PDC. This panel discussion will highlight some career options for postdocs and PhDs outside academia, including entrepreneurship, focusing on individuals with a range of engineering backgrounds. Dr Mark Coughlan (R&D Physicist at Andor Technology), Dr Roy Bitrus (Director of Sales at TenzorGEO Ltd and Managing Director at Giant Green Leaf Ltd, and Dr Rebecca Lutton (CEO at Lintol Ltd) will discuss their current roles, how they transitioned from academia, which skills and expertise they use from their research background as well as the advantages and challenges of their positions, and offer advice to current postdocs and PhDs interested in similar roles.

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Applying for Fellowships: Networking with Successful Fellows
POSTDOCTORAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
APPLYING FOR FELLOWSHIPS: NETWORKING WITH SUCCESSFUL FELLOWS

This networking session is designed to equip prospective fellowship applicants with first-hand knowledge from fellowship experts and successful fellows, helping them to plan and prepare their own application.

This session will take place on Monday 29 May from 11.30am to 2.00pm in the Canada Room/Council Chamber.

More information | Register

Securing a fellowship can give a helpful boost to an academic career by enabling the fellow to develop their research independence, while simultaneously getting them acquainted with the grant writing process and building their track-record of securing funding. It is however, a very competitive process which can be daunting for first time applicants. To be successful, it is important to plan well in advance, develop one's awareness and seek some advice and feedback.

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graphic promoting induction of new postdocs at Queen's, 2022
POSTDOCTORAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
NEW POSTDOC INDUCTION

New postdocs and research staff, or anyone wanting to find out more about postdoc support at Queen's, is invited to join the next induction event to find out how you can make the best of your time at Queen's. All previous attendees recommend the event.

The induction will take place on Friday 2 June from 1.30pm to 4.30pm in the Research and Enterprise Seminar Room, 64 University Road.

Find out more and register

Postdoc Life Seminar Series - Narrative CVs
POSTDOCTORAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
POSTDOC LIFE SEMINAR SERIES: NARRATIVE CVs

A session on Narrative CVs for postdocs and research staff will take place on Tuesday 23 May from 12.00pm to 1.00pm online.

Find out more and register

This session will provide you with information on what a narrative CV is, where it is coming from and why it is being adopted by the Research & Innovation sector. It will detail the different parts of the CV and provide tips about how to frame your research and other skills, as well as what you should be doing to improve your CV to make you competitive for fellowships and academic positions in the future.

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.

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The lanyon building with views of Belfast in the background
ESTATES
ESTATES DIRECTORATE – WEEK AHEAD

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.

 

still from film 'Beau is Afraid' showing bloodied actor Joaquin Phoenix standing in a living room in pyjamas looking afraid
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
QFT WHAT'S ON

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

BEAU IS AFRAID: From the director of Hereditary and Midsommar, Beau is Afraid follows Beau (Joaquin Phoenix), who sets out to visit his mother and discovers a world of malevolent forces and unseen eyes tracking his every move.

Exhibition on Screen: TOKYO STORIES: Exhibition on Screen presents a thrilling encounter with one of the world's great art capitals. Based on a major exhibition at the Ashmolean in Oxford, Tokyo Stories spans 400 years of incredibly dynamic art.

LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING: Little Richard: I Am Everything uncovers the alternative origins of rock’n’roll through its originator and most influential pioneer, Little Richard.

LOCAL HERO: Peter Riegert, Peter Capaldi and Jenny Seagrove star in this comedy-drama from celebrated writer-director Bill Forsyth, marking four decades since its release. Restored in 2K – made from original 35mm materials.

PACIFICTION: One of our programmer's picks of the year so far, Albert Serra's hypnotic, dark film centres on a government official in Tahiti who embodies the greed, hypocrisy and paranoia of colonial power.

PAMFIR: When reformed smuggler Pamfir returns home to his village on the Ukrainian border after working abroad for several years, he's determined to earn an honest living and set a good example for his teenage son Nazar.

PLAN 75: Faced with a rapidly aging population, a government in near-future Japan rolls out an unsettling agenda.

Walled Cities 5: NO MAN'S LAND + discussion: Screening as part of Walled Cities 5, the award-winning No Man’s Land is the story of ordinary soldiers who are trapped in the middle of political and military conflict during the Bosnian War in 1993.

Still showing

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Eric Bibb in conversation and song, 25 May 2023, Queen's University Belfast - image shows Eric holding a guitar
CULTURE AND ARTS
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: ERIC BIBB

Staff are invited to a free lunchtime concert marking UNESCO Africa Week 2023, with celebrated musician Eric Bibb, on Thursday 25 May at 12.00pm in The Harty Room, Queen's School of Music. Refreshments will be available after the event.

This event has limited availability.

Register now

During this lunchtime concert, Eric will perform a number of his popular songs as well as sharing stories from his experiences of playing music and collaborating with other musicians from across the globe. Eric will be interviewed by Thomas Smith, from The Language Centre at Queen's. Eric will also be reflecting on the influence of his time in Africa recording and collaborating with local musicians.

This event is presented by The Language Centre at Queen's in collaboration with Queen's Race Equality Charter Committee and iRise, the University's Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International staff network.

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
SEAMUS HEANEY CENTRE

The latest weekly update from the Seamus Heaney Centre is now available online. 

View the update: Seamus Heaney Centre - latest news and events

art exhibit featuring musicians
NAUGHTON GALLERY
USFOLK 5 EXHIBITION

After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, UsFolk 5 marks the return of UsFolk illustration agency's annual exhibition, presenting the best in local and international illustration talent.

This exhibition continues until Sunday 28 May. All are welcome. Free admission from Tuesdays to Sundays, 11.00am to 4.00pm.

The theme for this year's exhibition is 'The 5 Senses', partly inspired by the restrictions imposed during lockdown. UsFolk 5 features a wide variety of work by the agency's established roster of illustrators whilst also serving as an introduction to UsFolk's new illustration talent for 2023/24.

The Naughton Gallery and UsFolk are regular collaborators, working on a range of projects from illustration commissions for exhibitions and printed matter to large scale projects with Schools across the University. Perhaps most notable is SCREEN/PRINT, a long-running film project which sees illustrators design new posters for a range of films to coincide with screenings at the Queen's Film Theatre.

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screengrab of Pure and Research portal homepage 2022
TRAINING
WHAT IS IMPACT AND HOW DO I RECORD IT ON PURE?

A training session on research impact and how to record it on Pure will take place online via MS Teams on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 28 June, 3.00pm to 4.00pm
  • Thursday 29 June, 11.00am to 12.00pm

Sign up here

For Pure related queries, contact puresupport@qub.ac.uk

Have you been wondering what is meant by impact and what it means for your programme of research? Do you know how you can keep a record of your impact achievements?

Impact can be defined in many ways, dependent on the individual, organisation or funder in question. During this training session the Pure Support team will explore what is meant by impact in relation to your specific subject area. Understanding that keeping track of impact achievements can be challenging, the team will also demonstrate how you can easily record impact on Pure, saving you time and effort.

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Queen's University Belfast People and Culture Directorate - image shows young professional woman smiling at man in workplace
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
PDR SKILLS WORKSHOPS FOR REVIEWERS AND REVIEWEES

Further dates are now available for PDR workshops for staff. These workshops are designed to develop skills for PDR conversations. Booking is available at the iTrent links below:

More information and support regarding PDR

Note: Organisational Development will be publishing a full programme of PDR dates for the upcoming academic year in August 2023.

Please contact stafflearning@qub.ac.uk if you have any difficulty booking a place.

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LEARNING AND TEACHING
BEING AND ADVISOR OF STUDIES

The next workshop on Being an Advisor of Studies takes place online on Monday 19 June from 9.30am to 11.00am.

The workshop provides a forum for discussion of the key roles and responsibilities of an Adviser of Studies, based on Queen's Code of Practice.

Register here

digital learning graphic representing man talking on a laptop
TRAINING
DIGITAL LEARNING TRAINING

Staff training delivered by CED, Information Services and various Digital Learning teams across Faculties is now available to book via the Digital Learning Training Events calendar.

Training schedule for the week ahead:

  • Introduction to Microsoft Publisher 2021: Friday 26 May, 10.00am to 11.00am
Canvas graphic
LEARNING AND TEACHING
CANVAS VLE SUPPORT

Digital Capability in Higher Education

The QUB Digital Learning Discussions group are meeting virtually on Thursday 15 June at 10.00am to hear from Dr Becki Vickerstaff, Higher Education Senior Consultant at Jisc, who will explore why understanding and developing digital capability is important for all who study and work in higher education. She will explore the research informed key skills and priorities, summarised in the Jisc six areas of digital capability model, and how this contributes to developing agile digital transferable skills for both the workplace and personal life.

All staff are welcome to join this interactive workshop.

Register here

MATLAB Grader

MATLAB Grader is now integrated into Canvas and is therefore available for staff across the three Faculties. A MATLAB problem can be set as a Canvas Assignment using the External Tool feature in the assignment settings and marks feed directly into the Canvas Gradebook. Find out more on the Digital Learning@Queen’s blog:

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).

Check availability and book a consultant.

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OFFICE 365
MICROSOFT 365: NEW MICROSOFT BING CHAT (POWERED BY AI)

Colleagues who haven't yet tried MS Bing Chat can simply log into bing.com with their Queen's Microsoft Account and they will be able to avail of Bing's AI-powered Chat Search.

Bing Chat is pinned to the new sidebar in Edge and persists across all open Edge browser tabs.

Read more here

You can view additional training materials on the IT Training Unit SharePoint site.

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IT training
INFORMATION SERVICES
IT TRAINING COURSES

Places are available on the following courses. Booking is via iTrent on Queen's Online.

  • Introduction to Microsoft Visio: Wednesday 31 May, 10.00am to 11.00am
  • Advanced Word: Getting more out of Word: Friday 9 June, 10.00am to 11.00am
  • Dynamic PowerPoint, Wednesday 14 June, 10.00am to 11.00am

The current IT training courses programme can be viewed at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/trainingschedule

Book via iTrent on Queen's Online.

The 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, email itcourses@qub.ac.uk and we will arrange a consultation.

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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.

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