eNews 16 February
Industrial action information and resources, VC's blog, Research Transformed, Libraries Vision for 2030, working on campus, awards, staff offers, events and more.
Industrial action
Information and resources
In a recent message and video from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simone Buitendijk talks about the issues behind the current strike action.
One element of the dispute is over how to resolve the USS pension scheme funding challenge. Three short videos published by the Russell Group explain the affordability of the scheme, the commitments made by universities to support it and moves to reform its governance.
There are other elements to the dispute about issues that we are already addressing at Leeds through our Fairer future for all pledges, and work is progressing.
If you’re taking part in UCU industrial action, please refer to the recently emailed guidance from HR. Information and frequently asked questions are also available on our Industrial Action In depth page
Thought pieces
Vice-Chancellor’s blog | The language of peace
“The language we use matters, especially when the conflicts are within our own communities.” Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simone Buitendijk, shares her new blog, in which she considers how language can get in the way of achieving shared goals.
Inside Track | Research Transformed – key things to know
Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, shares his key takeaways from the Leeds Conversations events on Research Transformed. He also introduces the Horizons Institute and our four new Futures Institutes.
Inside Track | Knowledge for all: A new vision for the future of libraries
In his first Inside Track, University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection, Masud Khokhar, reflects on the importance of our libraries in supporting the University strategy and the creation of knowledge societies. Read about our bold new Libraries Vision for 2030 and find out how you can get involved in making this a reality, positioning Leeds as having one of the greatest libraries in the world.
Campus life
Working on campus
Our priority is to protect the safety, health and wellbeing of our members of staff and students when working and studying on campus. To help us do that, you can choose to share information relating to your individual circumstances and working on campus, so that it can be taken into account.
Digital developments
Sign up | Help shape our research data storage service
Do you need to archive research data for extended periods? Is your storage space full of files you rarely open but need to keep? Book your place at one of our open online sessions – on Monday 21 and Monday 28 February or Thursday 10 March – to help shape how our storage service will archive and protect your research data.
Book | IT roadshow
It’s your last chance to attend one of the open meetings to introduce the IT Operating Model (ITOM) and find out what it means for your role. Following the launch of the Digital Enablement and Be Safe programmes last year, we’ve been designing an ITOM that aims to deliver a modernised IT service to better meet your needs. IT Chief Information Officer, Dan Simms, will share an overview of the ITOM during the final event, running from 3.30-4pm today (Wednesday 16 February). There will also be an opportunity to give feedback. If you can’t attend, watch the ITOM roadshow recordings from earlier sessions.
New webpages for Leeds alumni and supporters
The Advancement team has launched new webpages for the Leeds alumni community and our global network of supporters, replacing the old Leeds Alumni Online and Campaign websites. Now part of the main University website, the pages improve user experience – in particular, for those with additional digital access needs – and help the Advancement team to build deeper and stronger support from its audiences, including key priorities such as volunteering and philanthropy.
Governance
Final call | Your chance to join the University Council
A notice has been circulated to support staff inviting applications from individuals to sit on the University’s Council, the institution’s governing body. Details about the role of the Council and how to apply for the upcoming vacancy are included in the notice. The deadline for applications is 10am on Friday 18 February. Contact Helen Pickersgill for further information.
Research
Petition | Stick to Science campaign
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simone Buitendijk, is one of a number of Higher Education leaders and scientists from across Europe who’ve pledged to support the Stick to Science campaign. It urges European leaders to set aside political differences to reach agreements about UK and Swiss contributions to the EU research and innovation funding programme, Horizon Europe, and bring about an open and inclusive European Research Area. You can also get involved by adding your name to the list of signatories
Celebrate
Final call | Leeds Partnership Awards 2022
Nominations for the Leeds Partnership Awards 2022 close at midnight on Sunday 20 February. The annual accolades will once again celebrate the achievements of staff and students who truly put into practice the Leeds Partnership, highlighting those who collaborate, support and enhance the University community.
University of Leeds Teaching Awards 2022
Applications are open until 12 noon on Friday 4 March for the University of Leeds Teaching Awards 2022. The awards celebrate and recognise excellent practice in student education and are open to all colleagues involved in teaching or supporting the student learning experience at Leeds. Watch the recording of the awards briefing session from Wednesday 2 February to find out more.
#NorthInnovationWomen campaign 2022
The Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) and N8 Research Partnership, both of which Leeds is a member of, have launched the #NorthInnovationWomen campaign 2022 – the call to celebrate innovative women in the North ahead of International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8 March. Find out more about the campaign, including how to get involved, on the NHSA website.
Learning and development
Register | Pedagogical Power of PebblePad workshops
Sign up for the first in a series of Pebble Pad workshops. Curated by Dr Ruth Payne (PebblePad Academic lead) and Patricia Quinn (Digital Practice Advisor with responsibility for PebblePad support and training), the workshops are quick-fire, 30-minute sessions focusing on an interesting and/or innovative use of the ePortfolio software. The launch event, running from 11-11.30am on Thursday 10 March, sees Dr Payne present an overview of how she’s built her upper-level module entirely in PebblePad, before demonstrating how students can contribute to the questions that shape the fortnightly seminars. Future guest speakers will be announced in due course.
Book | PebblePad training sessions
There’s still time to sign up for PebblePad training this month. The 45-minute introductory sessions are available alongside training to help existing users create innovative teaching materials. Both offer support to new and existing users on the use of the ePortfolio platform
Sign up | LinkedIn events
You can now book LinkedIn events exploring how to get the most out of the networking and learning platform. There are four events: Rock your LinkedIn Profile, Introduction to LinkedIn Learning, Student Success Webinar and the Academic Success Webinar. All are aimed at staff and students, except the Academic Success Webinar, which is targeted at colleagues involved in student education.
Foundations in Teaching course
Register for the online, self-paced Foundations in Teaching (FiT) course from OD&PL, providing information and advice to those new to teaching at Leeds. Full details about the FiT course, including how to join, can be found on the Student Education Development website.
Wellbeing and support
Register | Financial wellbeing online sessions
It’s your last chance to attend our new interactive online sessions about financial wellbeing, delivered by Wealth at Work as part of our pledge to support a healthy and fulfilled staff community. Hear free, impartial information about saving for the future, budgeting, understanding payslips, workplace pensions and much more. Limited places are available to book for the final pilot sessions, which take place tomorrow (Thursday 17 February).
Book | Free fitness classes
Sign up for free fitness classes at The Edge on Saturday 19 February. From Zumba to Body Combat, Yoga to Body Jam, boost your health and wellbeing by sampling 30-minute taster sessions. Open to all over-16s; no membership required. Places are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment.
Staff offers
Gryphons Go Kids Camps
Easter holidays approaching and not sure how to entertain the kids? Book them onto Sport & Physical Activity’s Gryphons Go Kids Camp for either single or multiple days at the special staff rate of £40 per day. Children can swim, climb and explore the outdoors, as well as develop their physical skills and make use of our superb educational facilities. Camps will be hosted at The Edge from Monday 4 to Thursday 14 April.
Events
Exhibition | Brotherton Collection’s 100th birthday
Access a new online exhibition to mark the centenary of the Brotherton Collection – the foundation of our Special Collections. ‘A Library and a Legacy: celebrating 100 years of the Brotherton Collection’ tells the story of the man behind it, how the collection began and highlights some of its extraordinary treasures. Key items will be on display in the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery, and watch this space for further information about a year of exciting events and activities to mark this historic milestone.
Register | Be Curious LATES: World Changers
Sign up for the next Be Curious LATES, taking place online from 8-9pm on Wednesday 16 March. From helping to address climate change to empowering young women through creativity, join us as we shine a light on just some of the brilliant Leeds research helping reduce inequalities and improve the lives of people in our city, the UK and across the globe. Tickets are free and sessions build on the success of last year’s programme of Be Curious LATES events, designed exclusively for adult audiences.
Watch back l Be Curious LATES: Something to Bragg about
Delivered as a part of the Inspired by Bragg programme of scientific and cultural events, Be Curious LATES: Something to Bragg about is available to watch back now. Delve into the story behind the Nobel prize-winning work of former Leeds professor, Sir William Henry Bragg. From building shapes with DNA to tackling cancer with microbubbles, we explore the continued legacy of his discoveries through world-changing research undertaken at Leeds.
Register | DARE Liberty Lecture
Sign up for the DARE Liberty Lecture, being held as part of our long-standing partnership with Opera North. Former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, Nazir Afzal OBE, draws on his acclaimed memoir for the event, being held at the Howard Assembly Room in Leeds on Thursday 24 February.
World Unite Festival 2022
LUU’s annual celebration of global community returns from Monday 7 to Sunday 13 March. The week-long World Unite Festival 2022 programme offers events, activities and talks from the University and LUU that celebrate the diversity of culture represented by our staff and students.
Book | Free Friday lunchtime concert
Book to watch the next free Friday lunchtime concert of the Spring Season online or in person at Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall on Friday 18 February. Part of our International Concert Series, the event presents an opportunity to hear work by students on performance courses in the School of Music.
In case you missed it
Introducing our new University values
New appointment to lead on campus vision
Watch | Research IT engagement sessions
Leeds Cancer Research Centre officially launches
New electric vehicle for waste collection
LGBT+ History Month 2022 resources and information
Equality and Inclusion Calendar 2022
Webinar | What the Future Holds: Science in the 21st century
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