eNews 17th May 2023
eNews: Advancing research assessment, Fifteen to One, Royal Society honour, Leeds Partnership Awards video, appointments, Mental Health Awareness Week, Climate Plan, student assessment updates
Thought pieces
Inside Track | Advancing research assessment
On the 10th anniversary of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), Dean for Research Quality, Professor Amanda Bretman, and Associate Director: Research and Digital Futures, Claire Knowles, review our progress in delivering excellent scholarly research assessments and the next steps to further support colleagues.
Fifteen to One | Dr Axel Müller
As the countdown begins to this year’s eagerly anticipated International Medieval Congress (IMC) at Leeds, Director Dr Axel Müller unwraps the packed programme and explains the role his team play in putting the city on the map.
Week in the life | Kelly Allen
University of Leeds Conferences and Events has launched Cloth Hall Court, at the heart of Leeds city centre. Cloth Hall Court Manager Kelly Allen shares her insights into an exciting week running a multi-purpose venue.
Celebrate
Professor Simon Lewis elected to Royal Society
Simon Lewis, Professor of Global Change Sciences within the School of Geography, has been made a fellow of the Royal Society. The honour is the highest accolade in British science and recognises Simon’s work understanding the impact of humans on the ‘Earth system’, specifically tropical forests.
Watch | Leeds Partnership Awards video
See the jubilant celebrations of winners in our Leeds Partnership Awards video. With the presentation of 14 accolades, the awards recognised the brilliant achievements of staff and students who work together to support all aspects of our University community.
Curious minds set new record
Record numbers of visitors flocked to campus on Saturday to sample free family friendly activities showcasing the University’s world-changing research. More than 1,600 people travelled from across West Yorkshire to take part in the latest instalment of Be Curious – 25% up on previous years’ attendance figures. Discover the highlights and hear about the army of colleagues that made it all happen.
Appointments
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business Engagement and Enterprise
Dr Martin Stow has been appointed to the new position of Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business Engagement and Enterprise. The appointment demonstrates our commitment to business engagement and enterprise as a fundamental strategic priority.
Wellbeing and support
Mental Health Awareness Week
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. Free and confidential services are available to all colleagues who ever feel in need of support. The Staff Counselling and Psychological Support Service team provides help for any member of staff experiencing personal and/or work-related challenges. Outside the workplace, the University’s Employee Assistance Programme offers access to a 24/7 helpline and counselling services, which are now available to colleagues and their immediate family. You can also visit the Equality and Inclusion website for details of events and activities taking place across the week.
LinkedIn Learning | Mental Health Awareness Week
Access a collection of LinkedIn Learning courses about anxiety, which is the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (15 to 21 May). You can watch the courses with your free University account and explore more content about mental health and wellbeing.
Finding calm and mindfulness in times of pressure
Practice meditation with Buddhist monks and nuns and hear more about their knowledge and experiences in a session about finding calm and mindfulness in times of pressure. Taking place in Leeds University Union from 10am to 2pm on 19 May, and including a mindful walk and lunch, the event is open to all with a range of ticket prices.
Undergraduate open days | Free childcare
Colleagues working upcoming Saturday open day events can register their interest in childcare offered by Bright Beginnings. The next deadline – for those working the 17 June event – is 19 May. To register interest, complete and submit the childcare booking form. The centre requires a minimum of six children signed up to open.
Climate Plan
Update | Quarterly Report
The latest Climate Plan Quarterly Report updates progress against our seven key climate principles, including delivering Net Zero by 2030, achieving sustainable travel, supporting a Net Zero City, reorienting research and teaching, and providing a sustainable curriculum.
Industrial action
Marking and assessment processes
In an email to all colleagues on 10 May, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Simone Buitendijk provided an update on the University’s approach and processes for the summer assessment period.
Students
Promoting student content in your newsletters
The Student Communications and Engagement team has put together new resources and guides to help support students during the upcoming assessment period (22 May to 9 June). This accompanies a redesigned assessment section on the For Students website.
Artificial intelligence and assessments | Our policy and student comms toolkit
We know many students have questions about using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Ahead of the assessment period, we’ll be emailing all students to remind them when they can and cannot use AI tools. Explore the assessments toolkit for further information about our message to students, plus details about what you can communicate to your students before, during and after assessments.
Student Success Conference 2023 | Call for Papers
Submit proposals by 10 July to present papers or best practice on the Student Success Conference (SSC) 2023 themes, including co-creation, student voice, belonging and more. You can join the free, in-person SSC 2023 on 7 November to explore the meaning of student success.
Increasing diversity in data science workforce with Masters scholarships
Applications are now open for 18 scholarships to study on three Data Science-related Masters courses in the 2023-24 academic year. The scheme aims to encourage more women, Black students, disabled students and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds into data science and AI industries. Each scholarship is worth £10,000 per student.
Ground-breaking Disability Studies course launched
The online MSc Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion course will support students to understand and meet the challenges facing disabled people around the world, ensure disabled people’s rights are respected and to help build more inclusive and sustainable societies.
University to host Online Learning Summit
The University will host its first ever Online Learning Summit on 10 and 11 July – ‘Online learning reimagined through design and innovation’. This hybrid event provides opportunities to engage with leaders, practitioners and specialists in designing ecosystems of learning that reflect our transforming world, incorporating technology such as artificial intelligence, extending accessibility and enabling lifelong learning. We welcome expressions of interest from colleagues who would like to attend or contribute to a showcase at the event. More details about pricing and tickets will follow soon. In the meantime, colleagues are encouraged to share with their networks.
Data security
Capita data breach
University Secretary Jennifer Sewell wrote to all colleagues on 12 May informing them of a data breach impacting the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
Digital developments
Accessibility Matters | Get involved in Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Interested in digital accessibility? Global Accessibility Awareness Day is taking place tomorrow (18 May) and the University is asking colleagues to consider the accessibility of their content to improve the user experience for all staff and students. Visit the Digital Accessibility website to find out more.
Campus life
Disabled parking spaces
Only authorised staff and visitors or those with a local authority Blue Badge are allowed to use spaces reserved for disabled parking on campus. Other vehicle owners using these spaces will be issued with a parking charge notice. Recent incidents have seen disabled colleagues forced to park elsewhere, causing distress and inconvenience. Visit the car parking webpage for further information or contact carparking@leeds.ac.uk with any questions.
Deli(very) equipment
Campus delivered catering service, Deli(very), is requesting the return of any equipment from catering orders. Before replacing items, and in line with our recycling policies, colleagues are asked to please check for any forgotten equipment, such as coffee/tea jugs, crates, or boxes. Contact the Deli(very) team at delivery@leeds.ac.uk if you have anything to be collected.
Feedback
Survey | Annual Travel Survey
Whether you cycle, walk, drive, or take the bus, we want to hear how you travel to and from campus. The Annual Travel Survey is open to colleagues until 9 June. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, and you can enter a prize draw to win one of five One4All vouchers worth £50 each. Read more about the survey on the Sustainability website.
Balancing Life Survey | Win Love2Shop Vouchers
Take part in the Balancing Life Survey by 21 May for your chance to win a Love2shop voucher. Run annually by the Sport and Physical Activity Service, the survey provides vital insight into the health and wellbeing levels among our University community.
Strategy
Watch | Libraries vision webinar recording
Watch a recording of the Libraries vision for 2030 webinar. Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education, Professor Jeff Grabill, and Professor Andrew Thorpe (Executive Dean of Arts, Humanities and Cultures and Libraries Strategic Advisory Board Chair), reflect on the contribution of libraries to University strategy, academic and cultural scholarship, and national leadership. University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection, Masud Khokhar, gives an overview of progress to date, while Deputy Librarian Josh Sendall discusses the Libraries’ cultural shift and sets out what’s to come. The recording is provided with British Sign Language interpretation.
Research
Partnership generates new opportunities
A new partnership with the University has seen the creation of the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust. Each of the Trust’s three hospital sites – in Pontefract, Wakefield, and Dewsbury – and its community services will benefit from better education opportunities, increased research capability and the delivery of new advances in healthcare. The partnership will also support our mission to provide students with the best possible educational experience.
Book | Pint of Science 2023
Book your tickets for Pint of Science 2023, which runs from 22-24 May. The festival provides an opportunity for the public to meet researchers and chat about different aspects of science – from molecules, medicine and the mind to climate and calculating reality! Tickets cost £5, with the option to donate more to keep Pint of Science going.
Researching Gender and Sexuality in Africa Workshop
9.30am to 5pm, 18 May
Register via african-studies@leeds.ac.uk by 14 May to attend an on-campus interdisciplinary workshop run by LUCAS (Leeds University Centre for African Studies) that centres on discussing current research on gender and sexuality in diverse African contexts.
Learning and development
Visit our For Staff webpage for all the latest learning and development opportunities available at the University, including information about:
- Research Culture Change for Leaders pilot
- PebblePad webinar
- The Conversation training
- PGCAP event recording
- TIPS blog; and
- How to make LinkedIn work for you.
Staff networks
Get involved | Creative Network
Do you design and create visual content? Would you like to join a network to discuss ideas and meet others in the University in creative roles? Then the Creative Network may be for you, with plans to discuss all things design, motion and creative. Complete this short questionnaire to register your interest.
Network for Minoritised Ethnic Staff
The Network for Minoritised Ethnic Staff, formerly Leeds11, are holding a series of on-campus drop-in events for those curious about the network, its membership and interested in learning more. Join them on Thursday 25 May in the Affine Café at Nexus or on Wednesday 21 June at Café Seven in the Worsley Building. There’s no need to register your interest with network members on hand between 11.30am and 3.30pm.
Events
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia 2023
Today (17 May)
International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) draws attention to violence and discrimination faced by LGBT+ people across the world. This year’s theme is ‘Together always: united in diversity.’ Visit the IDAHOBIT website for further information.
Sign up | Sustainable Garden events
Multiple dates in May
Fancy putting your green fingers to good use? Why not sign up for the latest free Sustainable Garden events, including drop-in sessions and workshops. You can also register to take part in biodiversity monitoring around campus.
Just One Day
19 May
Colleagues are invited to spend Just One Day on 19 May raising funds and having fun in support of the Lord Mayor of Leeds charities.
Leeds Creative Labs Share Event
8 June
Be inspired by collaborations between artists and researchers as participants of Leeds Creative Labs share their experiences. Attend this free event to find out how their collaborations went.
Tell us your story
We’d like to hear about the great work you’re doing. Contact the Internal Communications and Engagement team at internalcomms@leeds.ac.uk to share your stories.
Keeping up to date
You can keep up to date with our latest news on the For Staff website and the staff Twitter account
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