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Round Up

25 September 2023

Queen's University Belfast quadrangle on an autumn evening, with leaves on the left and Black and White Hall to the right, and looking towards the south archway
FLU SEASON
GUIDANCE FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS WITH SYMPTOMS OF A RESPIRATORY INFECTION, INCLUDING COVID-19

As we approach the winter months and come into flu season, all colleagues and managers are asked to note our Sickness Absence Procedure and our guidance for staff with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19.

Guidance for students

Staff can view guidance for students with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19, on the My Queen's website.

promo graphic for Assessment Support Hub showing smiling young woman looking at phone
EDUCATION AND STUDENT SERVICES
ASSESSMENT SUPPORT HUB NOW LIVE

Queen's Assessment Support Hub is now live. The hub is a new digital site providing our students with a one-stop shop for access to a range of information and resources to support them with assessment at Queen's.

It is hoped the Hub will also be used as a toolkit for staff to engage with students who are struggling with a particular aspect of their assessment, and help guide conversations with them. To ensure staff feel confident in their engagement with the Assessment Support Hub, a series of roadshow events will take place in November 2023. Registration details will be advertised soon.

The Assessment Support Hub is the result of a 12month + project, under the Education and Skills Strategy, delivered by staff across the Directorate of Education and Student Services, and which has been informed by valuable input from students and colleagues across the University.

The aim of the Hub is to empower students as healthy learners, enabling them to gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate assessments throughout their academic journey, and promoting active engagement with the various supports and resources available to successfully complete their assessments to the best of their ability.

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UMB
UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT BOARD MEETINGS AND MINUTES

The dates of the University Management Board (UMB) meetings for 2023-24 are now available on the University Management Board SharePoint site. Minutes will be published following each meeting.

The minutes from the UMB meeting held on 5 September 2023 can be found here.

Lanyon July2018 front view
RECRUITMENT
INTERNAL VACANCIES

The University is currently advertising for the following positions internally:

  • 23/111139 – Clerical Officer (Maternity Cover), Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research
  • 23/111304 – Clerical Officer, Global Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions (GMRA)

Staff can view internal and external vacancies through iTrent Employee Self-Service, via the 'Utility Menu' (person icon, top RHS of the dashboard).

Other vacancies are often advertised externally and are on the Job Vacancies page.

For career updates, staff can also follow the Recruitment team on Twitter: @QUBWorkHere

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Pictured from left: Ian McCully, Senior Contracts Director, Henry Brothers; Professor Stuart Elborn, Interim Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Queen’s; Trudy Anderson, Estates Manager at Queen’s; and David Henry, Managing Director, Henry Brothers
BELFAST REGION CITY DEAL
AMIC CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT ANNOUNCED

Belfast Region City Deal at Queen's has announced a major milestone for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC). Henry Brothers has won the £30m contract to construct the 10,500m² Factory of the Future building at Global Point Business Park in Newtownabbey. It’s hoped that construction work at the site can start next spring so the Factory can be operational and delivering for Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector by 2026.

Read the full story

Open Access avatar
OPEN ACCESS
NEW RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS AND COPYRIGHT POLICY

On 1 November 2023, Queen's will introduce a new Research Publications and Copyright Policy. This policy will enable academic and research staff at Queen's to retain their rights to journal articles and conference papers and ensures that these publications are immediately open access.

Two 30-minute information sessions will take place on 1 November (10.30am and 2.00pm) in the Auditorium, McClay library. To attend one of these sessions, or if you would like the Open Access team to deliver a session for your School or Department, please email openaccess@qub.ac.uk.

This policy has been introduced as part of Queen's commitment to Open Research and our response to Open Access requirements from our research funders, including cOAlition S funders such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and funders that align with Plan S principles such as the Wellcome Trust.

Policy details

Queen's Research Publications and Copyright Policy is subject to the University's IP Policy and supersedes the University's Open Access Policy.

The policy will apply to all:

  • academic and research staff currently employed by Queen's University Belfast where the University owns the IP as per the IP Policy;
  • scholarly articles and conference papers submitted for publication from 1 November 2023 onwards.
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FINANCE
USS STATUTORY CONSULTATION

USS members, prospective USS members and employee representatives should have received an email from the Pensions Helpdesk on Monday 18 September 2023 that included a formal written notice of a statutory consultation in relation to USS. If you have not received this email, please contact pensionshelpdesk@qub.ac.uk.

The consultation will begin on Monday 25 September at 9.00am. You will be able to log in to the secure area and respond to the consultation on the consultation website. The closing date for responses is 5.00pm on 24 November 2023. Any responses received after the closing date will not be considered.

If you have any queries regarding the proposed changes, please contact pensionshelpdesk@qub.ac.uk

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Airport scene with airplane and baggage
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL SURVEY AND WORKSHOPS
2023 REVIEW OF TRAVEL ON UNIVERSITY RELATED BUSINESS

We need your input to help shape the development of sustainable travel guidance for those travelling on University business (including locally, on the Island of Ireland, in GB and internationally). This guidance will form part of a revised travel policy which is currently in development and due to be finalised in early 2024.

  1. Take part in the survey here. The survey will close at 5.00pm on Friday 29 September.
  2. Workshops will be held on:
    • Tuesday 10 October: 9.00am to 11.00am, The Cube, One Elmwood. Register here.
    • Wednesday 11 October: 1.00pm to 3.30pm, Lanyon Building, Room 0G/074. Register here.
    • Thursday 12 October: 12.00pm to 2.00pm, Online, Microsoft Teams. Register here.
  1. Survey: Please take part in the online survey on business-related travel (including locally, on the Island of Ireland, in GB and internationally) and your expectations of the University in terms of sustainability and travel on University business.

    Take part in the survey here.

  2. Workshops: We will hold three workshops to consider the feedback from the Survey, discuss best practice in the sector and help develop ideas which are relevant to Queen's and Strategy 2030 and which help us meet our net zero commitments.

    The workshops will be held on:
    • Tuesday 10 October: 9.00am to 11.00am, The Cube, One Elmwood. Register here.
    • Wednesday 11 October: 1.00pm to 3.30pm, Lanyon Building, Room 0G/074. Register here.
    • Thursday 12 October: 12.00pm to 2.00pm, Online, Microsoft Teams. Register here.

All staff are encouraged to join.

This work is underway in a direct response to the University's Net Zero Plan. 

The University’s Net Zero Plan 2040 was developed through extensive consultation in 2022-2023 and approved by Senate in June 2023. We will formally launch the Plan in mid-Autumn 2023.

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Queen's University Equality Scheme 2024-2029. Graphic includes four image of people in different settings.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS – QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY EQUALITY SCHEME 2024-2029

If you would like more information about the draft Equality Scheme and Action Plan, the consultation process and how you can feedback your views, please come along to one of the following engagement sessions. These are open to all staff and students

  • Friday 6 October: 10.00am to 12.00pm, Lanyon 0G/074
  • Wednesday 18 October: 9.00am to 11.00am, Newark Room and online (MS Teams)

Please register here.

Background

In our last Staff Survey, four out of five colleagues told us they believe Queen's respects individual difference. We want to continue to work together with staff and students to build on this solid foundation.

The University has launched a consultation seeking the views of staff, students, Trade Union representatives and external consultees on our new Equality Scheme and draft Action Plan 2024-2029. The consultation ends at 5.00pm on Monday 23 October 2023.

Underpinning Strategy 2030 and our People and Culture Plan, the Equality Scheme and draft Action Plan reflect the University's commitment to sustaining and developing a work, study and research environment that recognises, values and celebrates the diversity of our staff and students.

The documents set out our arrangements for fulfilling our statutory equality duties and our plan for their implementation.

We aim to share the final Equality Scheme and Action Plan with all staff and students early in the new year.

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Queen's Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 flyer, showing thumbnail images of mooncake, and Chinese alumni playing guzheng and performing magic
EVENT
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL AND LANGUAGE CENTRE-iRISE WELCOME EVENT

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! 中秋节快乐 (Zhōngqiūjié kuàilè)!

The Language Centre (LC) and BAME and International Staff Network (iRise) invite all staff members to join their Mid-Autumn Festival celebration on Friday 29 September from 2.00pm to 4.30pm in the Auditorium, McClay Library (with online attendance via Teams also available.)*

Please register here by 4.00pm on Wednesday 27 September.

This event welcomes new staff members, students, and their families to celebrate cultural diversity with a taste of mooncakes and an appreciation of magic and guzheng music performances contributed by Queen’s Chinese alumni.

* Please note: for catering purposes, in-person attendance is limited to a maximum of 60 people. This is on a first come, first served basis.

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Cyber security abstract image of a lock
CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH
PHISHING AND SOCIAL ENGINEERING PRESENTATION FROM PSNI

In an era where digital technologies are an integral part of our lives, understanding the importance of phishing and social engineering is more crucial than ever. Colleagues are invited to attend a Cybersecurity Awareness Talk, delivered by the PSNI, on Tuesday 10 October from 11.00am to 12.00pm in the McClay Library Auditorium. The event will empower you with knowledge and strategies to help protect yourself and the University from cyber threats.

To register your interest in attending, please complete this form.*

* This presentation is limited to 80 attendees who will be contacted by Information Services to confirm their attendance.

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the word 'menopause' interlaced with an icon of a woman
STAFF WELLBEING
WORLD MENOPAUSE DAY: MENOPAUSE AWARENESS EVENT

To celebrate World Menopause Day, all colleagues are invited to Menopause Awareness for all staff on Wednesday 18 October from 1.00pm to 2.15pm in room 0G/074, Lanyon Building (North).

This event will be delivered by Queen's academic GPs Dr Helen Reid and Professor Jenny Johnston. A light lunch will be provided on arrival.

More information | Register. (Search for ‘Wellbeing’ to see events with availability.)

For queries, please contact Staff Wellbeing: wellbeing@qub.ac.uk.

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QUB Staff Wellbeing choir rehearsal in Harty Room
STAFF WELLBEING
STAFF WELLBEING LUNCHTIME CHOIR

The Staff Wellbeing Choir is now welcoming new members. The choir is free to join, and open to all staff. No prior experience of singing or reading music is necessary as all songs will be taught by ear. All you need is the desire to sing!

New members can register to join the choir by emailing wellbeing@qub.ac.uk. Existing members will be contacted via the Choir Team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to come and have fun singing with musician and choir leader Una McCann, who will take you through uplifting songs from genres including blues, pop, Americana, gospel and world music.

Rehearsals take place every Friday, commencing 15 September, from 1.10pm to 1.50pm in the Harty Room, Music building.

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NI Blood Transfusion Service - infographic | 5 steps to donating blood
SOCIETY
GIVE BLOOD: NORTHERN IRELAND BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE

Northern Ireland needs 1,200 blood donors every week. That's roughly one every eight minutes.

The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) invites staff and students to give blood on Wednesday 4 October in the South Dining Hall (beside Whitla Hall). Or you can donate at the NIBTS headquarters within the grounds of Belfast City Hospital. You could save three lives here in Northern Ireland.

Please book your donation time here

event graphic/logo for 'Belfast One Young World 2023, 2-5 October'
TICKET BALLOT
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS: 'ONE YOUNG WORLD' OPENING CEREMONY

Belfast City Council is offering Queen's staff and students a chance to win tickets for the opening ceremony of One Young World, an annual summit that brings together over 2,000 young people from 190 countries and over 250 organisations to discuss global issues and explore actions for positive change. The event will take place on Monday 2 October between 4.30pm and 8.00pm in the SSE Arena.

Enter the ballot for tickets.

Entrants must be aged between 16 – 30 years (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult).* The ticket is for the opening ceremony only and not to the One Young World Summit.

Hosted by Pete Snodden and Rebecca McKinney, the Opening Ceremony will feature the One Young World Flag Ceremony, welcoming leading figures in politics, sport, entertainment, and activism and comprise addresses from the One Young World founders.

Oscar-winning actor James Martin will open proceedings. Local arts organisation ArtsEkta and DJ Kwame Daniels will offer an evening of entertainment along with up-and-coming musicians and instrumentalists such as Stephen Loughran and Unity Irish Dance.

Applications for tickets will be open from Monday 18 September at 9.00am GMT and close on Monday 25 September at 5.00pm GMT.

Please note:

  • If you are successful in the ballot for tickets, you will need to collect your ticket from One Elmwood reception during the week commencing 25 September. You will be notified via email if you have been allocated a ticket.
  • Those in receipt of tickets will make their own way to and from the event.
  • The ticket is for the opening ceremony only and not to the One Young World Summit.
  • As an inclusive venue SSE Arena is committed to ensuring that services are accessible to all visitors. If you require information or assistance regarding accessibility, please visit the venue's website: SSE Arena Belfast - Accessibility

*Accompanying adults do not need to be under 30.

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four smiling Queen's Law Society students standing in front of The Graduate School holding a copy of 'The Verdict' publication
FUNDING
QUEEN'S ANNUAL FUND

The Queen's Annual Fund has launched for 2023-24 and applications are open. The Fund allows staff and students to apply for funding for projects that enhance all aspects of the student experience at Queen's.

The deadline for applications is 4.00pm on Friday 6 October.

More information | Apply

The Queen’s Annual Fund supports a range of workshops, initiatives, events and productions. In 2022-23, £132,704 was disbursed to 55 projects, benefiting hundreds of students, alongside significant projects to support student scholarships and student entrepreneurship.

Examples from staff projects last year include:

  • Centre for Public Health – student-led podcast series for people with visual impairments
  • SU Volunteer – community impact and neighbourhood engagement initiatives
  • Widening Participation Unit – mindfulness and wellbeing workshops for mature students
  • Queen's Accommodation – 'easels of Elms/Elms through history' interactive discovery trail
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computer login
DIGITAL AND INFORMATION SERVICES
FURTHER ROLL-OUT OF CHANGES TO DESKTOP COMPUTER LOGIN

As of Wednesday 20 September, a wider range of staff will no longer be able to log into their desktop computers with the Username 'Administrator', as this is a cyber-security risk.

Anyone currently doing so should:

  • Save their data;
  • Prepare to use their staff number to log in to a new profile, in order to ensure continued access to their workstation, files and applications.

Anyone requiring clarity on this should contact their computer officer, or log a call in Site Helpdesk.

Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme at Queen's. Image shows three members of Queen's community holding their babies in the Lanyon cloisters.
UNIVERSITY
BREASTFEEDING WELCOME HERE SCHEME AT QUEEN'S

Queen's has joined the Public Health Agency's (PHA) ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ scheme – a programme that aims to increase the number of organisations that actively show support for breastfeeding.

We have already been supporting this initiative across various parts of campus for some time; however, this commitment to formally join the scheme will now enhance our inclusive and supportive environment for parents within our community.

In line with this, we would ask all managers and staff to familiarise yourselves with the following commitments. It is important that you play your part in ensuring our campus offers a welcoming environment for breastfeeding.

  • Breastfeeding is welcome in all areas of the campus which are open to the public.
  • Do not ask a mother who is breastfeeding to move to another area or stop breastfeeding.
  • Be supportive of the needs of any breastfeeding mothers on University premises.
  • If your area has been provided with the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ window stickers or certificates, please display them as appropriate in your area.
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SOS Bus NI volunteers at a coffee table in the McClay Library auditorium
STUDENT WELLBEING
SOS BUS NI AT QUEEN'S | CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

As part of a Wellbeing Initiative in partnership with the University and Queen's Students' Union, SOS Bus NI will be in the McClay Library between 7.00pm and 10.00pm every Tuesday evening from 12 September 2023 to support Queen's students.

To help with this initiative, SOS Bus NI are seeking volunteers to help set up the stand and look after the coffee/tea. If you interested in volunteering, please indicate any Tuesdays you would like to volunteer for SOS Bus here: Tuesday evening volunteers *

The idea behind the initiative is to complement the University’s existing student welfare provision through ‘out of hours’ onsite support (provided by SOS volunteers) for those students in urgent need of assistance and help. Students who want to chat with an SOS volunteer will be able to have a coffee and a bun in the library.

SOS Bus is a non-judgemental safe space where trained volunteers provide welfare support, first aid, mental health intervention and community safety. All SOS volunteers are fully trained and are easily recognisable by their bright yellow shirts.

* This is also a great opportunity to find out more about the work of the SOS Bus at first hand. Please note: while you will not be involved in conversations with students, you will play an important role in supporting the SOS volunteers.

This initiative is fully supported by the University’s Student Wellbeing Service.

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New Seamus Heaney Centre venue 2024 - white-painted Georgian-style building at 38-40University Road
BUILDING A CENTRE WHERE WRITING LIVES
NEW LANDMARK VENUE FOR THE SEAMUS HEANEY CENTRE

Queen's has announced a £4.9m new landmark venue for the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen's, which will open for staff, students, and the public in early 2024.

The reimagined space, located in the historic, listed buildings at 38–40 University Road and 3 Mount Charles, will be just a short walk from the main Lanyon Building at the heart of the Queen's campus.

The project will be funded by the University's Capital Development programme and through philanthropic donations from donors across the globe. 

Find out more

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

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

To contribute an article to Queen's Policy Engagement, please email Kevin or Alice 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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exterior of new Queen's Business School Student Hub building, 2023
QUEEN'S COMMUNITY
STAFF BLOG

Queen's Staff Blog provides a space for staff to share our reflections, knowledge and experiences and build a connected University community:

If you are interested in writing a staff blog piece, please contact internalcommunications@qub.ac.uk.

Queen's University Belfast Digital Scholarship Hub homepage screengrab
EVENT
DIGITAL SCHOLARSHIP HUB INAUGURAL LECTURE

A Digital Scholarship Hub inaugural lecture will take place on Tuesday 3 October from 1.00pm to 2.00pm in Lanyon Building (North), room 0G/074. Lunch will be provided. All are welcome.

The lecture 'Horizons for Digital Humanities' will be delivered by Professor Willard McCarty (King's College London).

More information | Register

promo graphic for talk 'Protesting Jordan: Geographies of Power and Dissent'. Includes hand-drawn black marker illustration depicting protest.
TALK
'PROTESTING JORDAN: GEOGRAPHIES OF POWER AND DISSENT'

Staff are invited to the talk ‘Protesting Jordan: Geographies of Power and Dissent’, given by Dr Jillian Schwedler (City University of New York’s Hunter College) on Tuesday 3 October from 5.00pm to 6.30pm in The Moot Court, School of Law (Main Site Tower, room 02.006).

More information | Register

Protest has been a key method of political claim-making in Jordan from the late Ottoman period to the present day. More than moments of rupture within normal-time politics, protests have been central to challenging state power, as well as reproducing it—and the spatial dynamics of protests play a central role in the construction of both state and society.

In this talk based on her new book ‘Protesting Jordan: Geographies of Power and Dissent’ (Stanford University Press, 2022), Jillian Schwedler considers how space and geography influence protests and repression, and, in challenging conventional narratives of Hashemite state-making, offers the first in-depth study of rebellion in Jordan.

This event, chaired by Professor Louise Mallinder (Queen's University Belfast), is hosted by the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice in collaboration with the Human Rights Centre, School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast.

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promotional graphic for ReproducibiliTea Journal Club
REPRODUCIBILITEA
AUTUMN 2023 SESSIONS AND CALL TO JOIN ORGANISING COMMITTEE

ReproducibiliTea is a multidisciplinary discussion group centred on conducting reproducible and open scholarship.

ReproducibiliTea's autumn 2023 sessions will take place on the following Thursdays from 3.00pm to 4.00pm in the Peter Froggatt Centre (PFC), room 02/013.

All staff and postgraduate students are welcome. 

Please bring your own hot drinks and snacks.

Session details

  • 28 September: Introduction to open scholarship. Open scholarship encompasses open research and education practices. In this session, we will provide an introduction to open scholarship.
  • 19 October: Preregistration. Preregistration involves publishing your methodology, data collection and analysis plan before the study starts. We will discuss what this involves and how to do it.
  • 9 November: Non-traditional outputs. We will discuss alternative research outputs to traditional journal publications and academic books, including how to get them recognised.
  • 30 November: Big Team Science. Big Team Science involves bringing many researchers together to work on one research question. We will discuss this, including how you can get involved in Big Team Science projects.

About ReproducibiliTea

ReproducibiliTea is a multidisciplinary discussion group centred on conducting reproducible and open scholarship. In each session we discuss a different topic related to these themes.

Find out more about the group and how to join in. (https://osf.io/2rgth/). You can also keep updated by joining Reproducibilitea's Teams channel.

Join ReproducibiliTea's organising committee

ReproducibiliTea is looking for an enthusiastic first- or second-year PhD student to join its organising committee. If you know a PhD student who may be interested, please ask them to email Bethan Iley (biley01@qub.ac.uk).

Last year, ReproducibiliTea won funding from The Graduate School and were finalists in the SU Awards's 'Best Student-Led Initiative' category. The group has more ambition this year, so it is a great time to get involved.

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computer graphic showing 14 guide dogs with harnesses sitting in a pack on a city street
EVENT
DISCOVER: DOGS

As part of NI Science Festival, staff are invited to 'Discover: Dogs', a variety of free events suitable for all ages taking place on Saturday 30 September from 10.00am to 5.00pm at Queen's. The events will explore a range of topics across genetics, healthcare and what it takes to become a guide dog.

More information and registration.

Please note: the only dogs permitted to the event are working or assistance dogs.

For all communications enquiries, please contact d.rogers@qub.ac.uk.

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Media Lab - Call for projects in real-time 3D | PgCert Intro to Games Technologies
MEDIALAB
CALL FOR PROJECTS IN REAL-TIME 3D: PGCERT INTRO TO GAMES TECHNOLOGIES

The Medialab at Queen's is currently putting together projects for its students for Semester 2 (Spring 2024).

If you have an idea/concept using real-time 3D technology that you would like to explore, please complete this form.*

Once your idea is put forward, the Medialab can draw up a brief and make it available to the students. Medialab has a class of 40 students, who will be split into groups to explore the viability of each idea.

* More information, including project examples, are included on the above form for reference.

Medialab staff are also happy to meet with you at a time that suits you to discuss further.

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workshop promo: 'Simulation and Digital Twins - Challenges and opportunities'. Includes image of workshop venue, Riddel Hall.
EVENT
SIMULATION AND DIGITAL TWINS – CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

This half-day workshop will take place on Thursday 5 October in Riddell Hall.

More information | Register

SciVal
RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE
TRAINING: INTRODUCTION TO 'SCIVAL' RESEARCH INFORMATION AND ANALYTICS TOOL

Research and Enterprise have arranged a training workshop to explore Elsevier's 'SciVal' research information system, taking place on Wednesday 1 November from 9.30am to 10.30am in the Seminar Room, Research and Enterprise Directorate, 63 University Road.*

All staff members with an interest in research activities, particularly academics and researchers, are welcome to attend.

Register here

This session will be delivered by an external facilitator from Elsevier, and is designed to provide attendees with essential insights into how SciVal can enhance their research journey.

During this session, attendees will gain a foundational understanding of SciVal and learn how it can be used to:

  • monitor the impact of your published research;
  • stay informed about current trends in your academic discipline;
  • discover potential collaborators to expand your research network;
  • identify new and exciting research topics.

* A recorded version of the training session will be made available on the Research and Enterprise Intranet site for those unable to attend in person.

Additional training sessions will be added based on demand.

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Sunset over Lanyon
RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE
IMPACT AND ENGAGEMENT ACADEMY – UPCOMING SESSIONS

The following events are open to all Queen's researchers and academics. 

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graphic promoting Proof of Principle (PoP) funding programme at Queen's. Image shows person building small bar chart using wooden bricks.
RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE
PROOF OF PRINCIPLE FUNDING PROGRAMME: OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

Queen's Proof of Principle (PoP) funding programme is now open for applications. This is an open call across all Queen's faculties.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 1 November 2023 at 5.00pm.

More information | 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.

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White and red IAA logo
RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE
IMPACT ACCELERATION ACCOUNTS AT QUEEN'S OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

The AHRC, BBSRC, ESRC and MRC Impact Acceleration Accounts (IAA) at Queen's are open for applications. View available opportunities here.

  • Applications for AHRC and BBSRC IAAs are open on a rolling basis.
  • The deadline for the ESRC call is midnight on Monday 9 October.
  • The deadline for the MRC call is midnight on Monday 30 October.
  • An MRC IAA Information Session will take place on Thursday 28 September at 11.00am via Microsoft Teams. Register here to attend.

AHRC and BBSRC IAAs

Funding is available to support researchers to further the impact from their research through project activity, placements/fellowships with external organisations, partnership development and the commercialisation of research.

Please email iaa@qub.ac.uk to discuss potential applications.

ESRC IAA

The ESRC IAA supports impact from social science research at Queen's. Funding (up to £15k) is available for impact initiatives, commercialisation, fellowships and partnership building. Applications are welcomed from staff across the University working on social science research.

MRC IAA

Funding is available to support researchers accelerate the transition from discovery research to translational development projects via the Confidence in Concept (up to £75k) and Enterprise Fellowships (up to £20k) funds.

Please email iaa@qub.ac.uk to discuss potential applications.

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ghosted image of a handshake over a skyscraper background
RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE
CAST COLLABORATIVE STUDENTSHIPS 2024 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Queen's has an excellent track-record of collaborating with private industry, public sector organisations, and the third sector to successfully deliver impactful, user-informed research. To support the development of these collaborations, the University will again commit a number of studentships (funded mainly via Department for the Economy and several by EPSRC) commencing in October 2024 for projects across the institution that will involve significant work with a non-academic partner.

The closing date for this call is Friday 10 November 2023.

The projects require engagement with a non-academic collaborating partner. The collaborating partner should be jointly involved in devising the research programme. Additionally, each project requires:

  • The student to receive workplace supervision by a named person from the collaborating partner (NB: this workplace supervisor will not be a formal academic supervisor);
  • The student to spend at least three months with the collaborating partner who should pay any associated travel, accommodation or subsistence costs; and
  • The collaborating partner to demonstrate their commitment to the project through a matched cash or in-kind contribution. NB: For-profit partners must contribute direct funding (cash contribution) to the project of at least £27k over the course of the project.

Partnerships with private sector industry, government departments/agencies, NGOs, charities and voluntary sector organisations that meet the above criteria will all be considered. This opportunity is open to both UK and non-UK collaborating partners organisations. For non-UK collaborating partners, supervisors should discuss and agree how the student placement aspect of the Collaborative studentship will be met.

More information: Collaborative Studentship Applications 2024.

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aerial view of top of Lanyon Building with shadow cast onto front lawns
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.

 

The lanyon building with views of Belfast in the background
INFRASTRUCTURE
INSPECTIONS COMPLETED: REINFORCED AUTOCLAVED AERATED CONCRETE (RAAC)

You will be aware of recent headlines regarding the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in buildings across the UK constructed between the 1950s to 1990s, when RAAC was commonly used in construction.

Our Estates Directorate has followed the Department for Education in England's ‘Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC): Identification Guide – August 2023’ to review our estate and the necessary inspections were carried out by a Building Surveyor.

All inspections were completed by 7 September 2023. There has been no evidence to suggest that RAAC was utilised in the construction of any building within the University estate.

still from film 'Ballywalter' showing a sombre-looking man and woman looking in different directions on a cold day
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
QFT WHAT'S ON

This week’s new and returning films at Queen's Film Theatre, your cinema on campus:

Still Showing

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.

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SEAMUS HEANEY CENTRE
'LAST NIGHT'S FUN' CONFERENCE EXHIBITION, 'STAR FACTORY'

Staff can still visit the conference exhibition for 'Last Night's Fun', the four-day event held recently celebrating the literary legacy of the late Ciaran Carson.

'Star Factory', an exhibition by Jonathan Brennan runs until 22 October. Visitors will also find the special edition of the Poetry Jukebox there, dedicated to Ciaran Carson's legacy as an educator, before it goes on its European tour.

The Naughton Gallery showing artist Gianni Lee's exhibition 'Neue Palette'
NAUGHTON GALLERY
FINAL WEEK: GIANNI LEE – 'NEUE PALETTE'

This is the final week of Neue Palette, a solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Gianni Lee (b.1986) whose creative prowess spans the realms of fashion, fine art, and music.
 
This exhibition continues until Sunday 1 October. All are welcome. Free admission from Tuesdays to Sundays, 11.00am to 4.00pm.

graphic depicting different abilities/disabilities
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SUPPORTING DISABILITY IN THE WORKPLACE

Staff are invited to an online session on Supporting Disability in the workplace, taking place on Thursday 26 October from 10.00am to 11.30am.

More information | Register

Delivered by pan-disability organisation Disability Action and public transport provider Translink, this 'Link & Learn' session will give employers practical advice on how they can support and meet the needs of disabled people in the workplace.

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outline of human head filled with mindfulness and mental health words
TRAINING
STAFF WELLBEING: MINDFUL MANAGER TRAINING, WITH ACTION MENTAL HEALTH

A 'Mindful Manager' session with Action Mental Health will take place on Tuesday 24 October from 9.30am to 1.00pm in room 0G/009, Main Site Tower.

Limited to a maximum of 15 participants per session, this training is aimed at those staff with line management responsibility only.

More information | Register. (Search for 'Wellbeing' to see courses with availability.)

For queries, please contact Staff Wellbeing: wellbeing@qub.ac.uk.

WELLBEING
MENOPAUSE TRAINING FOR LINE MANAGERS

A Menopause Training for Line Managers session will take place online on Thursday 12 October from 11.00am to 12.00pm.

This taster session, delivered by Business in the Community, will allow managers and leaders to gain a basic awareness of menopause and how to support menopause in the workplace.

More information | Register

Anne Costello Mindfulness graphic
WELLBEING
INTRODUCTION TO MINDFULNESS WITH ANNE COSTELLO

To celebrate World Mental Health Day on Tuesday 10 October, staff are invited to an online introductory session on mindfulness, delivered by Anne Costello, from 1.30pm to 3.00pm.

More information | Register. (Search for ‘Wellbeing’ to see courses with availability.)

For queries, please contact Staff Wellbeing: wellbeing@qub.ac.uk.

seated elderly man wearing glasses looking out of a window
INFORMATION SESSION
'LET'S TALK ABOUT DEMENTIA', WITH ALZHEIMERS UK

To mark the end of World Alzheimers Month the Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Unit invites staff to 'Let’s talk about dementia' information sessions, hosted by Alzheimers UK.

  • Tuesday 26 September: 12.00pm to 1.00pm, Graduate School, room TR7
  • Wednesday 8 November: 12.00pm to 1.00pm, via Teams

More information | Register

Sessions will include the opportunity for Q&As. Diary invites for both sessions will be emailed the day before each session.

Line managers who know of any staff who would benefit from this information session, due to their caring responsibilities, should encourage them to attend.

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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.

Register for a face-to-face/live session here

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'Reflections' text overlaid on slightly blurred image of old window cornicing
CED
REFLECTIONS LEARNING AND TEACHING JOURNAL

The latest issue of Reflections is now available to read on the CED website. This issue focuses on Curriculum Innovation through Research and Community Engaged Research and Learning (CERL). 

The next issue will be published in January 2024. If you would like to contribute an article about your learning and teaching practice, please contact Liz McDowell on e.mcdowell@qub.ac.uk for further details.

(ISSN 2752-6895) 

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cover of Queen's University Belfast Handbook of Assessment and Support 2023-24, showing grayscale image of Lanyon Building
CENTRE FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
HANDBOOK OF ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT 2023-24

The Handbook of Assessment Guidance and Support, updated for 2023-24, is now available online.

Launch of Queen's AI Hub. Image shows dots-and-lines computer-generated outline of human head in portrait
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AT QUEEN'S
AI HUB: RESOURCES AND TRAINING

A range of AI resources and training opportunities tailored for staff is now available on Queen's new AI Hub, including downloadable guides (and shareable links).

Staff can find out more at the 'AI Lunchtime Bytes' training series on Wednesdays 11, 18 and 25 October.

Content and training will continue to be added throughout AY23/24. If you cannot find what you are looking for now, please check back soon or contact AI-Hub@qub.ac.uk.

'AI Lunchtime Bytes' training series

Further information

The AI Hub's goal is to elevate teaching, enrich learning, and prepare for the future. Throughout AY2023-24, the 2030 Digital Education Team is focusing on collaboration, partnerships, and ethical AI practices. If you are passionate about AI and would like to join our AI discovery working groups or have questions, please get in contact: AI-Hub@qub.ac.uk.

We are excited about the possibilities that AI brings, and we believe that together, we can shape a future where AI enhances our educational experiences and equips us with the skills needed for success.

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Male student with supervisor
LEARNING AND TEACHING 
ADVISOR OF STUDIES COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE EVENT

The Centre for Educational Development (CED) invites all Advisors of Studies to a community of practice event taking place on Thursday 28 September from 12.00pm to 2.00pm in the Senate Room, Lanyon Building. A light lunch will be served (please advise of any specific dietary requirements).

Spaces are limited. Early booking is advised.

Register via iTrent Self Service

This event is an opportunity to connect and exchange ideas with colleagues from various faculties, and CED will facilitate discussions on how it can enhance its support throughout the academic year.

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person holding different coloured paper/cardboard cutouts of people
LEARNING AND TEACHING 
WORKSHOP: UNLOCKING EDI IN THE MODULE LIFECYCLE

The Centre for Educational Development (CED) invites staff to this dynamic and engaging design sprint, taking place on Thursday 5 October from 12.30pm to 5.00pm. This event will equip attendees with the practical skills to seamlessly integrate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) into the module lifecycle at Queen's.

A light lunch will be served at 12.00pm. Please advise CED of any dietary requirements.

More information | Register

This workshop is specifically designed for individuals who possess little or no prior knowledge on how to integrate EDI principles into the module lifecycle. It serves as an entry point into this important realm of academic practice.

Staff unable to make this event can complete this MS Form to register their interest in future events.

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800x533 Lanyon July 2018
CED
DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE

Taking place from 1 November 2023 to 1 May 2024, from 2.00pm to 5.00pm, 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

Register here via iTrent self-service.

This programme will run over 22 weeks with a mix of 10 Teams meetings and online activities that will contribute to the continuous assessment.

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.

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.
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young woman wearing virtual reality / VR headset and reaching out her hands
CENTRE FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
INSIGHTS INTO THE DIGITAL EXPERIENCE OF TEACHING STAFF AT QUEEN'S

The Digital Experience Insights Survey is part of a national survey to find out more about how teaching staff use digital technologies and how this affects their experience of teaching. It is aimed to inform the digital environment through feedback and bring about positive change.

Find out what teaching staff at Queen's said in the new brochure that details the summary findings:

For any queries about the Digital Experience Insights Survey, please email ced@qub.ac.uk.

Thank you to all teaching staff who participated.

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Web image of mocked-up laptop with screen showing people in discussion using the Panopto platform. Image credit: Panopto website.
DIGITAL AND INFORMATION SERVICES
PANOPTO – NEW LECTURE CAPTURE AND VIDEO MANAGEMENT PLATFORM

The Digital and Information Services Directorate has launched Panopto, a new Lecture Capture and Video Management platform replacing MediaSite.

Users of the existing Mediasite service have now been given a Panopto account. New users can request an account by completing the MS Form here.

Staff can access help and support for the Panopto service here. The Staff IT Training Unit is also offering Panopto training. Find out more.

Introduction

The launch of Panopto is an exciting opportunity to enhance Learning and Teaching at Queen’s and is also a step forward towards providing more advanced technology tools that can cater to other business areas within the University.

Panopto is a cloud-based platform enabling account holders to record live content including:

  • lectures within centrally bookable teaching spaces using in-room camera and microphones
  • content from the office, home, or any teaching or event space
  • on-screen presentations and desktop content; video and audio
  • audio

Content can be stored and shared, with options to restrict or widely distribute access. The platform also offers the ability to create live Webcasts which can be stored and downloaded. Panopto offers desktop applications compatible with both MacOS and Windows devices, and a feature-rich web environment for editing and sharing content.

As well as a direct sign-in option for Panopto account holders, the Panopto platform is integrated with Canvas VLE, allowing all students automatic access to view recordings and submit assignments. Panopto account holders can also access Panopto from within Canvas Courses to create and view content.

Roll out, Onboarding and Support

Learning and training for the platform will be cascaded by Panopto experts and Administrators to Champions across Schools and Directorates who will provide a more local presence to their user groups including tailored training to suit any specific requirements within a School or Department.

Find your local Panopto Champion here.

Training is also provided by the Staff IT Training Unit.

What does this mean for MediaSite?

Mediasite will continue to be available on a read-only basis. This will allow existing service users access to recorded content with no change to the way they access the service. Content currently available via Canvas VLE will also remain accessible and available to staff and students with no change.

In due course, MediaSite-recorded content will be migrated to Panopto. Staff will be made aware of this activity at a later date.

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Canvas graphic
LEARNING AND TEACHING
CANVAS VLE SUPPORT

Panopto Integration in Canvas

Panopto is Queen's new lecture capture and video content management solution. It is seamlessly integrated with Canvas VLE and can be accessed by clicking on the ‘Panopto Video’ link in your Canvas course navigation.

With Panopto, you can upload, create, edit and share videos with your students in Canvas and it can also be used by students to create video assignments.

Queen's Panopto Training and Support

Panopto Support Articles

Getting Canvas Ready

Access the Canvas Course Set Up guide for step-by-step instructions and video tutorials on preparing your course in Canvas for the new academic year. Remember to publish your course and content before the term begins. The 'Go Live' Checklist will help ensure everything is in place. Also, new VLE Templates are available to support the application of VLE Minimum Standards, co-designed by students to ensure consistent presentation and layout across courses. Find guidance on accessing, importing, and customising templates here.

Semester 1 Training Events

Semester 1 training is now live on the Training Events calendar. Filter by category and browse what's on offer this semester. Book your place early to avoid disappointment.

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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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 sessions during the week commencing 2 October are as follows:

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IT training
INFORMATION SERVICES
IT TRAINING COURSES

New Programme of IT Training Courses

Our new programme of courses is now available on iTrent, including a Vevox session on 4 October

Vevox – an audience engagement tool which enhances online, hybrid, and face-to-face sessions with options for live polling, quizzes, surveys and Q&A. Instructors can present questions, answer options and results through a web browser. Students participate using a web browser, or the Vevox app, on their own device.

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.

View additional training materials here

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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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