News in brief, 25 March 2019

Published: 22 March 2019

A round-up of news across the University

Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences

The Academy of Social Sciences has conferred Fellowships to 73 leading social scientists, including Professor Jane Duckett, Professor Hester Parr and Dr Sharon Wright. 

Professor Duckett, who holds the Edward Caird Chair of Politics, is described by the Academy of Social Sciences as "a leading international authority on Chinese politics, including on health, social and welfare policy"; Professor Parr is described as "an influential scholar who has led social and cultural geographical research in relation to mental health for 25 years"; and Dr Wright "has made important contributions to the use of rigorous social science evidence to shape social security policy and employment service practice in Scotland".

 

Technician Commitment Launch Event for Technical Staff

The University is hosting a launch event for the Technician Commitment on the afternoon of Monday, 20 May, 2019, in the Sir Charles Wilson Building.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to come along and hear about the Technician Commitment and how you, as a member of the Technical & Specialist job family, can get involved. The event will begin with a buffet lunch to give you a chance to network with your technical colleagues across the University. Following lunch, various speakers, including the Principal, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, and Professor Frank Coton (Vice Principal, Academic & Educational Innovation), will talk about the challenges facing the technical community and the University’s Action Plan that has been agreed to ensure visibility; recognition; career development; and sustainability for our technician population.

In addition, our Technician Champions will be introduced and will provide an overview of their role as advocates for the Technician Commitment, helping to deliver the action plan.

We are also extremely pleased that Kelly Vere, Higher Education Engagement Manager from the Science Council will be attending to discuss what the Technician Commitment means across the Higher Education sector.

This is a free event open to all Technicians across the University. However, advance booking is required via the Eventbrite link provided below*:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/technician-commitment-launch-event-tickets-58429369818

If you would like further information on the Technician’s Commitment, you can access the Technician Commitment Portal via the undernoted link:

https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/techniciancommitment/

Technician Commitment Steering Group

*If you would prefer not to use Eventbrite, we would be grateful if you could confirm attendance via e-mail to seng-tec-commitment@glasgow.ac.uk.

 

UofG Visit to Hangzhou (Zhejiang) and Greater Bay Area (Shenzhen), China

A delegation from the University of Glasgow, led by Bonnie Dean, Vice Principal (Corporate Engagement and Innovation), and organised by Professor Kostas Kontis (Dean for Global Engagement – East Asia & China) and Dr Xiang Li (Alumni Manager) visited Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China from 26 February to 2 March. The delegation included representatives of the Colleges of Science and Engineering & Social Sciences. Planning for the visit was assisted by the UofG Zhejiang Alumni Association. It was the first time that a local University alumni association has been utilised so effectively.

The focus of our visit was on international cooperation, collaboration and exchange in areas of mutual interest covering innovation, research commercialisation and transformation activities, writes Professor Kontis.

We explored opportunities of mutual benefit in knowledge transfer, start-ups, spin-outs, incubator services, products from university research, and student/staff mobility. The delegation visited Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Department, Shangcheng District, Hundsun (Fintech company), Zhejiang Institute of Metrology, HIKVISION (Optics hardware and software company), and Zhejiang University. The UofG Zhejiang Alumni dinner took place on Thursday, 28 February, 2019.

Zhejiang University (ZJU), government departments, institutes and companies were highly appreciative of our visit and the number of academics that attended and could see many areas for future cooperation.

For further information, contact Professor Kostas Kontis, Dean for Global Engagement, East Asia & China - kostas.kontis@glasgow.ac.uk

 

Professor Fiona Macpherson becomes President of the British Philosophical Association.

Professor Fiona Macpherson has become the new President of the British Philosophical Association (BPA).  In its latest newsletter she wrote: "As a life member since its inception, I’ve greatly admired the vital work that the BPA has done across a large number of areas: developing policy and good practice guidelines (especially on women in the profession); providing an important voice in national and international consultations and policy issues; influencing the REF process and supporting departments through it; developing and supporting the teaching of philosophy in schools; supporting departments in times of crisis; and more.

"Whilst President, I will support the exceptionally valuable work that the BPA does - and help it expand its remit. New challenges face the profession, not least from a potential Brexit, an uncertain financial future for Universities, and the Teaching Excellence Framework. Further attention to issues of diversity are required.

"I bring with me extensive experience of serving on charity and funding bodies, including five years on the AHRC council, and I hope to put the experience that I’ve gained, and the connections I’ve made, to good use. One focus of my activity as president will be to improve the visibility in public life of the philosophers in the UK and their fantastic research. I’m looking forward to working with Joe Morrison and the executive committee, who I’ve seen exercise tremendous collective wisdom over the last few months as I’ve gotten to know them and the workings of the BPA.”

 

UofG Sport staff survey

Do you exercise? Do you use UofG Sport? Whether you are a member or not we’d love to hear from you.

Our Staff Focus Groups are designed for new UofG Staff, UofG Sport members or just curious colleagues to come along and give us feedback and assist in shaping our future programmes and activities. We want to make the service the best it can be and we’d love you to help us. There are two confirmed April dates, lunch can be provided.

  • Wednesday 10 April 1200-1300 Stevenson Building
  • Tuesday 16th April 1200-1300 Garscube Sports Complex

If you are interested in attending please email Sport@glasgow.ac.uk We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Registration has opened for the UNESCO Chair Spring Show

The Artists and Academics working with the UNESCO Chair at the University of Glasgow will host their second Spring School on 1-3 May 2019. Registration is now open.

This is a FREE event, but attendees are required to register in advance:  https://unescochairspringschool2019.eventbrite.co.uk 

This year’s theme is The Arts of Integrating: Labouring and Resting

The Spring School showcases the ways in which individuals, communities, societies and institutions have accommodated and hosted each other and reflect on the ways in which the arts and academic research offer insights into the processes of welcome and integration. Interpreted in the broadest sense, these themes range from how we engage with our neighbours to topics such as slavery and imperialism and their connection to the present. In particular, the Spring School will focus on artistic, multilingual and educational dimensions.

The full programme can be found on the UNESCO-RILA website: UNESCO-RILA website

 

Glasgow University Staff Golf Club recruiting for 2019 season

The Glasgow University Staff Golf Club is recruiting new members for the 2019 season:

  • Attend golf outings which are generously subsidised by the club – including Gleneagles, Barassie. Lundin Links, Strathaven and more.
  • Enter into club competitions – play with other members at their course or yours.
  • Represent the University in matches against other societies.

All this and more for an annual subscription of just £25.00. Our only entry requirement for membership is a love of golf, join today! (No handicap or home course required).
For details contact the Hon.Secretary Chris Taylor at Christopher.Taylor@glasgow.ac.uk or take a look at the website on http://gusgc.co.uk/

 

Guardian University Awards 2019 shortlist

UofG has been shortlisted in the Retention, Support and Student Outcomes category of the Guardian University Awards 2019 for its Academic Writing Skills Programme. The finals of the awards will be held on 10 April. The full list of shortlisted applications is available here.


First published: 22 March 2019