The Story of O

Ob La Di, Ob La Da: 'Important'

There's exciting news about a reshuffle in the European Commission's DG Research and Innovation (RTD), which looks after the Horizon 2020 programme. From 1 February, DG RTD will be more fully aligned to Commissioner Carlos Moedas' '3 O' agenda: 'Open Innovation, Open Science, Open to the World.'

Whilst Fundermentals is entirely behind any policy directives based on random letters of the alphabet, we feel that Moedas has missed a trick by limiting his agenda to these three Os. They're all very well, but they're a little - well - humdrum. These Os won't set the world alight. They won't inspire the next generation of young European scientists.

'No Amount of Aromatic Spice Poppadoms Will Hold Us Back'

Phileas Fogg: FTU 'invested heavily'

Here at Fundermental Towers University we've always strived to be the very best small university. Throughout our great and glorious history, stretching back for more than a quarter of a decade, we've nurtured a forward thinking, imaginative ethos that has served our students well.

Not only have we linked with similar small-scale centres of excellence in the wider Rochester area to form the R2D2 Consortium, but we have also launched the prestigious Latitude Prize to seek answers to the most pointless and irrelevant questions of our time. We've even sought to rename both our office holders and the institution itself. I do not wish to appear self-aggrandising, but I would suggest that we are probably the finest small university in the world.

The New Regionalisation of UK Higher Education

In February this year a research team from Loughborough University published a report on The New Regionalisation of UK Higher Education. New regionalisation might be a phenomenon unfamiliar to many, but the authors suggested that this would not be the case for much longer.

Describing it somewhat dramatically as "a silent revolution", the report maps out "a distinctly new regional geography of higher education…[that is] currently unfolding at an accelerated pace". More ominously for the majority of higher education institutions, the report says "Larger research-intensive universities are likely to gain most from the new regionalisation of higher education, and, moreover, are the only ones likely to gain significantly from the reorganisation."

Grants Factory: An Introduction to Japanese Research Funding.

After the success of the first Global Research Opportunities Workshop (GROW) in November, Research Services and International Development will be running a second event that will focus on opportunities for research collaboration with Japan.

A number of organisations exist to encourage research with or about Japan. Funding is varied, and can be for visits or exchanges, or for a fully fledged project. However, the landscape can be somewhat confusing and this is a chance to better understand the differences between the funders and decide which is right for you. 

There’s been a good response so far, but if you’re planning to come along and haven’t been in touch already can you please let me know so that I can ensure that we have allowed for enough room and catering?

ECR Network: How to Engage the Public with your Research

The second Early Career Researcher Network event of this term will take place on Thursday 4 February between 12noon and 2pm, and will focus on how to engage the public with your research.

The idea of engaging the public with your research has becoming increasingly important over recent years, and was given added impetus with the introduction of ‘impact’ in 2008. Impact was measured in the last REF, and rumour has it that it will be even more important in the next exercise. But what do we mean by impact, public engagement, outreach and public involvement? What is the difference between these terms that are often used synonymously? And how can academics ensure that they are maximising this important element of their work?

This session will be led by Prof Paul Allain (Arts) and Dr Vicky Mason (SPS), both of whom have had considerable experience in outreach, engagement and impact. The new Impact and Engagement Officer, Maddy Bell, will also be on hand to discuss people’s ideas. However, as ever the ECRN session is an opportunity to talk to others at the same point in their career, to share your experience, and to offer help and advice to each other.

Lunch will be provided. The event is free and open to all, but places are limited so please let me know if you intend to come along. If you would like to come, I will ask you to draft a brief outline paragraph of your research and (if appropriate) any public engagement plans you have, so that these can be the focus of small-group discussions.

Early Career Researcher Network: Events this Term

ECRN: listening to others, making connections, sharing your experiences

The programme of events for the Early Career Researcher Network has been agreed, and I'm just sorting out all the venues. If you're an ECR at the University of Kent and want to come along to any of these, do drop me a line: they're free, and refreshments are provided.

ECRN: Balancing the Conflicting Demands of Academia

The first Early Career Researcher Network event of this term will take place next Wednesday, 13 January between 1-3pm, and will focus on how to balance the conflicting demands of academia.

Starting off in academia can be difficult. Not only are you trying to establish your research career, but you are having to cope with the new demands of teaching and supervision, as well as understanding what is required of you as a 'good citizen' within your department. Outside of work you may have conflicting demands from family and home.

This session will be led by Prof Sarah Spurgeon (EDA) and Prof Gordon Lynch (SECL), both of whom have had to juggle conflicting demands within their own lives. It will be an opportunity to hear from them, but also to hear from other ECRs across the University, to share your experience, and to offer help and advice to each other.

Lunch will be provided. The event is free and open to all, but places are limited so please let me know if you intend to come along.

Further ECRN events are scheduled for the rest of the term (details to follow).  In addition, the Graduate School provides a comprehensive programme of skills development training. More info here (pdf).