RKT News February 2013 - University of Portsmouth

Update from the Director of Research –
Professor Taraneh Dean
As I am writing this I have a PhD student who is undertaking her viva and I must admit I feel like an
expectant parent. The external examiner flew in early this morning and as we walked to the Graduate
School, she commented how nice it was to have a University-wide graduate school with a dedicated viva
room, and how impressed she was with the whole campus.
Her comments resonated with me, as one of the many people
who have said we don’t shout about what we do well. There are
many things we do well in very difficult circumstances. Looking at
the February 2012 R&KT News I realised we have had a threefold
increase in the income we reported then. This is a remarkable
achievement and, although I am fully aware that this trend cannot
be sustained, it is pleasing to see growth when many are
experiencing a reduction. This increase is a reflection both of the
level of activity and of our internal review processes to ensure
high quality applications. So, my heart-felt thanks go to all those
who have actively pursued external funding opportunities.
So what has been occupying me? The Research Excellence
Framework (REF) is featuring prominently in my day-to-day
activity. By December 2013 we will have submitted our REF
documents and will have to wait a year for the outcome. Will I
have ‘empty nest syndrome’? More likely it will be a posttraumatic
stress syndrome! The one reassuring theme throughout
this period is that my colleagues at other institutions are facing
the same challenges. In my recent REF Update session to staff,
I spoke about how important our preparation for the next REF will
be and that we need to engage with this now.
much of this is driven by a real demand for information and how
much of it by a moral case for publicly-funded research to be
freely available. It is certainly going to have both financial and
operational implications for us. I would encourage you to come to
the Open Access Awareness session advertised on page 10.
I am very pleased to see we are organising our first Athena SWAN
Conference (page 10) after recently submitting our application for
the Bronze Award. Signing up to the Athena Swan Charter has
been an important step for us. It demonstrates a commitment to
take all necessary actions at University, Faculty and Departmental
levels to monitor progress towards an organisational culture
where all can thrive, are equally valued, and experience equality of
opportunity for career progression.
On a final note, this newsletter is getting longer and, by all
accounts, is well received. The last issue was read around 1,500
times! We are receiving many more contributions, and informal
feedback is very positive. I hope you find this issue informative.
PS. The student passed her viva with minor corrections. 2.5
hours long. Student and Supervisor happy and both doing well!
The front cover article in this issue highlights the ‘Open Access’
publication movement within Higher Education. Time will tell how
For Women in Science
fellowship programme
The University is committed to the advancement and
promotion of the careers of women in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics, as part of our membership of
the Athena SWAN Charter.
To support this commitment, we are encouraging applications for
the 2013 L’Oréal-UNESCO UK & Ireland For Women in Science
fellowships.
L’Oréal UK & Ireland, the UK National Commission for UNESCO
and the Irish National Commission for UNESCO, with the support
of the Royal Society, have joined together to provide a dedicated
UK & Ireland For Women In Science Fellowship Programme for
women scientists at postdoctoral level to enable and/or facilitate
promising scientific research in the life or physical sciences.
Four fellowships will be awarded in 2013 to outstanding female
postdoctoral scientists to assist them with their research. The
fellowships, each worth £15,000, are tenable at any UK or Irish
university or research institute to support a 12-month period of
research.
The fellowship money can be spent in any number of innovative
ways to enable women scientists to further their careers and
facilitate world class research - such as buying equipment, paying
for childcare or funding travel costs to an overseas conference.
Applications close on Friday 15 March, with shortlist publication
on 3 June and an award ceremony on 20 June.
Visit www.womeninscience.co.uk to apply.
Research and Knowledge Transfer newsletter • February 2013
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www.port.ac.uk/research