PhD travel fund
Due to the recent relaxations of travel restrictions the department has organised for a central travel fund for PhD students within the Physics department. This fund is to help support travel and collaborations for students which will benefit their studies and can be used for conferences, national and international meetings. Any students wanting to use this fund to contribute towards the costs of attending such meetings must apply for it by emailing Roger Jones and Philip Simpson with a brief statement on how these funds will be used, the benefits it will provide for their PhD and the estimated costs. Funds are awarded on a competitive basis and costs should be reasonable and will be made available subject to demand.
All travel/expenditure relating to this travel must be incurred before the 31st July 2022.
If you have any questions about this please email Philip Simpson (py-deptofficer@lancaster.ac.uk)
Philip Simpson
Deans Group Visit 9th May
Agenda:
10 till 11am in C36 Physics.
Presentation by the department and following discussion focussing of the three areas of Teaching, Research and Engagement.
All Physics staff are welcome and encouraged to attend
11am till 12noon
Meeting with the departmental management or equivalent group and the Dean’s Group. Focus will be a further discussion of the departmental strategic plan. Philip has sent an invite to the staff in the department who are required to attend this.
Philip Simpson
New Research Collection: Nineteenth Century Collections Online, Science Technology and Medicine 1780 – 1925
Now available at the from the Library is a brand new research collection from Gale Primary Sources. Featuring a digitised archive of journals, books, reports, and personal documents that explore the rapid acceleration of scientific, technical, and medical knowledge, tracing the changes from the Newtonian world to that of Einstein, from the horse to the automobile, from medical treatments based on humors and bloodletting to antiseptics and epidemiology. Content coverage is from 1780 – 1925, cross searchable and with rich metadata, it is a key collection for historical research in science, technology and health.
Access is via OneSearch or using this link https://go-gale-com.ezproxy.lancs.ac.uk/ps/start.do?p=NCCO&u=unilanc
Grainne Wilkinson
Physics Summer Sports
Now it’s the summer term and the days are warmer and sunnier, it’s a good time to start up the Physics Summer Sports again.
We go out occasionally if the weathers good, for about an hour at lunchtime to play either cricket (with a tennis ball so nothing full on)
Or football golf
If you’d like to be on the mailing list then send me an email and I’ll add you.
Rob Lewsey
DSI Wednesday Lunch Time Talk – 11th May @ 12.30 – Dr Julian Newman, Exeter University
Please join us at the next DSI Wednesday Lunch Time Talk
Calendar Entry: 11th May at 12.30
Speaker Dr Julian Newman, Exeter University
Title: A bounded-time approach to dynamics analysis
[joint work with Maxime Lucas and Aneta Stefanovska]
Abstract: Traditional analysis of dynamics is in terms of coordinate-invariant long-time-asymptotic properties of time-independent (or more general infinite-time) dynamical systems. However, through a simple and instructive model of phase-stabilisation of an oscillator by slow-timescale external forcing, we identify three limitations of such traditional approaches, that can be overcome by analysis in terms of dynamical systems defined on a bounded time-interval.
Firstly and most fundamentally, a prescribed indefinite-time deterministic or stochastic model will not take into account the true time-variable nature of dynamics of open systems. Secondly, bounded-time dynamical models that admit no natural extension to infinite time can exhibit important dynamical phenomena, which will not be identifiable by application of asymptotic-time methods.
Thirdly, even when a time-dependent model is well-defined on infinite time, an asymptotic approach may obscure dynamical phenomena that are more readily understood within the framework of finite-time dynamical systems. We conclude that theoretical and experimental analysis of dynamics throughout the sciences may crucially need to rely on approaches that are rooted in concepts of finite-time nonautonomous dynamics.
Please connect to the talk via the Teams link
Julia Carradus | Data Science Institute
Aneta Stefanovska
Annual Fire Protection Inspection – Fire Doors in Physics & Isolab- Your fire door inspection will take place week commencing 16th May 2022.
Annual Fire Protection Inspection – Fire Doors in Physics & Isolab
Your fire door inspection will take place week commencing 16th May 2022.
Lancaster University has a responsibility to inspect Fire Protection on site every 12 months.
Fire Protection Inspection involves assessing compartmentation, fire stopping, signage, combustible materials and more.
Part of this inspection will involve two members of the Lancaster University Facilities Maintenance team checking many of the parts of every fire door in the buildings. This usually takes less than five minutes per door.
We schedule approximately one week per building, though this may vary depending upon the size and complexity of the building.
Please note – Technicians will need to come back within the following three weeks should any faults be found that they are not able to repair during the inspection.
Information on the schedule can be found on the Facilities website
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/facilities/services/scheduled-maintenance/fire-protection-inspection/
If you have any queries regarding the timing of the work please contact Facilities Helpdesk
Facilities Helpdesk
Philip Simpson
POE UPDATES – APRIL 2022
Development opportunities for staff:
Recruiting the best training.
All panel chairs and all members of the recruiting panel are required to participate in this training prior to engaging in any recruitment activity at the University. Please note that places on these events are limited and in high demand. We ask that you only book a place if you have recruitment activity coming up, and if this is the case book the session closest to the recruitment activity. Scheduled dates for 2021/22 are below:
Making the most of your LinkedIn profile
Got a LinkedIn profile, but not sure how to use it to your advantage?
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- Wednesday 4th May, 3pm till 4.30pm. Book here.
Stepping into Management
This workshop is appropriate for anyone who supervises staff on a formal or informal basis, such as a duty manager or shift supervisor, or anyone who is likely to be taking on a management role in the short term and wants to learn more about the role.
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- Thursday 5th May, 9.30am till 4.30pm. Book here.
Committee servicing
The session will cover the role of the secretary in supporting committees, preparation of minutes, managing confidential material and adopting a paperless approach.
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Wednesday 4th May, 9.30am till 12pm. Book here.
Tuesday 28th June, 9.30am till 12pm. Book here.
Manager@Lancaster Programme
Manager@Lancaster is a development programme with a difference. Tailored to the needs of Lancaster University managers the programme supports and challenges managers to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to build and develop high performing teams.
The programme incorporates a range of activities that are practical and highly relevant to the managers role. This is the ninth cohort of this programme which has consistently received strong reviews and has supported managers in enhancing their practice and finding solutions to common management challenges.
The next cohort is running from May 2022. To make an application please fill in this form. For more information please visit the OD webpage.
Managing Difficult Conversation
This workshop is appropriate for anyone that may need to have one-to-one conversations such as about poor performance, student conduct, or negative attitudes.
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- Tuesday 14th June, 10am till 12pm. Book here.
Update to Stonefish – Multi-Factor Authentication
To ensure the data of our employees and applicants is kept as safe as possible, ISS have updated the log in process for Stonefish, from 1 February users will be asked for a multi-factor authentication code when logging in to the system as an admin user (Manager, Dean/Director, DO, Panel Member etc.). If anyone has any issues logging in, they should contact hr.mi@lancaster.ac.uk
Updated COVID-19 reporting process
As the University has a public responsibility to report its staff and student COVID-19 cases to external agencies including Public Health England, it remains important that all staff report COVID-19 test results, in particular positive results, to their Line Manager. Line managers should then record these on People XD as soon as possible upon receipt of either a negative or positive, lateral flow or PCR test result. Please continue to familiarise yourself of the process and remind colleagues of their responsibility to report such cases. If a staff member tests positive, as a line manager you should:
- Submit a Managers Request in PeopleXD to record the positive case
If the member of staff has been on campus within 48 hours before receiving their positive test result, or you/employee believes this to be a workplace transmission, a short preliminary investigation should be carried out by you as line manager. This will help you and the University’s management understand where the suspected infection could have occurred. Please note, if the member of staff has not been on campus 48 hours before or there is no concern of workplace transmission, the short preliminary investigation (step 2) does not need to be completed.
People and OE Team changes
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- Emma Jones and Daniel Breakell have joined the University as HR Advisors on Monday 4th April 2022.
- Natalie Humphreys has joined the University as the Team leader for the Recruitment and Contracts team.
- Sarah Kakanskas is due to join the University as the Reward and Performance Partner on Monday 11th April 2022.
- Director of People and OE – As previously communicated, Paul Boustead has left at the end of February. Gill Hemus has been appointed to the interim post before Phil Dixon joins the university on 1st September 2022.
Review of Redundancy, Restructuring and Redeployment
The HR Partnering team are carrying out an ongoing review of current redundancy, restructuring and redeployment processes across the University. Commencing in time for June Redundancy Committee and with the agreement of the Dean, FST will be trailing the new paperwork and template documents which were approved for use by the University’s Redundancy Committee in January. Briefing sessions with the Designated Officers and further communication will follow after Easter. Work is also ongoing to review the University Redundancy, Restructuring, Redeployment Policies, Procedures and Guidelines and is in the early stages. We are working to bring the documents up to date and in line with best practice, to streamline and to combine in to one policy document. This is a significant piece of work and no timescales set for at the moment however further information will follow in due course in relation to focus groups and consultation both across Faculties and Departments and with the trade unions.”
Redundancy Committee Reminder of key dates:
| Redundancy Paper Deadline | Redundancy Committee Meeting Date |
| 12 May 2022 | 26 May 2022 |
| 01 June 2022 | 17 June 2022 |
| 08 July 2022 | 25 July 2022 |
- Equality Section
The following documents are now live on the EDI Web page:
There is also an EDI engagement Forum on 29th April 2022 and further communications are available here which details how you can register. This event specifically about the Race Equality Charter.
Reminders:
- HR Partner Approval (FST) – Any approval requests will be dealt on Monday’s and Thursday each week with the Faculty Resource Manager and the HR Partner. We politely request all information to be sent to Rosie Cantley in the first instance, this is so requests can be logged and we have an audit trial and limits email traffic and your request will be considered sooner.
- Mandatory training – new menu on People XD Following feedback, your employee dashboard now shows a new menu option on the left which includes a report of mandatory training courses and your own current compliant status for each course. This is now live in self- service: www.lancaster.ac.uk/hr/myhr. Please contact HR.MI@lancaster.ac.uk with any queries.
- Changes to the payroll deadlines from January 2022 With effect from January 2022, payroll deadlines will be changed indefinitely:
| NEW pay cut off date (5pm) | Current pay cut off date (5pm) | |
| Grade 6 and below Pay Date: 15th of the month |
1st |
4th |
| Grade 7 and above Pay Date: 28th of the month |
12th |
15th |
Intranet links: Pay dates & Payroll cut off dates
- Industrial Action: Further to the strike days that occurred w/c 29th November 2021, members of staff who participated are requested to update PeopleXD (formally CoreHR) with their strike declarations. Additional information on the industrial action can be found here and instructions for updating PeopleXD can also be found on this page.
- Teaching qualifications – Academic (lecturer, senior lecturer, reader, professor) and teaching-only (teaching associate, senior teaching associate, teaching fellow and senior teaching fellow) vacancies in Stonefish will need to have this desirable requirement in their person specifications: Possession of a relevant teaching qualification, such as PGCAP, FHEA, SFHEA. Stonefish will be updated in the next few weeks to prompt DOs to include this when they are submitting vacancies.
- Face to face right to work checks – POSTPONED TO SEPTEMBER 2022: Virtual right to work checks can continue until September 2022. However departments can still choose to conduct face to face checks if that is the preferred route/have the option to perform face to face checks in line with guidance issued – please refer to Services – Right to Work | Staff Intranet (lancaster.ac.uk)
- Starting salaries above the minimum entry point and approval. When a recruiting manager submits the offer in to Stonefish and a starting salary is requested above the minimum entry level, approval must be sought prior to completing the offer process. Completion of the HRP statement will be mandatory at this stage.
- Apprenticeships: If you have a member of staff who is on an apprenticeship and if there are any changes; they pause or stop their apprenticeship, it is crucial that your HR Advisor is informed, as there is paperwork and system processes we need to make. Where an employee is exploring an apprenticeship, please also liaise with your HR Advisor for support and refer to the apprenticeship intranet page for further information.
- ATAS – (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) now applicable to all new and existing staff on a visa – the ATAS scheme will apply to all international Academic and Research staff (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control from 21st May 2021. The scheme previously applied to only international students but has now been rolled out to include staff who are involved in research at Post Graduate level in certain sensitive subjects where their knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) or their means of delivery. The certificate is free of charge but is required before an application for a new visa, or an extension request can commence. Current international staff who are working at the University on a visa are not required to take any action until such point that a visa extension is required or there is a change to their immigration status. Recruiting Managers should be aware when sponsoring a new member of staff that an ATAS application can take between 10-15 working days and therefore may cause delays to start dates. For further information please see our intranet page.
Sickness absence– please ensure that you accurately record and update staff sickness absence records to assist the payroll team during payroll periods to ensure that staff are being correctly. The Payroll Team are having to chase departments to confirm whet
Philip Simpson / Sarah Wilks
Research Software Skills Workshops
After the success of these courses in the Michaelmas term, we are delighted to announce another programme of workshops aimed at skills development for Computationally Intensive research, courtesy of our new N8CIR Research Software Engineer Robin Long. All the workshops are designed to help researchers (PhD students and staff) with the skills, they need for using and developing software as part of their research. If you have any questions about these workshops, or if you are unsure whether they are the correct ones for your needs, please email Robin Long at rse@lancaster.ac.uk.
This terms schedule (starting in week 21)
Week 23 (12/05/22): Version Control with Git
This course introduces the concept of version control and teaches it using
Git. If file names such as mycode_version5 and mycode_fixed look familiar
to you then you need this course!
https://lancaster-uk.libcal.com/calendar/dsi/rse-git
Week 25 (26/05/22): Plotting in Python, part 1
This course introduces python with learning to load in and plot data as the
motivation. If you have never used Python before and want to learn, or even
if you want to improve your skills, this is the course for you.
https://lancaster-uk.libcal.com/calendar/dsi/python-1
Week 27 (9/06/22): Plotting in Python, part 2
This is the second part of the introduction to Python course. Here you
will learn about how to run the same tasks multiple times with loops;
getting your code to run depending on the data with if statements; re-using
code with functions and more.
https://lancaster-uk.libcal.com/calendar/dsi/python-2
Week 29 (23/06/22): Git 2: Sharing your development with others using Github
This course will show you how to take your usage of Git and Github to the
next level by harnessing the power of GitHub for collaboration.
Have you ever been confused about how to start a Pull Request or how to fork
a repository and merge your changes back? Perhaps you know and want to gain
confidence in doing so? This course will teach you how to collaborate using
git, and give you an environment in which to practise.
https://lancaster-uk.libcal.com/calendar/dsi/rse-git-intermediate
Robin Long
Manus Hayne
Workshop: how to write an Expression of Interest (EOI) in response to research funding calls
Thursday, 5th May 2022 – 2:00-4:00 pm
Due to popular demand it has been decided to run the above workshop again.
This Workshop will run on Thursday, 5th May 2022 from 2:00-4:00 pm. The workshop will be held in MAN – Mngt School Dormer LT14 WPA002.
Purpose: EOIs are an increasingly important stage in the process of acquiring funding for research. Calls involving EOIs are often highly competitive and can be reviewed by panellists who are not domain experts, therefore it is important that researchers approach the writing of EOIs with this in mind. This workshop is designed to help you write a competitive EOI.
The session will be organised jointly between LUMS and FST and will be led by Professor Nick Race (Dept of Computing & Communications) who has a strong track record of funding success from UK Research Councils, the European Commission and Industry. In preparation, you will be provided with a set of example EOIs and asked to review these prior to the workshop.
We only have limited availability, so please confirm your place ASAP.
Participants will be asked to work in groups, therefore attendance in person will be required.
Should you like to attend, please contact me, Teresa Aldren (t.aldren@lancaster.ac.uk) to register for the workshop.
Teresa Aldren