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Staff Notices: 30 March - 3 April 2009

Table of Contents

• Uni in the News
• General Information for Staff
• Events
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Information for Researchers

Uni in the News

SA scientists can predict dangerous mosquito plagues

University of Adelaide researchers have found a way to predict plagues of disease-carrying mosquitoes up to two months ahead. The warning system could be the latest weapon in the fight against dengue and Ross River fever, ecologist Associate Professor Corey Bradshaw said. "This model is a tool that helps predict when there is going to be a higher-than-average outbreak so that population control efforts can be implemented when they are going to be most effective and are most needed," he said. The researchers analysed 15 years of population data of Aedes vigilax, the northern Australian mosquito that transmits the Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, and compared it with environmental factors affecting populations including tides and rainfall. "Basic environmental monitoring data can be coupled with relatively simple population models to assist in predicting the timing and magnitude of mosquito peaks which lead to disease outbreaks in human populations," he said.

Source: The Advertiser (24 March 2009)
Uni full story: Predicting mosquito outbreaks for disease control

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General Information for Staff

Channel 9 Young Achiever Awards

And the winner is... Cadence Minge

On Saturday 21 March 2009, Professor Bob Hill presented Cadence Minge with The University of Adelaide Faculty of Sciences Science & Technology Award at the Channel 9 Young Achiever Awards Presentation. She won the Science & Technology Award as one of three University of Adelaide finalists in the category. Congratulations!

Cadence Minge made her mark in 2007 when she was honoured as the Young Investigator of the Year for her research which proved a link between obesity and infertility. Cadence has showed, through experiments on mice, that high-fat diets actually cause damage to female eggs.

Course Profile

During the formulation of the AUQA Performance Portfolio in 2008 the variability in content and presentation of course-level information available to students was identified as a risk to the quality of the student experience. A Working Party was established and has now developed a draft template for a university-wide standard Course Profile. It is envisaged that all courses offered by the University will have a Course Profile available via the web.

The proposed template as PDF is available at: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/dvca/committee/course_profile_wp/template_info/ [UA staff only]

All staff are invited to provide comment on the structure and content of the proposed template by emailing Dr Miriam Collins, Major Projects by Thursday 9 April.

Commercial Accelerator Scheme

Up to $250,000 funding provided by Adelaide Research & Innovation to achieve a commercial milestone

University researchers can apply now for Commercial Accelerator funding - a scheme designed to assist researchers to establish proof-of-concept or reach a development milestone necessary to attract a commercial partner. The scheme can also be used to obtain funding for further analysis of the commercial position (e.g. addressing regulatory issues or writing a business plan), but is not designed to support basic research.

The total maximum funding for any one project is $250,000 over 2 years. This can be applied for in stages, with the chance for more funding (up to the maximum) awarded as milestones are achieved. This Scheme also provides an opportunity to leverage funding from other sources.

Applications for funding are reviewed by an independent evaluation panel against 3 key features: quality of the research; commercial readiness; and potential impact.

The first step is to contact your Commercial Development Manager at ARI on 8303 5020 for more information:

• Health Sciences: Dr Justin Dibbens, Dr Matthew Chong, Duane Rivett, Greg Macpherson
• Molecular & Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry: Dr Paul Tolstoshev
• ECMS & Physics: Steve Hood & Paul Arthur
• Agriculture, Food & Wine, Veterinary Sciences: Dr Justin Rigden
• Earth & Environmental Sciences, Mining & Resources: Dr Jane Rathjen & Sanjee Peiris
• Professions and Humanities & Social Sciences: Liz Nicholls

Draft application due 6 April 2009 (submit to your Commercial Development Manager).

Final submission due 1 May 2009.

Visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/aripl/ for an application form.

Through the Commercial Accelerator Scheme, Adelaide Research & Innovation hope to be able to continue to increase the number of successful commercial ventures at the University. If you have a suitable project for this or future Rounds of the funding scheme, contact your Commercial Development Manager as soon as possible.

Review of the Structure of the Faculty of Sciences

The Vice-Chancellor and President has made the Report of the Review of the Structure of the Faculty of Sciences available for consultation. The Report is available under Strategic Reviews on the Quality and Reviews website at: www.adelaide.edu.au/pvclq/reviews/reports/.

Comments on the recommendations of the Report can be sent via email to Kim Davidson or via mail to:
Director, Academic Quality Assurance
Quality and Reviews
University of Adelaide SA 5005

The deadline for submission of comments is 5:00pm, Thursday 9 April 2009. Submissions will be treated in confidence and presented to the Vice-Chancellor and President for consideration.

For further information please contact Ms Kim Davidson, Director, Academic Quality Assurance on 8303 6465.

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Call for applications for Academic Promotion to Level B & C

Staff and titleholders wishing to apply for promotion to Level B or Level C only are now invited to submit their applications.

Promotion is an important way that the University of Adelaide recognizes outstanding performance. We would encourage all staff who believe they meet the relevant promotion criteria to submit an application in 2009.

If you require assistance in determining eligibility, it is suggested you discuss your potential application with your Head of School or Head of Discipline.

A workshop has been scheduled to assist you on Wednesday 8 April, 12:30pm-2:30pm, Seminar Room 3, Level 7, 10 Pulteney St (Executive Education). Full details below.

Applicants should refer to the Policy, Guidelines and Toolkit, and the appropriate Position Classification Standards when preparing their application.

An application should be made on the approved application form and ONE full printed copy submitted to Lucy Maynard - Manager, Recruitment Services by the deadline of 1 May 2009.

No supplementary information will be accepted from applicants after the closing date for applications, unless requested by the University.

Please note that applicants are responsible for contacting their own referees by forwarding their application, the appropriate position classification standard and the form letter requesting that the report be sent to Lucy Maynard - Manager, Recruitment Services, Human Resources Branch by the deadline of 15 May 2009.

The Policy, Guidelines and the toolkit applicable to the submission of applications are available for viewing at:
www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/policies/polbrowse/prom_class/academic-promotions-toolkit/

Academic Promotion Workshop - Applicants to Level B or C

All Academic staff that are interested in applying for promotion to Level B or C are encouraged to attend an Academic Promotion Workshop. This session will provide valuable information on what should be included in your application and will give you the opportunity to ask questions.

Promotion Workshop Details:
Date/Time: Wednesday 8 April 2009, 12:30pm-2:30pm
Venue: Seminar Room 3, Level 7, 10 Pulteney St (Executive Education).

Speakers will include Professor Pascale Quester - Executive Dean, Faculty of The Professions, Professor Geoff Crisp - Director, Centre for Learning and Professional Development as well as members of the Human Resources Branch to advise on Policy, Process and Equity related questions.

For further information please contact Lucy Maynard, Human Resources.

Adelaide onLION

Staff are invited to join Adelaide onLION, the University's exclusive online community - it's fun, it's free, and it's a fantastic opportunity to engage with the wider alumni community! Visit: www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/adelaideonlion

Vacant Positions

www.adelaide.edu.au/jobs/

Events

UniSuper Seminar Program 2009

Superannuation seminars are held by UniSuper to keep members informed about changes to legislation and initiatives introduced to help reaching your retirement savings goals. These free seminars provide an opportunity for staff to gain practical advice on how changes to superannuation may affect your retirement savings both at retirement and throughout working life.

Details of the next seminars are:

Welcome to UniSuper
Date/Time: Tuesday 14 April 2009, 12:30pm-1:30pm
Venue: Rennie Lecture Theatre, Johnson Labs, North Terrace Campus

This seminar is specifically designed for new members of the scheme. It aims to inform participants about the operation of the fund in simple terms. UniSuper recommends attendance by all new staff whether you are full-time or part-time, temporary or ongoing, planning a long employment career or are just passing through.

Super versus Mortgage
Date/Time: Thursday 16 April 2009, 12:30pm-1:30pm
Venue: Rennie Lecture Theatre, Johnson Labs, North Terrace Campus

The often asked question, should I put any surplus income into my super or my mortgage? This seminar looks at the issues you should consider before making this decision, including risk versus reward, taxation, legislative risk (changes from 1 July 2009) and personal considerations.

Salary sacrifice
Date/Time: Thursday 16 April 2009, 1:45pm-2:45pm
Venue: Rennie Lecture Theatre, Johnson Labs, North Terrace Campus

Making before-tax contributions is often a tax-effective way of building your super. This seminar includes how to build bigger benefits and save on tax at the same time, how the super co-contribution may affect your decision to salary sacrifice, government changes to the treatment of salary sacrifice contributions, salary sacrificing in a volatile investment market and practical examples of how salary sacrifice works for members on different income levels.

To register your attendance for these seminars, visit the UniSuper website at: www.unisuper.com.au/members/seminars. Please supply your email address on registration to receive reminder emails and the hand out information prior to the seminar.

FREE Public Health Seminar on the Menopause

Presented by Professor Alastair MacLennan, Head of the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide.

MENOPAUSE: What is effective, safe and best for you?
Date/Time: Wednesday 15 April 2009, 7:15pm-9:00pm
Venue: Queen Victoria Lecture Theatre, first floor, The Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide.

RSVP on 8161 7777 or email: michelle.gordon@health.sa.gov.au

Research Tuesdays

Anatomy of a meltdown: The GFC Forum: Cause, effect and recovery

Date/Time: Tuesday 14 April 2009, 5:30pm
Venue: Napier 102 Lecture Theatre, Napier Building
FREE public forum. All welcome.

Few public events are significant enough to justify their own acronym. In even fewer instances are those acronyms readily understood worldwide.

Clearly the global financial crisis, or GFC, is one such event. Much has been said and done about it already. But how accurate or effective has this been? Are fingers being fairly pointed? Can the cracks be repaired, or do we need a whole new system?

In this lively forum, four University of Adelaide professors, experts in finance, banking, economics and international trade, will break the GFC down, clear the fog and assess the way forward.

Prof Christopher Findlay, Professor of Economics
Prof Ralf Zurbrugg, Professor of Finance
Andrew Stoler, Adjunct Professor of International Trade
Prof Dogan Tirtiroglu, Chair of Banking

Bookings: research.tuesdays@adelaide.edu.au or phone 8303 3692.
Further details at: www.adelaide.edu.au/researchtuesdays/.

Public Lecture - Human Rights in China

The Confucius Institute at the University of Adelaide and the Law School present a Public Lecture by Professor Xu Xianming, President of Shandong University, China.

Date/Time: Friday 3 April 2009, 4:00pm
Venue: Napier 102 Lecture Theatre, Napier Building

A graduate of Jilin and Wuhan universities, he is one of the most highly regarded and respected academics working in the area of human rights in China today.

Download: Confucius Institute flyer.
All welcome; registration is essential. Phone 8303 4799.
For further information, visit: www.confucius.adelaide.edu.au

WIN tickets to Phantom of the Opera with the ASO!

Pre-book tickets through BASS to the Autumn and/or Spring Classic Hour concerts (in Elder Hall) and go in the draw to win tickets to see Phantom of the Opera... check out the specifics of the competition in Adelaide onLION: www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/entertainment [login to account]. The Classic Hour concerts are at 1:00pm and 6:00pm on Wednesday 1 April (Autumn) and 25 November (Spring) 2009.

An afternoon of heritage and music at Urrbrae House, Waite Campus

Sunday 5 April 2009
2:00pm - FREE Tour of Urrbrae House
4:00pm - Concert featuring 'Ménage à Trio'

Christopher Liam-Lloyd, piano, Anna Coleman, clarinet and Holly Bennett, violin (Students at the Elder Conservatorium of Music).

Program will include:
Aram Khachaturian - Trio for Clarinet, Violin and Piano
Darius Milhaud - Suite du Voyager, Op. 157b
Igor Stravinsky - Suite from l'Histoire du Soldat

Concert: Adults $10, Students $5
Phone 8303 7497 or email Bill Wallace to make a booking for tour and/or concert. Seats limited.

Download: Urrbrae House flyer.

Training & Development Opportunities

Planning & Development Review - have you attended a training session?

As part of the University of Adelaide's staff development program, Organisational Development, Human Resources is running training sessions for staff in Planning and Development Review (PDR). The PDR process provides a formal framework for discussion between managers/supervisors and staff members. Staff on continuing and fixed term contracts of 12 months or more should attend training.

The next training session will be held on:
Date/Time: Thursday 2 April, 9:00am-1:00pm
Venue: Board Room, Level 14, 115 Grenfell Street

For more information and to enrol, contact Janet Hart, phone 8303 3130.

Health Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) Training Plan for 2009

The HSW team offers a range of short courses to University staff and postgraduate students, to increase understanding and skills in Health Safety and Wellbeing within the University of Adelaide.
www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/ohs/induction/ohstrain.html

Professional Management Program - Executive Education Unit

For middle to senior managers or professionals. This interactive program will help you to broaden and strengthen your management skills. It is presented over 12 months in 6 x 2 day modules.

The Professional Management Program is a non award program, suitable for graduates and non-graduates and carries status of 2 courses in the Adelaide MBA.

Discount: 5% discount for University staff.

For further information: Rosemary Tanner, phone: 8303 4579.

Future Research Leaders Program

The Future Research Leaders program has been developed collaboratively by the Go8 universities, and is delivered in full each semester for the benefit of the research community of the University of Adelaide. The program is aimed at current and aspiring research leaders, and seeks to build a range of skills and knowledge critical to successful research leadership and management.

There are eight modules in the program, together with a researcher orientation module. Modules are undertaken by a combination of online study, independent research and a face-to-face workshop. Do just one module, or do as many as you like. It's up to you. And it's all free!

More about the program at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/frlp/

Register for workshops at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/enrolment/

Further enquiries: Dr Ian Green on 8303 6035, Dr Cally Guerin on 8303 3043, or email: researchereducation@adelaide.edu.au.

Exploring Supervision Program

The Exploring Supervision program (formerly the Effective Supervision program) provides professional development for HDR supervisors. Each semester we present a series of three interactive workshops, together with a range of tools, techniques and resources, covering key topics in HDR supervision. In addition, completion of the full module of the program leads to registration as a principal HDR supervisor.

More about our workshops: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/esp/

More about the full module of the program at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/fullmodule.html

Register for workshops at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/enrolment/

Further enquiries: Dr Ian Green on 8303 6035, Dr Cally Guerin on 8303 3043, or email: researchereducation@adelaide.edu.au.

WPDN Lunchtime Networking Forum

"Best Strategies for Staff with Caring Responsibilities"
Date/Time: Wednesday 8 April, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Venue: Ira Raymond Room, Barr Smith Library, North Terrace Campus

A panel/round table discussion for staff with caring responsibilities (e.g. with children or elderly parents or partner with disability/illness) to be able to voice their opinions and take away some strategies to help achieve the delicate balance required between our work life and our responsibilities for our loved ones.

A representative from Carers Australia will be attending to provide information on services available.

RSVP by Tuesday 7 April to Linh Tran.

Academic Skills Seminars for Students

Develop your academic writing skills
Date/Time: Tuesday 31 March, 1:10pm-2:00pm

Participating in tutorial discussions
Date/Time: Wednesday 1 April, 1:10pm-2:00pm

Thesis Direction & Structure
(Honours & PG Coursework seminar)
Date/Time: Wednesday 1 April, 4:00pm-5:30pm

Taking good lecture notes
Date/Time: Thursday 2 April, 1:10pm-2:00pm

Venue: Seminar Room, Level 3 South, Barr Smith Library

Visit the CLPD website for more information.

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre is staffed by Academic Learning & Language (ALL) lecturers who offer individual consultations to students currently enrolled at the University of Adelaide.

Venue: Room 346a, Level 3 South, Barr Smith Library

Visit the CLPD website for more information and details of opening hours.

Professional & Continuing Education

Certificate IV in TESOL

If you are looking to teach English as a second language in Australia or overseas and wish to gain a qualification in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), then this practical program is for you. The program is accredited as a Certificate IV within Australia and provides the minimum qualification required to teach ESOL. It provides essential training in the usage of communicative methodologies in teaching adult learners, including lesson planning and classroom practice. This program combines face-to-face delivery, self-study and group work. Participants will observe experienced ESOL teachers and participate in teaching practice with ESOL learners at various levels.

4 Week Intensive Program - 20 July 2009
Part-time Program - 22 August 2009

For further information, including selection criteria and fees, visit our website at: www.adelaide.edu.au/elc/courses/tesol/ or contact PCE on 8303 4777.

Upcoming Professional Development Courses

Community Engagement and Facilitation
Thursday 2 April

Negotiation Skills
Tuesday 7 April

Festival and Event Design and Management
Wednesday 8 April

Meeting the Challenge of Leadership and Management
Tuesday 28 April

Creatively Managing Conflict
Thursday 30 April

Discount: 5% discount for University of Adelaide staff.

For further information or to enrol please email Jo Carrick or phone 8303 4777, or visit our website at: www.adelaide.edu.au/pce to view our extensive program offering.

Information for Researchers

Adelaide Research & Innovation

The latest commUNIcate RESEARCH news is available online.

Research Branch

See the Research Branch Bulletin for the latest news on major grant rounds & information sessions, a selection of competitive grants, prizes & funding opportunities now open.