Informatics' Equality and Diversity Blog

April 24, 2017

Karen Spärck Jones lecture, 25 May

Filed under: Events,Women in STEM — hwalker2 @ 2:45 pm

We are delighted to invite you to our livecast of this year’s Karen Spärck Jones lecture, 5.30 for 5.50pm Thursday 25 May 2017, Room G.07, Informatics Forum.

The lecture, Creating Robots that Care, will be delivered by Dr Maja Matarić, Professor and Chan Soon-Shiong Chair of Computer Science, Neuroscience & Pediatrics, University of Southern California; Founding Director at the USC’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems Center and Director of the USC’s Robotics Research Lab.

5.30pm – Networking drinks
5.50pm – Welcome
6.00pm – Creating Robots that Care Lecture by livecast link from London
7.30pm – Networking drinks
8.00pm – Close

The livecast is organised by Informatics Equality & Diversity Committee in association of BCSWomen.

All welcome. Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/karen-sparck-jones-lecture-2017-creating-robots-that-care-edinburgh-screening-tickets-33956945137

 

To find out more about what BCSWomen is doing in Scotland please join the LinkedIn group, https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4528725, or follow them on Twitter @bcswomen.

Further support for EEA staff

Filed under: Race (protected characteristic) — hwalker2 @ 2:14 pm

Staff from the European Economic Area (EEA) and staff with EEA partners/dependants can now access the following additional support:

  • a 1-2-1 meeting with an external immigration advisor, bookable through MyEd from Monday 1 May to take place from Monday 15 May
  • a list of Scottish legal firms who specialise in immigration law
  • an interest free loan, available to those applying for UK residency, indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship (including non-EEA staff)

Staff can request evidence of employment and earnings to support their residency/citizenship applications.

Full details are now available at http://edin.ac/2pcrgzM

April 20, 2017

EU survey on Women in Digital Age

Filed under: Encouraging STEM subjects,Women in STEM — hwalker2 @ 10:35 am

The European Commission has launched a survey to obtain information on the current situation of women in a digital sphere. The results from this consultation will be processed anonymously.

Here’s the link: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/2b839429-386c-c66a-65c7-5c1184301a50

April 18, 2017

Caring for carers

Filed under: Age (protected characteristic),Disability (protected characteristic) and health,Equality,Policy — hwalker2 @ 1:25 pm

Did you know that the University is now a Carer Positive Employer? There is a web page on the University website offering guidance about the support available to employees who have a caring responsibility so that they can balance work with caring commitments and continue to be effective in their role.

See:

April 11, 2017

Webinar training: Confronting sexual harassment

Filed under: dignity and respect,Gender reassignment (protected characteristic),Sex (protected characteristic),Sexual orientation (protected characteristic),Training — hwalker2 @ 9:44 am

Webinar training entitled ‘No one Asks for It: Confronting Sexual Harassment’ is available 1-2pm, Thursday 20 April or Thursday 27 April 2017 to any member of staff, but particularly those who would have direct contact with students. Objectives:

• describe what sexual harassment looks like and why it’s important for staff at the University to understand this

• give ideas about how to challenge sexual harassment, whether you’re subject to it or witness it

• give information to those who have close relationships or contact with students about what they should do in the event of witnessing sexual harassment or assault, or in the event of a disclosure.

To book a place on 20 April, go to: https://www.events.ed.ac.uk/index.cfm?event=book&scheduleID=24500

To book a place on 27 April, go to: https://www.events.ed.ac.uk/index.cfm?event=book&scheduleID=24501

April 5, 2017

Advice for EEA and Swiss staff

Filed under: Events,Race (protected characteristic) — hwalker2 @ 4:02 pm
EU flag

EU flag

Twelve one-hour, group advice sessions are being organised around the University for staff who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Led by external lawyers, the sessions will take place 24-28 April 2017 and cover:

–   How to apply for a UK residence certificate and permanent residence card

–   How to apply for British citizenship

–   Information for any member of staff with an EEA partner/dependants

They form part of a package of additional advice and support for staff over the coming months which includes: Individual consultation meetings with an external immigration adviser; Reduced costs for staff who may need additional legal advice; Financial support to help spread the cost of residency fees and legal advice; Practical help to obtain evidence of employment and earnings to support applications.

Book through MyEd before Friday 14 April: http://edin.ac/2ns3sq4 (EASE login required)

April 4, 2017

World Health Day focus on depression

Filed under: Disability (protected characteristic) and health,Events — hwalker2 @ 12:17 pm

The World Health Organisation says: “While the link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) is well established in high-income countries, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness.

“In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Suicide rates are also high amongst vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners. By far the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.”

This World Health Day, Friday 7 April, Edinburgh Neuroscience, the Global Health Academy, and Centre for Cognitive Ageing & Cognitive Epidemiology, are asking: What factors make some people more resilient to depression than others?

Join speakers for a thought-provoking evening to untangle the complex concept of resilience at: Untangling Resilience to Depression, 5.30-7pm, Friday 7 April, Lecture Theatre G03, 50 George Square.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/untangling-resilience-to-depression-tickets-32593442865

Theme: Rubric.