Newsletter 66 October 2016

Visit by the Rector Wednesday 28/9

A wide range of issues were discussed. Rector told that a friendly foundation is prepared to help the department with the economic challenges caused by the construction projects - by financing some of the equipment (including autoclaves). More info will follow.

Regarding the Department´s goal: Economy in balance

The budget for 2017 and the estimate from 2017 to 2020 are being discussed with the Dean and the economy department. It is a difficult process, because of the costs for relocations, equipment for the new buildings, and rent increases. The draft budget is being discussed with LSU and Foundation Forum, but there is still much uncertainty about where we stand. However, some problems have been resolved: Double rent during the refurbishment period covered by the faculty's strategy funds and as mentioned above, a fund that is expected to allocate funds for equipment.

It is a particularly hot topic right now, what will happen in relation to freezers. Discussions are going on between users, the management group and Building Service. The most radical proposal is the replacement of most freezers and use of water cooling instead of air cooling, as it will significantly reduce operating costs and thus may be a good business.

Christmas Party 2016

Will be held Friday, November 25. The party theme is Wild West.

The committee consists of: Lone Overgaard (chairman), Debbie Winther Lemming, Merete Kjær, Helle Jakobsen, Stine Bak, Kristian Alsbjerg Skipper, Bettina Bundgaard, Bettina Winther Grumsen, Annette Gudmann Hansen, Søren Scheuer and Viggo Nielsen

House Meetings will be held in November

Invitations will follow.

New leader for animal facility

There were 33 applicants for the position, and we hope to announce the name of the future leader in 2-3 weeks. It has been a good process involving users, animal technicians and the management. We hope that the new leader will start 1. December.

News from the Department SU

A meeting will be held on 3 October. Minutes will follow.

News from the Department forum

Next meeting of the Institute forum held on 5 October.

Competence development for laboratory technicians

The Department's first internal course for laboratory technicians in protein chemistry will take place this Fall. Interest has been high and there is so far over 40 registered, why the course is held twice instead of once. The management would like to encourage the group leaders to approve the course. The course is free for employees, and since it takes place internally, the time spent is less than it would have been for external courses. In the spring a course in cell culture is planned.

Ph.d. economy - especially 'Research training supplement'

There is still some uncertainty about the possibilities of getting funded a Ph.D. fully or partly via the Graduate School. Below you find a link to the research program's page on the financing, with answers to many questions. However, it does not inform on the so-called 'Research training supplement'. I can briefly inform:

The Department requires all applying for 'Research training supplement'. There will, in turn, always be made at least 150,000 DKK available to the VIP, which is responsible for the Ph.d. out of these funds if the Department is receiving a grant. There may also be additional resources available if lacking funding of salary or tuition fees. This is specifically arranged in each situation - contact Anni Mandrup Høeg for questions: annimh@biomed.au.dk.

The link: http://talent.au.dk/phd/health/financing/

Dean Allan Flyvbjerg left his position

See more here:

http://health.au.dk/#news-8805

Yours sincerely

Thomas G. Jensen