Events, news and discounts - Wellbeing at Monash, Monash Sport & TeamMONASH

Browse the January 2017 Timeout newsletter for information on what’s new in Wellbeing at Monash. Read about the latest Wellbeing and Monash Sport events, services and activities. For information about latest events, special offers, discounts, and news, subscribe to the newsletter by emailing wellbeing@monash.edu.

In the January 2017 edition:

• Wellbeing events and news
• Monash Sport news and offers
• TeamMONASH news
• Employee benefits and discounts

3MT presentation - Louisa Yeoung presents her research on cell migration

PhD Confirmation of Candidature - Brittany Croft

Date: 6 February
Time: 2.30pm
Venue: Block E, Level 4 seminar room
Student name: Brittany Croft 
Thesis title: Investigating the effects of gene regulation and mutation in Disorders of Sex Development
Synopsis: Disorders of sex development (DSD) are congenital conditions effecting the anatomical, gonadal or chromosomal sex. This project aims to identify novel gene regulation pathways and mutations that cause DSD and further investigate their functional properties. Since the discovery of the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome great leaps have been made, yet only 50% of 46, XY DSD patients receive a specific molecular diagnosis. By examining mutations and copy number variations identified in patients with DSD, will identify novel regulatory regions and allow for greater understanding of the causes of DSD.
Supervisors: Prof: Vincent Harley, Prof Andrew Sinclair
Panel chair: Adj Assoc Prof Elizabeth Algar
Independent assessors: Dr Craig Smith and Dr Simon Chu

PhD Mid Candidature review - Alexander Rodríguez

Date: Monday 6 February 
Time: 2pm 
Venue: Surgery Seminar Room
Thesis title:Thesis title: The importance of musculoskeletal health in vascular ageing  
Synopsis: Cardiovascular disease is a major disease burden particularly in the growing obese, older adult population. Cardiovascular risk may be more related to non-traditional risk factors such as vascular calcification and vascular stiffness. Bone loss occurs during ageing and this may promote vascular calcification and vascular stiffness. Muscle loss also occurs during ageing and can contribute to bone loss. Given that obese, older adults are commonly vitamin D deficient/insufficient and are likely to be physically inactive, we aimed to investigate if a combined exercise and vitamin D intervention can reverse muscle and bone loss and ultimately improve vascular health
Supervisors: Prof. Peter Ebeling, Dr. David Scott

Panel Chair: Dr. Rebecca Lim

Independent assessors: A/Prof. Amanda Vincent, Dr. Morag Young

Science meets Parliament: 21 - 22 March 2017

Date:    Tuesday 21 March - Wednesday 22 March 2017
Venue: Parliament House, Canberra

Science meets Parliament 2017 is an opportunity for small groups of scientists to meet with parliamentarians in Parliament House. It comes at a time when science, technology, engineering and mathematics are high on the political agenda. SmP 2017 will build on the strong tradition of fostering relationships and understanding between scientists and technologists, MPs and Senators.

It’s also a forum for the 200 attending scientists to meet lobbyists, parliamentary staffers, politicians and journalists—getting a feel for government policymaking and tips on how to successfully engage politicians.

Please click to REGISTER.

Staff OHS training

OHS training opportunity details:

Date: 23 February 2017
Time:

• 10.00am-1.00pm: Student Project Safety (Risk Management) - compulsory for students (once only)
• 2.00pm-4.00pm: Biosafety level 1 (Microbiologicals) - for clinical and lab researchers
• 4.00pm-5.30pm: Biosafety level 2 (OGTR / AQIS)

Venue: TRF building seminar reoom 1, Monash Medical Centre

Registration and further information is here. Students - please register via your student authcate account (not a staff account). Places are limited so please register as soon as possible.

Is my OHS training up to date? 

You can check your training portfolio in ESS via My Monash Training Qualifications. 

What training do I need to do?

Please refer to the OHS training guide or email clare.westhorpe@monash.edu

Monash Bioinformatics Platform workshops

The Monash Bioinformatics Platform is running a three day workshop next month. It will be located at the Clayton campus. Details are as follows:

• 7 February 2017: Intro to R registration link.
• 8 February 2017:  RNAseq analysis registration link
• 16 February 2017: Best practices in R registration link

Mobile Genetic Elements Meeting 20 - 21 April Abstract Submission NOW OPEN

Date:       20 - 21 April 2017
Venue:    Wilkinson Building, The University of Sydney, NSW

Transposable Elements, Integrative Elements and Plasmids

The focus of this meeting will be on the identification and biology of the many different types of mobile elements that contribute to the variability of prokaryotic genomes. Genome sequences likely include a wealth of novel types of mobile element waiting to be found and documented. Mobile elements facilitate the spread of new traits among and between genomes, and all aspects of the forms mobile elements take, what they can do and how they do it, as well as how they interact will be covered. 

Abstract Submission Deadline is 5pm 31 January 2017

For more information, please visit the website.

Monash PhD and honours students Welcome Lunch

Monash Postgraduate Association invites all PhD and honours students for MMC Welcome Lunch.  Please see details below:

• Date: Friday 3 March
• Time: 12.00pm-1.30pm
• Venue: MMC Lecture Theatre 1 and foyer
• To RSVP: please visit www.mpa.monash.edu/orientation.html

Cooperative Human Tissue Network

If you are currently conducting grant projects that need human specimens, the Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN) can be your resource for human biospecimens. The Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN) is a prospective biospecimen procurement resource funded by the NCI to assist you with your biosample needs.

Since 1987 the CHTN has been providing malignant, benign, diseased and normal biospecimens to the research community. These samples are available in a variety of preservation methods including fresh, frozen, paraffin embedded blocks or histologic slides.

For more information, please visit the website.

Grant Writing - imaging expertise available

Would you like to include an imaging component into your preclinical or clinical research grant application? Do you need advice on how imaging capabilities can enhance your proposal?
 
As well as providing a full suite of world-class biomedical imaging equipment, Monash Biomedical Imaging (MBI) also offers imaging support and advice for grant applications.
 
Our imaging experts help researchers in medicine, science and engineering improve their projects through various imaging techniques and analysis.
 
Email manager.mbi@monash.edu or phone 9905 0100 to find out how MBI can help with your grant application.

ATSE Global Connections Fund Priming Grants 2017 – CALL FOR EOI APPLICATIONS

The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering has announced a funding round for its Global Connections Fund.

The scheme is designed to:

• Increase linkages and collaborations with key global economies
• Promote researcher-industry engagement and knowledge transfer
• encourage translational activities, end use development and commercialisation of outcomes

The program will only support collaborations between Researchers and SMEs.

The grants will support Australian SMEs and researchers to:

• enable initial exploratory partner meetings to take place
• undertake consortium meetings (travel-related costs), assistance with minor project expenses; and /or costs associated with establishing formal relationships (legal agreements) or funding applications for joint activities.
• support potential SME-researcher partnerships in exploring the viability of an intended research and development (R&D) collaboration or technology solution
• explore avenues for follow-on project seed‑funding
• Priming Grants are not designed to fund ongoing research costs, or to support existing collaborative activities.
• Your proposed partner should not be part of an existing research or commercial relationship but a new opportunity you are seeking to explore.

Priming Grants are not intended for use to support research projects on SMEs, commercialisation or entrepreneurial activities. They are solely intended to promote translational activities between entities which lead to new innovations in products or services.

The broad topic areas of activity for Priming Grants are:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Food and Agribusiness
• Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals
• Mining Equipment, Technology and Services
• Oil, Gas and Energy Resources

Funding Available:
Priming Grants offer total funding of $7,000 AUD/applicant to eligible SME-researcher partnerships for activities preparing cooperative, international R&D projects or facilitating technology solutions

Timeline:

Expressions of Interest: Open from February 3rd to 5pm on the 23rd of February.

If successful, the full application is due to the funder at 5pm on the 13th of March.

Submission Process:

If you require feedback, the MRO will be available to offer advice and support for all EoIs and applications.

• Applicants should create an Application Record in myResearch/Pure and submit the record with the attached application to the Pre-approval workflow. MRO will then progress the application onto School/Faculty for approval to support the submission.
  • Select Funding Organisation: Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering
  • Select Funding Opportunity: Global Connections Fund – Priming Grant

EoIs and Applications should be submitted online by the applicant: https://globalconnectionsfund.org.au/expression-of-interest/

ARC Discovery Indigenous 2018 (IN18) – Now Open in RMS

Applications for ARC Discovery Indigenous 2018 grants are now open in RMS and close 5pm on Wednesday 29 March 2017.

1. Please find attached the Funding Rules, Summary of changes to the Funding Rules, Instructions to Applicants and the ARC Medical Research Policy.These documents (and any updates) may also be downloaded from the ARC website:

http://www.arc.gov.au/discovery-indigenous

2. Templates, including the IN18 Certification form will be made available shortly on the MRO Discovery Indigenous intranet pages.
3. If you require an eligibility exemption and have not yet submitted your request, please contact us (mro-arc@monash.edu)ASAP

4. Please start your proposal in RMSas soon as possible so we know that you intend to apply. A Pure Application Record will also need to be started in myResearch/Pure (for guidance refer to:Creating an Application Record) 

    Key Dates:

IN18	MRO close date	ARC close date
Funding Rules 22 Sept 2016
Open in RMS   23 January 2017
Proposal closing date	22 March 2017	5pm 29 Mar 2017
Request Not to Assess	8 March 2017	5pm 15 Mar 2017
Rejoinder Process	tba	tba
Announcement		Anticipated: Sept 2017

Download ARC medical research policy version 2014-3-2

Download the changes to IN funding rules

Download the discovery programme funding rules 2016

Download the IN18 ita

Club Melbourne Fellowship

The Club Melbourne Fellowship was created to recognise excellence in research and leadership by mid-career Victorian researchers, and support the next generation of potential Ambassadors.

Applications are now open, and close Wednesday 15 March with MRO. 

The Fellowship will recognise one mid-career researcher annually and welcome them into the Club Melbourne Ambassador Program for one year. The recipient will gain access to the prestigious Club Melbourne network through attendance at annual program events, including the opportunity to present their research to Ambassadors.

The Club Melbourne Fellowship will provide funding of $10,000 for research, which must include, but is not limited to, international conference attendance that enables new research opportunities.

Applications must be emailed to the Monash Research Grants and Contracts Team adm-researchgrants.contracts@monash.edu
Applications will be reviewed by ADRs and one will be selected for submission to Club Melbourne from Monash University by 31 March 2017.

For more information, please visit and share the Fellowship webpage: www.clubmelbourne.com.au/fellowship

Research professional Link: https://www.researchprofessional.com/funding/opportunity/1706552/

Grant success enables research on carnosine supplementation in prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors

Congratulations to Assoc Prof Barbora de Courten on receiving the following grants towards her research on carnosine supplementation in prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors:

• $55,000 CASS foundation grant 
• $50,000 RACP Establishment fellowship from Royal Australasian College of Physicians 
• $50,000 Australian Diabetes Society - Barry Young Diabetes Research Grant 
• $45,000 Monash University Strategic Grant 

Barbora received these grants in December 2016 and January 2017.

Congratulations Dr Zachary Chow on the award of his PhD

Congratulations Zachary Chow who was awarded his PhD last month.

Zac's thesis examined regulatory T cells, which are immune cells that suppress inflammation and immune responses. He used multiphoton microscopy to examine these cells in the skin and he demonstrated how during inflammation, these cells become highly motile and change the way they interact with other immune cells in the skin.

Zac was supervised by Professor Michael Hickey and Dr James Deane.

Mindfulness - schedule of programs

Just a quick note to share the Mindfulness schedule of programs for the first part of the year.  Please feel free to register and share with your teams.

Description	Format	Upcoming dates	Cost
Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance (MOOC) Learn mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve your wellbeing and work/study performance in this free online course.	3 hours per week, over 6 weeks	Online: begins 6 Feb	Free
Mindful Learning This Continuing Excellence in Educational Development (CEED) program combines online and face-to-face learning. It explores the science and practice of mindfulness and teaches participants to personally apply it in their lives.	Three-hour face-to-face session plus 6 weeks online learning (approximately one hour per week).	Moodle open between 6 March - 5 May 2017 Session: Friday 17 March 2017	Free
Mindful for Stress Reduction Reduce stress, and improve mental health, wellbeing and resilience using mindfulness. Consists of weekly formal mindfulness meditation practices, cognitive strategies and reflective activities designed to enhance both the professional and personal life of staff and students.	6 x 60 minute sessions	Clayton: Jan 31, Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 and March 7 Clayton: Mar 24, Apr 7, 21, 28, May 5 and 19 (not May 12) Caulfield: July 18, 25, Aug 1, 15, 22, and 29	Free
ESSENCE of health A comprehensive lifestyle program underpinned by enabling strategies such as mindfulness, enhancing motivation, goal setting and behaviour change. This practical course enables participants to apply the ESSENCE model to personal and professional life including setting and working towards healthy lifestyle goals.	6 x 60 minute sessions	Clayton: April 7, 21, 28, May 5, 19 & 26 (not May 12)	Free
Mindfulness Train the trainer Aimed at people who have completed basic mindfulness training, have a regular personal practice of mindfulness, and wish to enhance skills to teach it in various educational and professional settings. Topics include: introducing mindfulness as a concept, teaching mindfulness meditation, mindful inquiry and debriefing, and working with groups	4 x 90 minutes sessions	Clayton: Feb 14, 21, 28 and Mar 7	Free
Mindfulness for wellbeing, resilience and performance - Staff This introductory workshop is broken into two parts: Part 1 is an introduction including the background to mindfulness. Part 2 focuses on practically implementing mindfulness-based strategies in personal and professional life.	Half day	Mulgrave: Tues 28 March	$70
Lunchtime drop-in meditation sessions Guided mindfulness meditation sessions. A great way to get started with mindfulness or to deepen your existing practice.	30 minute sessions	Students and staff Starting at the beginning of semester	Free

Monash, providing a smoke-free environment

As we welcome the new year, we remind all staff that Monash supports a healthy smoke-free environment with smokingnot permitted on any Victorian campus, including buildings and grounds.

By going smoke-free, Monash is supporting the health of its students, staff, contractors and visitors. 

We understand that being a smoke-free campus can present difficulties for some of our smokers, so to support those who wish to reduce or cease smoking, a range of support services are available through the University Health Servicesand Counselling.   

Staff can also take advantage of the free QUIT programs on offer by simply registering their interest at the Smoke FreeMonash  website.

I have attached for your information a copy of the rebranded QUIT poster and would appreciate if you could please print and post colour copies of this poster on your local noticeboards and in tea rooms and other prominent locations.  

It would also be appreciated if you could include this information in your local area newsletters and raise it at staff meetings for information.

Monash campus parking permit sale dates

2017 parking permits can be purchased online from the following dates:

• Berwick campus: Wednesday 1 February
• Caulfield campus: Thursday 9 February
• Clayton campus: Tuesday 7 February
  (check the 2017 Clayton parking and access map and the below details on Clayton campus parking changes before buying a permit)
• Parkville campus: Wednesday 1 February
• Peninsula campus: Thursday 2 February

Carpooling permits for each campus will also go on sale from the above listed dates.

Green permits (for approved senior staff) will be available from Wednesday 1 February for all campuses.

2016 permits are still valid until Sunday 26 February, but you’ll need to display your new 2017 permit from Monday 27 February onwards. 

Permit prices

Permit prices are published on the parking and permits webpage. Prices have increased marginally (1-2%) in line with inflation and rising costs.

Purchasing your permit

Permits will become available for purchase on the above listed sale dates. To purchase a permit, visit the purchase portal and follow the prompts. Staff can choose to offset the price of a permit through salary packaging.

As in previous years, we issue permits on a first in, first served basis and waiting lists may apply at some campuses. 

Carpooling

We have more than 600 carpool spaces across our Berwick, Caulfield, Clayton and Peninsula campuses. With an annual cost of $76, a carpool permit provides the best value for money parking at Monash. Find out more at the Monash Rideshare website.

Alternative transport options

We encourage everyone to consider sustainable and active modes of transport for their daily commute. At Monash we actively support public transport, walking and cycling with bike storage and end-of-trip facilities located at each of our campuses.

Our free inter-campus shuttle bus service connects the Clayton campus with our Berwick, Caulfield and Peninsula campuses. There’s also a free shuttle service between Peninsula campus and the Frankston Train Station.

Our public transport networks will see major improvements this year when we welcome the new Monash Transport Interchange to Clayton in February and see the upgrade of the Huntingdale Station Precinct in June. 

Clayton campus parking changes

Parking permit locations

We have more parking than ever at our Clayton campus, with an additional 1,170 new spaces added last year. A further 800 spaces will also be available mid-year with the completion of the Learning and Teaching Building’s new basement car park.

There’s been some changes to permit and metered parking locations for 2017. These changes can be viewed on the 2017 Clayton parking and access map, and will take effect in stages throughout February. Please review these updated parking locations before purchasing a 2017 permit.

Free and discount metered parking

From Monday 27 February:

• Free parking will be available at the Off-campus Two (OC2) car park at the corner of Howleys/ Normanby Road. This will replace the free parking that was previously available at 264 Ferntree Gully Road, which has now closed.
• Discount metered parking will be available at the Off-campus One (OC1) car park at the corner of Wellington/Blackburn Road for $1 per hour or $5 all day. 

Parking space line markings

All parking spaces have now been repainted with uniform white lines to increase the flexibility of our parking space allocations. To ensure you're parking in the correct permit area, check the parking permit signs in each car park. 

New vehicle directional signage

We have a number of projects underway at Clayton to improve access and parking on campus. This includes new digital vehicle signage to help you easily find on-campus parking.

Dynamic LED signage will be installed at multi-level car parks, roundabouts and intersections across the campus, providing real-time data on the nearest available permit, metered and visitor parking spaces.  

Changes to the south-west entrance

Campus access from the Monash Science School/ Monash College entrance off Wellington Road will only allow access to the South-west One (SW1) and South-west Two (SW2) car parks. 

Connection through to Boundary Road to access the north of campus is no longer available due to the road realignment for the new Biomedical Learning and Teaching Building. Check the 2017 Clayton parking and access map for more information.  

More information

• See 2017 parking permits or the transport and parking website.
• Use ask.monash to view answers or ask a question.
• Visit Monash Connect or call +61 3 9902 6011, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.
• Download the new my.monash app for iPhone or Android.