Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol45 Issue13 30 March–3 April 2020

Research

Aim

We can use this time to be productive - work on manuscript drafts, thesis chapters, read things in-depth or learn something new.  Please stay in touch with your colleagues and your supervisor, and most importantly be positive and plan for the future.

Contacts

• communitywelbeing@anu.edu.au
• Your supervisor or mentor
• Your Departmental Administrator
• Your Head of Department
• Associate Director (Research): Elena Ostrovskaya  elena.ostrovskaya@anu.edu.au
• Director: Tim Senden director.physics@anu.edu.au
• School Manager: James Irwin sm.physics@anu.edu.au

Updates

The Heads will meet to discuss a “community chest” to be used for assistance packages.

Digest of past updates

Wed, 25/3

• The Australian Research Council has issued a message of support for all researchers: https://www.arc.gov.au/news-publications/media/network-messages/update-arc-ceo-professor-sue-thomas
• All research group leaders are strongly encouraged to maintain regular group meetings via Zoom or similar platform. 

FAQs (will be updated continuously)

What can I do if I can’t work from home?

This can be for any number for reasons ranging from constant distractions or that you don’t have the necessary equipment.  In the first instance speak to you supervisor or Head.   A list of Department and School based tasks is being developed. You may well be able to lend your expertise to another group and we would rather you gainfully engage than be on leave or at loose end.

Communications channels

Working from home poses many challenges, and one of them is social isolation. Our research students and early career researchers, who are severely impacted by both the University shutdown and travel restrictions, are especially vulnerable. Social distancing should not mean complete isolation, and it is extremely important to keep communication channels open. As a tightly-knit community, our School will do our best to help everyone feel connected, supported, and engaged.

Staying in touch with your teams:

- Please ensure that you maintain weekly meetings of your research groups, and keep these as inclusive as possible.

• Microsoft Teams and Zoom both offer excellent screen sharing capabilities and are the only approved tools. Internal Physics drives, CloudStor and ANU email are the only methods you should be using to exchange data with. Please do not use any other software to share ANU data.  Cybersecurity remains a very active concern over this period.
  
  
• All Departmental Administrators are still available for assistance during the remote working period. Your Head of Department will be in touch with the whole group periodically. Departmental morning teas, meetings and seminars should still proceed.
  
  
• Supervisors will be reminded each Monday by the Director to schedule a catchup with group members, students and technical staff.  Each Friday the Director will send a follow-up email request that you report back to your Head if these scheduled meetings have occurred.  The Director will be frequently in touch with Heads to discuss their Department.