From rshannon at swin.edu.au Tue Sep 15 12:02:01 2020 From: rshannon at swin.edu.au (Ryan Shannon) Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2020 02:02:01 +0000 Subject: [ASA] Expressions of interest for Ph.D. scholarships at Swinburne University of Technology Message-ID: Dear colleagues, I would be grateful if you would forward this call for PhD applications on to your local and international networks. The Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing (CAS) at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne invites expressions of interest (EOIs) from students for potential PhD scholarships to commence in 2021. The deadline for expressions of interest for students of all nationalities is Wednesday, October 21. We also encourage students eligible* for the Research Training Program Stipend (RTPS) to consider an application through this scheme. Students considering an RTPS application are requested to submit an expression of interest by Monday, October 5. CAS provides a vibrant and international academic environment, located in one of the most liveable cities in the world. Our PhD candidates undertake cutting-edge research under the supervision of word-leading astronomers. PhD projects cover a range of subjects, including galaxy formation and evolution, cosmology, stars and planets, scientific computing and visualisation, and time-domain astrophysics. A list of potential PhD topics can be found here. CAS is one of Australia's largest astronomy research institutes, with about 20 faculty, 20 postdoctoral researchers, and 40 PhD students. Swinburne is one of few universities in the world with guaranteed access to the 10-m W. M. Keck telescopes in Hawaii and hosts the headquarters of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav). Our astronomers and students regularly obtain observing time on the HST, VLT, Magellan, AAT, ASKAP, ATCA, MeerKAT, and Parkes telescopes, search for and study gravitational wave sources with LIGO, have in-house access to state-of-the-art 3D visualization facilities, and use OzSTAR, the next generation Australian Supercomputer for theoretical astrophysics. Students have access to internal funding for travel to telescopes, international conferences, and collaborative meetings. Our PhD graduates continue their careers at top astronomy institutions around the world. The Centre is located in the lively inner city suburb of Hawthorn, only minutes by public transport from Melbourne's city centre. Melbourne is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city with a mild climate and plenty of sunshine. Buzzing inner city neighbourhoods are renowned for their cafes, restaurants, galleries, and festivals, while featuring numerous parks and open spaces. Mountains, ocean, and wildlife are nearby. Melbourne is top ranked for its quality of life and as a destination for working abroad. Swinburne provides a positive and supportive work environment and comprehensive benefits, including vacation, sick, and parental leave, and thesis publication and relocation cost allowances. Swinburne is committed to the principles of equity, fairness and inclusivity and to a workplace free from discrimination. The University has been recognised as a Workplace Employer of Choice for gender equality for the seventh year and CAS is the recipient of the Silver Pleiades award for its commitment to advancing women in astronomy. We value our diverse work environment and welcome applications from qualified candidates of any gender, orientation, nationality, and background. Related URLs: Application Website - Expression of Interest More information about the PhD program at CAS Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing * Eligible students for RTPS are Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents. A.Prof. Ryan Shannon ARC Future Fellow Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing Swinburne University of Technology rshannon at swin.edu.au -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From john.obyrne at sydney.edu.au Wed Sep 16 09:00:49 2020 From: john.obyrne at sydney.edu.au (John O'Byrne) Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2020 23:00:49 +0000 Subject: [ASA] ASA financial report Message-ID: <94167AB5-76C8-4B8C-873C-9842B1862151@sydney.edu.au> At the ASA?s online AGM in July, a variety of reports were presented to the membership including the Treasurer?s report. At that time, the audited accounts were still being finalised but the Treasurer presented a report that indicated the Society?s strong financial position. Although the changes are small, the full audit is now available for your inspection on the ASA web ?Society? page under Reports, along with the other reports presented to the AGM. I trust you are all well and coping with the limitations in place wherever you are. Hopefully we will see you at a live AGM in 2021. John ????????????????????????? "The standard you walk past is the standard you accept? ????????????????????????? ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOHN O?BYRNE Associate Dean (Student Life), Faculty of Science Secretary, Astronomical Society of Australia Inc. Sydney Institute for Astronomy School of Physics | Faculty of Science THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY Rm 205, Physics Building A28 Postal address: School of Physics | The University of Sydney | NSW | Australia | 2006 T +61 2 9351 3184 (forwarded when off campus) E john.obyrne at sydney.edu.au | W http://sydney.edu.au/science/people/john.obyrne CRICOS 00026A This email plus any attachments to it are confidential. Any unauthorised use is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and any attachments. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From stuart.ryder at astronomyaustralia.org.au Wed Sep 16 08:40:11 2020 From: stuart.ryder at astronomyaustralia.org.au (stuart.ryder at astronomyaustralia.org.au) Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2020 08:40:11 +1000 Subject: [ASA] ESO Scientific Technical Committee - Nominations for new appointment 2021-2023 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <000001d68bb1$2ce73330$86b59990$@astronomyaustralia.org.au> Call for Nominations to the ESO Scientific Technical Committee Applications close Friday 2 October 2020, 7 PM AEST (5 PM AWST). Late applications will not be accepted. Under the Strategic Partnership between Australia and ESO, Australia is entitled to representation on four ESO governance bodies: The ESO Council, Finance Committee (FC), Scientific Technical Committee (STC), and Users Committee (UC). The Australian Government and AAL seek to ensure strong engagement between the astronomy community and ESO, so that Australia?s astronomy community can make the most of this unprecedented 10-year scientific partnership and meet the goals of the Decadal Plan for Australian Astronomy 2016-2025. Australia?s inaugural Observer to the ESO STC, A/Prof. Michael Ireland (ANU), has decided that he will not continue to a second three-year appointment to this role, upon the conclusion of his current appointment at the end of 2020. The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources acknowledges A/Prof. Ireland for his service in representing the interests of the Australian astronomy community on the STC since 2017, and for the expert, objective advice and insights he has provided in the critical establishment phase of the Australia-ESO Strategic Partnership. The Department has asked AAL to invite Australian astronomers to self?nominate for this role, using the attached cover sheet. The deadline for nominations by e-mail to applications at astronomyaustralia.org.au is 7pm AEST (5pm AWST) on Friday 2 October 2020. On receipt of nominations, AAL will conduct an internal merit-based short-listing process and will advise the Department on the three most suitable candidates for the STC representative role. At its meeting on 1-2 December 2020, the ESO Council will consider the candidates and select the Australian Observer to the STC, based on candidates? merits and ESO?s need to ensure adequate coverage of relevant astronomical techniques and disciplines on each Committee. ESO would especially welcome expertise in the areas listed below, as these are currently the most pressing skills sought by the STC: * Interferometry and Adaptive Optics (AO) at optical/IR wavelengths * Innovative operational models * data archiving * cosmology * Mid-IR astrophysics, particularly relating to the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) Australia?s Observer to the STC will be appointed for a term of three (3) years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further three-year term. The selected representative must be available to attend all STC meetings during their appointment term, starting from the first STC meeting of 2021, expected to be in around mid-April 2021 (to be confirmed), and under usual circumstances would be held at ESO Headquarters, Garching, Germany. There is no remuneration associated with participation on the ESO governing bodies. However, ESO covers reasonable travel and accommodation expenses for the Australian STC Observer to attend the meetings of the STC. Australia?s representatives on ESO governing bodies also participate as ex officio members on the Australia-ESO Coordinating Group, convened by the Department to ensure Australia presents a consistent, collaborative, and broadly representative position in its engagement with ESO governance bodies as a whole, and the ESO Council in particular. This Group meets up to four times per year, with most attendees participating by video link. Members engage with the astronomy community to ensure that its views are considered by the Group in advising on Australia?s position on matters relating to the ESO Strategic Partnership. Enquiries about this position can be directed to AAL Program Manager Dr Stuart Ryder: Stuart.Ryder at astronomyaustralia.org.au . -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 43714 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Call for Self-Nominations - ESO Scientific Technical Committee - 2021 to 2023.docx Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document Size: 94448 bytes Desc: not available URL: From asa.ideastronomy at gmail.com Wed Sep 16 18:55:58 2020 From: asa.ideastronomy at gmail.com (asa idea) Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2020 16:55:58 +0800 Subject: [ASA] Call for 2021 Pleiades Awards Message-ID: The IDEA Chapter Steering Committee is excited to announce the opening of the next round of the Pleiades Awards! We have completed our review of the criteria, the application materials, and the process. We hope you will be pleased with the updated process, which now includes a rejoinder stage and an STA and a SAGE representative on the review panel. We have also completed a refresh of the IDEA Chapter website, which we invite you all to check out: asa-idea.org. The 2021 Pleiades Awards applications officially open on 18 September 2020 and the deadline for submissions is 18 December 2020 (5PM AEDT). Results will be announced in early April 2021. Please see the IDEA Chapter website for more information on the awards and instructions on how to apply: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/ssZGCL7EwMfBXpYXFBIql7?domain=asa-idea.org. Any questions can be sent to: asa.ideastronomy at gmail.com Sincerely, Katie Jameson (she/her) IDEA Chapter Steering Committee Chair [image: Logo-Final-Final.png] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Logo-Final-Final.png Type: image/png Size: 596540 bytes Desc: not available URL: From Cathryn.Trott at curtin.edu.au Thu Sep 17 11:04:52 2020 From: Cathryn.Trott at curtin.edu.au (Cathryn Trott) Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2020 01:04:52 +0000 Subject: [ASA] ASA COVID-Fund - Rolling Call Message-ID: Dear ASA Members, At the 2020 Annual General Meeting, the ASA announced the creation of a ?COVID-fund? to provide financial support for research-enabling activities to members-in-need. In the first funding round we supported 9 requests from students and ECRs. We are now opening a second round. Applications will be considered as they are received, with a final closing date of October 30, 2020. Funding is available for costs incurred in the July 1, 2020 - October 30, 2020 period. Scope of support The fund supports ?research-enabling? activity within the current COVID-affected environment. In all cases, priority is for members for whom their institution does not provide such funding, and justification of all requests is required. We want to ensure that the funds genuinely go to those with the highest needs. Funds amay be available for the following (not-exhaustive) list of costs. Evidence and receipts are required: * Payment of online conference fees * Home internet costs while working from home * Home computing storage devices while working from home (e.g., SSDs) * Childcare-associated, or daycare, costs while attending conferences and meetings * Support for professional and career development activities ? especially if it is diversifying skills beyond research/astronomy * Other expenditure, demonstrated to be enabling research (justification required). In addition to these costs, successful applicants may also be offered reimbursement of ASA membership fees for 2020, or waiving of fees for 2021. Prioritisation of individuals Students and ECRs (within five years FTE of PhD) will be strongly prioritised. More senior members with a very compelling case may also be considered. Funding level Individual payments, up to $1,500, with the expectation that most requests would be substantially less than this amount. Members can apply in more than one funding round, if funds are available, but the total integrated funding per individual is capped at $1,500. Accessing funds Please fill the online form at https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/AhYICnx1jni9nJvyC9WftE?domain=forms.gle Regards, Cathryn _______________________________________________________ Cathryn Trott Associate Professor ARC Future Fellow President, Astronomical Society of Australia ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D) International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research Curtin University Bentley WA, Australia cathryn.trott at curtin.edu.au -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From asa.ideastronomy at gmail.com Thu Sep 17 13:43:58 2020 From: asa.ideastronomy at gmail.com (asa idea) Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2020 11:43:58 +0800 Subject: [ASA] STA Diverse by Design Webinar Sept. 22 Message-ID: Please see the information below on the upcoming webinar: *Don?t miss this webinar on equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM!* In the STEM sector (and in wider society), reconciliation, diversity and inclusion is not just the right thing to do ? it?s the smart thing to do. But there?s a difference between doing diversity ? and doing diversity well. It?s important to have programs that work and buy-in at all levels. In this webinar, we will take you through why equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) matter ? both in science and broader society. We?ll talk about the lived experiences of disadvantaged groups, how STEM organisations can advance their EDI work, and practical examples to guide your efforts. *In this session, you?ll gain insights on:* - The importance of the big picture: having a holistic strategy, not just a piecemeal approach - The business case for EDI: how and why it benefits whole organisations, not just individuals - Having everyone at the table: the importance of leadership from the top AND listening to those who need help - Practical resources and templates to help you in your work. *When: *22 September, 11am - 12pm *Cost: *$55 - $88 Register here: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/DqyxCZY1NqiKyBOBIzWNt8?domain=sta.eventsair.com ASA Members should qualify for the $55 registration fee. Kind regards, *The IDEA Chapter Steering Committee* asa-idea.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pete.wheeler at uwa.edu.au Thu Sep 17 17:18:34 2020 From: pete.wheeler at uwa.edu.au (Pete Wheeler) Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2020 07:18:34 +0000 Subject: [ASA] FW: Reg IAU NOC: Could you help us in outreach for our Ligo India EPO webinar? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7D54D11A-C9FB-4868-9EE2-979B6EBC991D@uwa.edu.au> Dear All, Below are the details a couple of online public outreach talks our Indian colleagues would like to promote. Regards, Pete From: Prashant Abhijit Gokhale Date: Thursday, 17 September 2020 at 12:51 pm Subject: Reg IAU NOC: Could you help us in outreach for our Ligo India EPO webinar? Here are the details of two webinars which Pravega '21, IISc Bangalore is jointly presenting with LIGO India EPO. 1. Under Pravega Paradigms: Speaker: Prof. Somak Raychaudhury, Director, IUCAA Topic: Black Holes, Gravitational Waves & LIGO-India Date and Time: 20th September 2020, 11am to 12 noon 2. Under Coherence Lecture Series: Speaker: Prof. Varun Bhalerao, Assistant Professor, IIT-Bombay Topic: Cosmic Fireworks: Shining Light on Gravitational Wave Sources Date and Time: 28th September 2020, 5pm to 6pm To register for the talks, please fill the following google form: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/AZQBCyojxQTOjr52UZx8pn?domain=forms.gle PS: Participation is with prior registration ( link above ). Meeting link will be sent to the participants on their registered email id 2 days before the talk. For more information regarding our other talks, please visit: Pravega Talks: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/5PoSCANpgjCpmNAls9yz6J?domain=pravega.org Please feel free to contact me for further details. Thanks and Warm Regards Prashant Gokhale Corporate Relations Coordinator Pravega '21 IISc Bangalore Mob - 9326308710 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From richard.de-grijs at mq.edu.au Fri Sep 18 19:20:59 2020 From: richard.de-grijs at mq.edu.au (Richard de Grijs) Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2020 19:20:59 +1000 Subject: [ASA] Fwd: [IAU OAD] UN75 Dialogue: Astronomy - a Unique Educational Tool for furthering the SDGs In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: [IAU OAD] UN75 Dialogue: Astronomy - a Unique Educational Tool for furthering the SDGs Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2020 11:16:15 +0200 From: Ramasamy Venugopal Reply-To: Ramasamy Venugopal To: Projects OAD Dear colleagues, *UN75 Dialogue: Astronomy - a Unique Educational Tool for furthering the SDGs,* September 28, 2020, online event The IAU European Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (E-ROAD) is organizing an online dialogue during the 75th UN General Assembly, and a face-to-face event in 2021, on the unique contribution of astronomy, its technology and inspirational power to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The dialogue is part of the ISC ScienceDigital at UNGA75 conference, that will address how science and ICT can contribute to attaining the SDGs.The event will have a particular focus on astronomy as a tool for stimulating global citizenship via early education. South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Grace Naledi Pandor, will be delivering the opening address (recorded) for the event. Free to register: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/QgmjCvl1rKiwDNpyfQ86KE?domain=eventbrite.com For queries, write to Michelle Willebrands, Coordinator, E-ROAD, willebrands at strw.leidenuniv.nl . Regards, *Ramasamy Venugopal, * *Office of Astronomy for Development* c/o South African Astronomical Observatory PO Box 9, Observatory, 7935 Cape Town, South Africa https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/aM85CxngwOfE2MnQfY66_S?domain=astro4dev.org !DSPAM:5f647b0a16022309673021! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: