Digest

fellowships
The Leverhulme Trustees are offering approximately 30 Fellowships in 2005. The Fellowships are to provide career development opportunities for those with a proven record of research at an early stage of their academic careers. Application details are available until 1 March and can be obtained from the Trust's web site: www.leverhulme.ac.uk

appointment
Professor Rob Duck, Department of Geography, has been appointed by the Scottish Ministers to serve as a member of the Advisory Committee on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (ACSSSI) for a three year period from 1 December 2004. The primary responsibility of this committee is to ensure that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has the benefit of independent scientific advice when taking a decision on the notification of SSSIs and to provide recommendations in the event of unresolved scientific objections.

apology
In the last issue of Contact a piece on page nine referred to Tim Taylor from the Unit of Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology. The correct name is Tim Thompson.

contact
If you, or your department require extra copies of Contact extra copies can be provided. Contact k.z.beattie@dundee.ac.uk, extension 8878 with details.

football
Realise your sporting dreams - enter the University's Champions League Football Tournament organised by the Institute of Sport and Exercise. Keep fit and raise money for good causes. Group stages and final play-offs will decide the best football team on campus. Further information at: www.dundee.ac.uk/sportexercise/events/clf.htm

art
Paintings by Boyd Professor of Dental Surgery Derrick Chisholm and Librarian Elspeth Collier are the focus of 'Spirit of Place', the current exhibition in the University Library.

chair
Professor Peter Kitson of the Department of English has been elected to the Chair of the English Association. He will serve for three years and then become, by precedent, its president in 2006, the association's centenary year. The English Association is the most important professional body in the subject area. Its aim is to further knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the English language and its literatures and to foster good practice in its teaching and learning at all levels. Today the association is an international organisation with branches, three hundred distinguished fellows and members in Britain and throughout the world.

science
Dr Iain Murray, lecturer in Applied Computing, has been elected to the national council of the British Association. The British Association is a unique nationwide society dedicated to connecting science with people, so that science and its applications become accessible to everyone. The BA aims to promote openness about science in society and to engage and inspire people directly with science and technology and their implications.

scholarships
The Science and Technology Department of the French Embassy in the United Kingdom and the Scottish Executive are jointly funding two grants to recruit PhD students, who will bridge the gap between the two laboratories. The programme is open to projects from all scientific and technological disciplines. Application forms and further details are available from www.royalsoced.org.uk

conference
A conference entitled, 'Mental Health: Caring to Make the Difference' will take place on Friday 15 April at the Business and Learning Conference Centre, Halbeath, Dunfermline. To receive further information or to book a place, contact Jeanie Nowland on: 01592 268888 or by email m.j.nowland@dundee.ac.uk.

teaching
Nominations for the award for innovative teaching can now be submitted. The closing date for entries is 25 April. Further details are available at: www.dundee.ac.uk/staffdvpt/hongrad/goodpractice.htm

engineering
An engineering conference for alumni will be held on 18 March. Further information is available at: www.dundee.ac.uk/externalrelations/events/conferences/feps.html

development
Dundee, St Andrews and Abertay Universities are offering a programme for senior clerical, technical and administrative staff as four two-day modules between April and November 2005. Staff will acquire new skills and knowledge in a mixed group of colleagues. The closing date is 18 February. There is no cost to departments. Further details and application form from Morag Pollard, email m.j.pollard@dundee.ac.uk

hockey
The University 3X1 ladies team are looking for a goalkeeper. Anyone who has played before or is interested in having a go contact e.mcivor@dundee.ac.uk. Full kit is provided. Games are played Saturdays and some Sundays.