Searching for Initiative Coordinator

VMI, the association of scientific staff at the department of computer science, is looking for a coordinator for our Scientific Excellence & Well-Being initiative. The initiative is designed to help our members face the high demands of working at a high level of academic research and teaching through a series of workshops, talks and peer group activities.

The role consists of high-level coordination of the initiative, assembling a programme and coordinating with Dr. Anamarija Klaic (UZH) for the scientific evaluation of our initiative. In addition, it includes hands-on involvement, hosting workshops and supporting our members and volunteers in hosting events.

The coordinator will have a leading role in the project, working in close collaboration with VMI members and volunteers to shape the future of the initiative. We are looking for a driven person, preferably with experience in coaching, organising workshops and coordinating large groups of volunteers.

The coordinator is expected to find and interact with external collaborators, such as speakers and workshop organisers, partner organisations, funding bodies and researchers in the field of mental health and scientific excellence. Additionally, the coordinator’s responsibilities include evaluating the needs of VMI members and measuring the success of the initiative.

The work will be a mixture of administrative tasks undertaken alone and direct interaction with VMI members. Personal experience from work in academia would be beneficial.

UPDATE: We have filled this position. Thank you for your interest!

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General Assembly

The scientific staff association (VMI) invites you to the next general assembly. VMI represents the interests of the scientific staff within the decision‐making bodies of the Department, provides information and support to its members and fosters networking and collaboration among members of the scientific staff. We organize the annual D-INFK summer retreat, random lunches and a variety of other social and academic events throughout the year.

When and where?

We meet on Thursday, 17th of December at 17:00 via Zoom to present the work of the past year, discuss plans for 2021 and to elect new representatives and a new board. Please feel free to look at the Agenda and the Minutes from the previous GA.

Update: Presentation & Minutes

Here are the Presentation and the Minutes.

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Take a Break: at Work and at Home

What?

As part of our Scientific Excellence & Well-Being initiative, we are excited to announce this talk:

Title: Take a Break
Speaker: Olga Mineeva

We will discuss ways to take a break during the day in order to recharge yourself.
We will go through the list of activities, useful mobile apps and will practice some relaxation technics. In the end, we will share our experiences what usually works and what doesn’t to learn the best from each other.

Olga Mineeva is a 2nd year PhD student at Biomedical Informatics Group in Department of Computer Science. Her background is in Physics and Data Science. Moving abroad and starting a PhD naturally increased her interest in methods for mental strength and productivity boosting.

After the talk, we invite you to join us for a small apero.

When and where?

Friday, 24.04.20 at 14:00 on Zoom

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Emotional Intelligence - Skills for the New Decade

What?

Well-being is even more important during times where real-world social interactions are rare. The VMI Well-Being & Scientific Excellence initiative consequently extends into the virtual world. Follow with other VMI members the free Search Inside Yourself webinar “Emotional Intelligence: Skills for the New Decade” and join us for a virtual apero right in our Zoom room right after.

Webinar Abstract:

In the face of global crisis, uncertainty, rapid change, and increasing demands, what is the role for the human-focused skills in the workplace? We believe emotional intelligence and mental resiliences are all the more vital right now. Join us for a discussion with SIYLI’s Board members Cecily Mak and Bill Duane on the role of emotional intelligence at work today and in the years to come. The webinar will be hosted by Steph Stern, SIYLI’s Director of Global Expansion, and will include 45 minutes of discussion and 15 minutes for Q&A.

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