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Department Newsletters

Staff Newsletter - march 2020

Catch up on who's coming and going in the department; find out why there was 'love' in the air here in February; meet the postdoc looking for lifesavers; and read about the fun ways some junior PIs are building their staff netwok. These are just some of the stories in this issue of Staff@Chem – the newsletter for, and about, Department of Chemistry staff.

Having problems viewing this newsletter? Please email news@ch.cam.ac.uk And use this email address at any time to tell the communications team if you have news to share. Thank you!

Comings & Goings

There have been a number of staff changes in the past few months. Catch up on recent staff changes here, including new arrivals, promotions, and staff leaving and retiring.

Wojciech is an 'Unsung Hero'

Staff member Wojciech Cesarczyk was named one of the University's 'Unsung Heroes' in December at the Professional Service Recognition Awards 2019. He was nominated for his work in the Gaunt Group research lab.

25 Years of Service

Two of our colleagues were recognised at an awards ceremony recently for the 25 years of service they have each given to this department.

Love Your Data (Champion)

Love was in the air from the 10th to the 14th February. That's because it was Love Data Week 2020 – a chance for us to get to know our Departmental Data Champions Clair, Paul, Ennio and Sergio.

Christmas Picture Gallery

Some very familiar faces turned up at the Department Christmas party in December, when a few former colleagues who have retired came back to join current staff for a festive drink and a catch-up.

A Run for your Money

Were you in Cambridge on Sunday 8th March - the day of the Cambridge Half Marathon? If so, did you spot several members of this department who were among the runners taking to the streets for 13.1 miles?

Looking for Lifesavers

A postdoc here who donated blood stem cells two years ago and helped save a cancer patient's life is now encouraging others to do the same. At a recent event here, he and fellow volunteers signed up more than 40 potential new donors.

Networking event with a difference

The newly established Junior PI's Network had fun recently when they held a Poker Night as a social event. Read on to find out who took home the pot of £40 and two fume cupboards...

A change to core hours

In response to last summer's Staff Survey, core hours for assistant staff have been changed as from the beginning of this year. They can now work their hours more flexibly.

Inspiring Girls in STEM

A researcher from this department took part in the Cambridge East STEM Day in February where more than 800 girl guides came along to explore science.

Five Ways to Wellbeing

Many of you will have noticed the posters currently appearing on walls around the building, telling us about 'Five Ways to Wellbeing'. This is one of the department's latest wellbeing initiatives to help foster the psychological as well as the physical wellbeing of staff here.

Bundle of joy

Who doesn't love a baby? And this one's a little cutie. Baby Nicholas was born to Secretary Echo Wu Williamson at the end of November.

Anyone for Cricket?

Anyone for cricket? There is a friendly inter-departmental cricket league that takes place in Cambridge each year from May to July. The Chemistry department has entered a team in previous years and would love to do so again this year – but they need some more players.