A conversation for staff and students at Durham University - contributions welcome, opinions wanted.
Welcome to November’s edition of Dialogue magazine.
In Dialogue 11 we introduced our first Dialogue competition to mark World Photography Day and we’re excited to announce the winners in this edition.
Over the summer, the University moved from hybrid working as a pilot project, towards a more long-term implementation of the arrangements and Dialogue caught up with some colleagues from HR-OD to get more details about hybrid working at Durham.
Also in this edition, you can find out about: a century of global fascination with Tutankhamun; the first direct evidence that babies react differently to various smells and tastes while in the womb by looking at their facial expressions; and how you can stay safe while travelling during the autumn and winter months.
Dialogue looks back at the first ever Making a Difference staff event asking what the next steps will be following the event, and we also learn how much work is involved in getting ready to welcome our new and returning students at the start of the academic year.
Finally, we’re proud to share with you that Dialogue has won a Gold Award for Best Publication at the CIPR PRide North East awards.
Please continue to share your stories with us at: dialogue@durham.ac.uk.
Image: iStock / ACIDmit
Dialogue highlights
Getting the most from hybrid working
Over the summer, the University moved from hybrid working as a pilot project, towards a more long-term implementation of the arrangements for many colleagues.
A celebration of photography – our winners
To mark World Photography Day back in August, we invited people to enter our first ever Dialogue photography competition.
Wellbeing support for the new academic year
As part of our work to help colleagues and students with their physical and mental wellbeing, we’ve launched the University’s first Wellbeing Calendar.
Gold for Digital Dialogue
We’re proud to announce that we’ve won Gold at the CIPR PRride North East Awards in the ‘Best Publication’ category.
Discover my world
Fetuses react to taste and smell in the womb
Our psychologists have shown the first direct evidence that babies react differently to various smells and tastes while in the womb by looking at their facial expressions.
Understanding a century of global fascination with Tutankhamun: In conversation with Professor Christina Riggs
Professor Christina Riggs, Department of History, is a renowned expert on ancient Egypt and the Tutankhamun excavation. As the world marks 100 years since the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, we chat to Christina about her research expertise and how visual culture, such as photography, has been at the heart of a century of global fascination.
Durham inspires
Awards for research excellence
Three of our academics have received awards for their research excellence.
Cycling safely this winter
As we move toward winter and we begin to see less daylight, it’s important to stay visible when cycling.
Durham Book Festival
We are always pleased to be a partner in the Durham Book Festival. This year saw the return of Durham alumnus Jeremy Vine.
Gold Award win for Botanic Garden
Durham University’s Botanic Garden has been awarded a Gold Medal in the ‘Tourist, Visitor Attraction and Country Estate’ category at this year’s Northumbria in Bloom Awards.
In conversation: Apprenticeships
Gone are the days when apprenticeships were just for school leavers. For many, they’re now a catalyst for a career change or an excellent opportunity to develop yourself, or members of your team.
Making a Difference: what next?
Dialogue looks back at the first ever Making a Difference staff event, which took place on 15 September, and asks what the next steps will be following this unique conference.
Help save energy at the flick of a switch
Did you know, switching off your PC every night and at weekends for a year can save the equivalent energy needed to make 30,000 cups of coffee?
Tackling structural inequality in the research funding landscape
A Durham-based funding scheme is pioneering an application and review process that enhances diversity and builds capacity.
Black History Month
Since 1987, Black History Month has sought to rectify the omission of many aspects of history relating to people of African and Caribbean heritage.
Celebrate Science returns
Palace Green saw the return of Celebrate Science in October, following a pause of the popular event over the pandemic.
Insights
Offering a warm welcome to students
From college bedrooms to course materials, there’s lots of work involved to get ready for new and returning students at the start of the academic year.