June 2020 - Physics-Departmental-Computing

Fwd: Re: Teams meeting to discuss research computing and ICT restructure
by David Colling 02 Jul '20

02 Jul '20

Dear All, Below is an email from me to the Computing reps from the other departments in the faculty and below that an email from Paul French describing the situation. I would be really grateful if you could survey your groups to try to provide answers to some of the questions and points that I make. Thanks you. best, david -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Re: Teams meeting to discuss research computing and ICT restructure Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2020 21:25:37 +0100 From: David Colling <d.colling(a)imperial.ac.uk> To: French, Paul (PHOT) M W <paul.french(a)imperial.ac.uk>, Staffell, Iain L <i.staffell(a)imperial.ac.uk>, Armstrong-Brown, Sophie <s.armstrong-brown(a)imperial.ac.uk>, Sternberg, Michael J E <m.sternberg(a)imperial.ac.uk>, Keaveny, Eric E <e.keaveny(a)imperial.ac.uk>, Bresme, Fernando <f.bresme(a)imperial.ac.uk> Dear Paul, Thanks for this it is very timely indeed. The first meeting of the group is on Thursday afternoon this week and I would really like some information from each of you and the roles that Research Computing Services plays in your department. I had a chat with Richard Craster this morning and we agreed that we shouldn't just this exercise in stopping things from falling apart but also (and hopefully mainly) as a way of influencing things so that we get a research computing service that delivers what our research needs. Some of the areas that we thought might be important are: - Obviously the HPC service. - flexibility to work with a group and have the expertise to recommend what would best solve their problem (HPC, GPU, Cloud services ...). This could also mean RSE effort (is the RSE service appropriately costed ?) - The ability to support legacy system. Just because the OS that controls a world class instrument goes out of warrantee the instrument may not stop being world class. - Knowledge of secure systems where groups have sensitive (sometimes patient) data. - Do they play any role in grant applications? - What is important to you and what would you like to be provided? - Anything else that you can think of... So I would be grateful if you could make the most appropriate survey of your department to see what is good (and not so good) about the current service and what would make it the service we really want. In organisational terms is it simply a service or should we change the name to reflect how it works with research groups? Anyway, all thought and input are welcome. best, david On 29/06/2020 18:12, French, Paul (PHOT) M W wrote: > Dear Colleagues, > > I am writing because you are the nominated Research Computing > representatives for your Department. > > As you may know, David Colling represents FoNS on the group advising on > research computing for the ICT restructuring and Richard has suggested > that we meet for the first time and hear from David on progress. > > Please complete this Doodle Poll to identify a suitable time: > https://doodle.com/poll/5gykt6ns6cznwunw > > Of course this will be a Teams meeting > > Best wishes, > > Paul >

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Re: [Physics-Departmental-Computing] ICT Restructuring - any updates?
by David Colling 18 Jun '20

18 Jun '20

There are a few things going but we can expect to hear more later, however things end up. I suspect that RCS will be safe but I am not sure about support services. I have been told by a number of people that the reason that they didn't sign was that they felt that ICT needed some reform and shake up. Best, david On 18/06/2020 16:24, Clements, Dave L wrote: > A couple of days ago it was mentioned in an astro staff meeting that there had been an emergency Council meeting about the opposition to the ICT restructuring. > > Such emergency meetings don’t happen often. Someone said that they only happen when someone senior is being fired. > > If the rumours are correct, there may be hope of something changing. > > Dave > >> On 18 Jun 2020, at 16:15, Bantges, Richard J <r.bantges(a)imperial.ac.uk> wrote: >> >> Hi David, >> >> I am continuing to receive lots of emails from various ICT members of staff that are clearly stressed and distressed by the planned ICT restructuring. I suspect you and others on this email list are too. I just wanted to know whether you'd received any feedback from Michele regarding the points raised during our meeting on Monday 8th, and summarised in the document you forwarded to us (thanks for doing that)? >> >> Apparently there are only around 1200 signatures to the open letter here https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=B3WJK4zudUWDC0-CZ8PTB1O… >> >> If this is a clear indication of the level of concern around the College, then it may be that Physics might consider the risk to be greater than other Departments, or that the implications of the changes suggested in the white paper are not fully recognised by other departments. Either way, I am concerned that it will soon be too late to at least delay the implementation of any changes before a thorough consultation and open discussion can be carried out. If the rumours of College needing to cut costs fast ahead of the start of the new academic year are true, I fear the current plan may result in many of us no longer having options for support from ICT after the 1st August - yikes, in around 6 weeks from now! >> >> Hope all is going well otherwise. >> >> Best wishes and sorry to add to your email inbox (again!), >> Rich >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: David Colling [mailto:d.colling@imperial.ac.uk] >> Sent: 11 June 2020 13:12 >> To: Bantges, Richard J <r.bantges(a)imperial.ac.uk> >> Cc: physics-departmental-computing <physics-departmental-computing(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Clements, Dave L <d.clements(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Cohen, Lesley <l.cohen(a)imperial.ac.uk> >> Subject: Public version Re: FW: ICT Redundancies >> >> Hi All, >> >> I meant to send this yesterday but to say that I have been busy ... >> >> Attached is a version that I think that everybody will be happy being public and distributed as widely as is useful. Specifically, it removes a name of somebody who might be adversely effected if publicly associated with comments in the appendix. So please only distribute this version outside of the Department. >> >> Best, >> david >> >> On 09/06/2020 14:35, David Colling wrote: >>> Hi Rich, >>> >>> You have started something that I was going to email about anyway - >>> just I have had meetings for most of the day so far. >>> >>> I have advised people that I view the main body of the document as >>> public but not the appendix until I have explicit agreement from the >>> people whose emails I included there. So these people are: >>> >>> - Robert Kingham >>> - Jarvist Moore Frost (who might to ask permission from the people >>> whose comments he included) >>> - Dave Clements >>> - Err.. you Rich >>> and Robert Kingham again. >>> >>> So if these people reply saying that hey are happy for their comments >>> to be public then the whole document is. However, even without this >>> the main body is as this is a summary of a departmental meeting and >>> these should be open by their very nature. >>> >>> Best, >>> david >>> >>> On 09/06/2020 11:55, Bantges, Richard J wrote: >>>> Hi David & Physics Dept. Computing Reps, >>>> >>>> I just wanted to check that there aren't any objections to sharing >>>> the contents of the summary from yesterday's meeting with other Departments? >>>> >>>> Please let me know if there are, otherwise I will forward David's >>>> summary to Suhail at the end of today, to give him an overview of the >>>> concerns from some of us in the Physics Department. >>>> >>>> I think Robert's earlier comment about our "cost" of reacting to >>>> proposed restructuring of ICT is incredibly insightful! >>>> >>>> Best wishes, >>>> >>>> Rich >>>> >>>> *From:*Islam, Suhail A >>>> *Sent:* 09 June 2020 11:47 >>>> *To:* Bantges, Richard J <r.bantges(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Wiltshire, Jeff >>>> N <jeff.wiltshire(a)imperial.ac.uk> >>>> *Subject:* re: ICT Redundancies >>>> >>>> Dear Richard/Jeff >>>> >>>> I am the Rep for the Dept of Life Sciences and look after the >>>> >>>> computer systems for a number of research groups here. In >>>> >>>> addition, I am involved in IT teaching for UG & PG students. >>>> >>>> Therefore, very dependent on ICT and HPC support. The worst >>>> >>>> aspect of these proposed changes is to see our ICT colleagues >>>> >>>> jobs on the line. >>>> >>>> I have seen the Open Letter (which I will sign) and your comments. >>>> >>>> As with yourselves I am extremely concerned with the proposed >>>> >>>> changes and in particular the (unbelievable) timing. *May I please* >>>> >>>> *trouble you to CC me in any general communications/meetings, * >>>> >>>> *especially those requiring support*. >>>> >>>> At the moment I am trying to understand the practical implications >>>> >>>> of these changes and talking with various people. Any further >>>> information >>>> >>>> would be invaluable. >>>> >>>> Regards >>>> >>>> Suhail >>>> >>>> ---------------------------------- >>>> Dr Suhail A Islam >>>> Centre for Integrative Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Department >>>> of Life Sciences Faculty of Natural Sciences Imperial College London >>>> London SW7 2AZ >>>> email: suhail.islam(a)imperial.ac.uk >>>> www: www.sbg.bio.ic.ac.uk >>>> Tel: +44-(0)20-7594-5333 >>>> Fax: +44-(0)20-7594-5789 >>>> ---------------------------------- >>>> >

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ICT Restructuring - any updates?
by Bantges, Richard J 18 Jun '20

18 Jun '20

Hi David, I am continuing to receive lots of emails from various ICT members of staff that are clearly stressed and distressed by the planned ICT restructuring. I suspect you and others on this email list are too. I just wanted to know whether you'd received any feedback from Michele regarding the points raised during our meeting on Monday 8th, and summarised in the document you forwarded to us (thanks for doing that)? Apparently there are only around 1200 signatures to the open letter here https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=B3WJK4zudUWDC0-CZ8PTB1O… If this is a clear indication of the level of concern around the College, then it may be that Physics might consider the risk to be greater than other Departments, or that the implications of the changes suggested in the white paper are not fully recognised by other departments. Either way, I am concerned that it will soon be too late to at least delay the implementation of any changes before a thorough consultation and open discussion can be carried out. If the rumours of College needing to cut costs fast ahead of the start of the new academic year are true, I fear the current plan may result in many of us no longer having options for support from ICT after the 1st August - yikes, in around 6 weeks from now! Hope all is going well otherwise. Best wishes and sorry to add to your email inbox (again!), Rich -----Original Message----- From: David Colling [mailto:d.colling@imperial.ac.uk] Sent: 11 June 2020 13:12 To: Bantges, Richard J <r.bantges(a)imperial.ac.uk> Cc: physics-departmental-computing <physics-departmental-computing(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Clements, Dave L <d.clements(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Cohen, Lesley <l.cohen(a)imperial.ac.uk> Subject: Public version Re: FW: ICT Redundancies Hi All, I meant to send this yesterday but to say that I have been busy ... Attached is a version that I think that everybody will be happy being public and distributed as widely as is useful. Specifically, it removes a name of somebody who might be adversely effected if publicly associated with comments in the appendix. So please only distribute this version outside of the Department. Best, david On 09/06/2020 14:35, David Colling wrote: > Hi Rich, > > You have started something that I was going to email about anyway - > just I have had meetings for most of the day so far. > > I have advised people that I view the main body of the document as > public but not the appendix until I have explicit agreement from the > people whose emails I included there. So these people are: > > - Robert Kingham > - Jarvist Moore Frost (who might to ask permission from the people > whose comments he included) > - Dave Clements > - Err.. you Rich > and Robert Kingham again. > > So if these people reply saying that hey are happy for their comments > to be public then the whole document is. However, even without this > the main body is as this is a summary of a departmental meeting and > these should be open by their very nature. > > Best, > david > > On 09/06/2020 11:55, Bantges, Richard J wrote: >> Hi David & Physics Dept. Computing Reps, >> >> I just wanted to check that there aren't any objections to sharing >> the contents of the summary from yesterday's meeting with other Departments? >> >> Please let me know if there are, otherwise I will forward David's >> summary to Suhail at the end of today, to give him an overview of the >> concerns from some of us in the Physics Department. >> >> I think Robert's earlier comment about our "cost" of reacting to >> proposed restructuring of ICT is incredibly insightful! >> >> Best wishes, >> >> Rich >> >> *From:*Islam, Suhail A >> *Sent:* 09 June 2020 11:47 >> *To:* Bantges, Richard J <r.bantges(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Wiltshire, Jeff >> N <jeff.wiltshire(a)imperial.ac.uk> >> *Subject:* re: ICT Redundancies >> >> Dear Richard/Jeff >> >> I am the Rep for the Dept of Life Sciences and look after the >> >> computer systems for a number of research groups here. In >> >> addition, I am involved in IT teaching for UG & PG students. >> >> Therefore, very dependent on ICT and HPC support. The worst >> >> aspect of these proposed changes is to see our ICT colleagues >> >> jobs on the line. >> >> I have seen the Open Letter (which I will sign) and your comments. >> >> As with yourselves I am extremely concerned with the proposed >> >> changes and in particular the (unbelievable) timing. *May I please* >> >> *trouble you to CC me in any general communications/meetings, * >> >> *especially those requiring support*. >> >> At the moment I am trying to understand the practical implications >> >> of these changes and talking with various people. Any further >> information >> >> would be invaluable. >> >> Regards >> >> Suhail >> >> ---------------------------------- >> Dr Suhail A Islam >> Centre for Integrative Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Department >> of Life Sciences Faculty of Natural Sciences Imperial College London >> London SW7 2AZ >> email: suhail.islam(a)imperial.ac.uk >> www: www.sbg.bio.ic.ac.uk >> Tel: +44-(0)20-7594-5333 >> Fax: +44-(0)20-7594-5789 >> ---------------------------------- >>

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FW: ICT Redundancies
by Bantges, Richard J 11 Jun '20

11 Jun '20

Hi David & Physics Dept. Computing Reps, I just wanted to check that there aren't any objections to sharing the contents of the summary from yesterday's meeting with other Departments? Please let me know if there are, otherwise I will forward David's summary to Suhail at the end of today, to give him an overview of the concerns from some of us in the Physics Department. I think Robert's earlier comment about our "cost" of reacting to proposed restructuring of ICT is incredibly insightful! Best wishes, Rich From: Islam, Suhail A Sent: 09 June 2020 11:47 To: Bantges, Richard J <r.bantges(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Wiltshire, Jeff N <jeff.wiltshire(a)imperial.ac.uk> Subject: re: ICT Redundancies Dear Richard/Jeff I am the Rep for the Dept of Life Sciences and look after the computer systems for a number of research groups here. In addition, I am involved in IT teaching for UG & PG students. Therefore, very dependent on ICT and HPC support. The worst aspect of these proposed changes is to see our ICT colleagues jobs on the line. I have seen the Open Letter (which I will sign) and your comments. As with yourselves I am extremely concerned with the proposed changes and in particular the (unbelievable) timing. May I please trouble you to CC me in any general communications/meetings, especially those requiring support. At the moment I am trying to understand the practical implications of these changes and talking with various people. Any further information would be invaluable. Regards Suhail ---------------------------------- Dr Suhail A Islam Centre for Integrative Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Department of Life Sciences Faculty of Natural Sciences Imperial College London London SW7 2AZ email: suhail.islam(a)imperial.ac.uk www: www.sbg.bio.ic.ac.uk Tel: +44-(0)20-7594-5333 Fax: +44-(0)20-7594-5789 ----------------------------------

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Fwd: FW: EPSRC Invitation for outlines Update
by David Colling 10 Jun '20

10 Jun '20

Please note the RSE fellowship precall in the link below -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: FW: EPSRC Invitation for outlines Update Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2020 15:57:08 +0000 From: Araujo, Henrique M d O P <h.araujo(a)imperial.ac.uk> To: Colling, David J <d.colling(a)imperial.ac.uk>, Davies, Gavin J <g.j.davies(a)imperial.ac.uk> EPSRC Invitation for outlines Update *From:*French, Paul (PHOT) M W *Sent:* 10 June 2020 16:30 *To:* Araujo, Henrique M d O P <h.araujo(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Armstrong-Brown, Sophie <s.armstrong-brown(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Barahona, Mauricio <m.barahona(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Burgman, Mark A <m.burgman(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Christophides, George K <g.christophides(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Degond, Pierre A A <p.degond(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Hayward, Louise <l.hayward(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Hohenester, Erhard <e.hohenester(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Chittenden, Jeremy P <j.chittenden(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Siegert, Martin J <m.siegert(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Vilar Compte, Ramon <r.vilar(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Voulvoulis, Nick <n.voulvoulis(a)imperial.ac.uk>; Weir, Kenny <k.weir(a)imperial.ac.uk> *Subject:* FW: EPSRC Invitation for outlines Update FYI – please particularly note the forthcoming call for Research Software Engineers Best wishes, Paul *From:*Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council <EPSRC(a)public.govdelivery.com <mailto:EPSRC@public.govdelivery.com>> *Sent:* 10 June 2020 11:01 *To:* French, Paul (PHOT) M W <paul.french(a)imperial.ac.uk <mailto:paul.french@imperial.ac.uk>> *Subject:* EPSRC Invitation for outlines Update e p s r c Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVy…>. Invitation for outlines *FUNDING <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVy…>* *NEWS <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVy…>* *MULTIMEDIA <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVy…>* *BLOG <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVy…>* *Pre-announcement for Research Software Engineer (RSE) Fellowships <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVy…>* 09-06-2020 12:00 AM BST EPSRC will shortly be inviting applications for outline proposals for Research Software Engineer (RSE) Fellowships. *Adventurous Manufacturing call <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVy…>* 08-06-2020 12:00 AM BST EPSRC will shortly be inviting investigators to submit outline proposals to Round 2 of the Adventurous Manufacturing call. *Pre-announcement for Responsive Manufacturing Outline Call <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVy…>* 05-06-2020 12:00 AM BST EPSRC will shortly be inviting outline proposals for Responsive Manufacturing research projects. *CONNECT WITH EPSRC* e p s r c blog <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVy…>twitter <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVy…>facebook <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVy…>youtube <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVy…>flickr <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTIsInVy…>r s s feed <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTMsInVy…> e p s r c*MANAGE PREFERENCES OR UNSUBSCRIBE <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTQsInVy…>* *CONTACT US <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTUsInVy…>* *HELP <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTYsInVy…>* ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This email was sent to paul.french(a)imperial.ac.uk <mailto:paul.french@imperial.ac.uk> using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: EPSRC · Polaris House · North Star Avenue · Swindon · SN2 1ET GovDelivery logo <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTcsInVy…>

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Notes from this morning's meeting
by David Colling 09 Jun '20

09 Jun '20

Dear All, Please find attached my notes from our meeting this morning. My apologies that they have taken longer to write up than I had hoped - I kept on getting interruptions. I was hoping to send them out earlier so that others could comment before sending them to Michele and Paul. Because of the latness of the hour I have decided to cc them on this message so that they have something. I will also take any comments/suggestions and try to provide an updated version by tomorrow. I will also add as an appendix the individual group responses that I have received as these provide supporting evidence for what we are saying. Best, david

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ICT reorganisation
by David Colling 08 Jun '20

08 Jun '20

Dear Members of the Physics Computing Committee, You will all no doubt be aware of the reorganisation being planned in ICT. From correspondence with some of you today, it is clear that some of you have read the white paper and others have not. I am not sure how secret this document is meant to be but I have been sent so many copies that I view it as essentially being public and so I have attached it to this email. I would urge you all to read it carefully and especially the staff planning at the end of the document. best, david

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Open letter to management
by David Colling 08 Jun '20

08 Jun '20

Dear All, Some of you have asked me for a link to the open letter to the management regarding the ICT restructuring. The link is at: https://bit.ly/374ggIl Clearly, it is up to individuals to sign or not as they see fit, also to circulate or not as they see fit. While this letter concentrates on process and fairness, which is completely appropriate coming from the union as it does. I feel that the response from Physics should concentrate on what effects our core functions rather than the fairness of the process. However, as individuals we may well have views on the process as well. Best, david

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Zoom coordinates Re: Tomorrow 11am - Special meeting of Physics Computing Committee
by David Colling 08 Jun '20

08 Jun '20

Dear All, Most people seem to prefer zoom so here arte some coordinates (please forward to anybody else you have invited): David Colling is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://cern.zoom.us/j/97434269947?pwd=ekxWNkNsNEdocFJ5V3MyZXlxWGlKdz09 Meeting ID: 974 3426 9947 Password: 2u400A One tap mobile +16699009128,,97434269947#,,1#,426461# US (San Jose) +12532158782,,97434269947#,,1#,426461# US (Tacoma) Dial by your location +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) Meeting ID: 974 3426 9947 Password: 426461 Find your local number: https://cern.zoom.us/u/abvHFoZcW5 Join by SIP 97434269947(a)188.184.85.92 97434269947(a)188.184.89.188 Join by H.323 188.184.85.92 188.184.89.188 Meeting ID: 974 3426 9947 Password: 426461

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Tomorrow 11am - Special meeting of Physics Computing Committee
by David Colling 07 Jun '20

07 Jun '20

Dear All, A few people have asked for a special meeting of the Physics Departmental Computing Committee to discuss the ICT reforms. Also I believe that there is a FoNS HoDs meeting first thing on Tuesday and so if we are to give any feedback to this grouping we need to put it together tomorrow. Some points: 1. Whatever our personal feeling are about friends potentially loosing their jobs in ICT (and I suspect that I have more friends in ICT than most of you) this is not the business of this committee. The sole business of this committee is how this will effect physics - our teaching and our research (and our admin). 2. There are significant members of our committee who are in ICT. These people may well be conflicted and so I am happy for them not to come/to attend but only listen/participate fully as they feel comfortable. 3. I suspect that this will be a small meeting as most people will not have an opinion, but I want it to be as open as possible so feel free to invite other people who have opinions (both in favour and against). I have invited Paul French as Vice Dean for Research who will be joining us half way through and Matt Harvey who many of you know as head of ICT HPC and Research Computing efforts. Please invite anybody you see fit. 4. Please try to let me know if you and/or others plan to join (or not join) so that we can start in a non-ragid way. Finally, for reasons not worth going into here I cannot schedule teams meetings so unless somebody volunteers to set up a teams meeting for this I will use my CERN account toi schedule a zoom meeting first thing in the morning. Best, david

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