Science in the Square and on the Tube

Science Outreach, an outreach program in the Faculty of Science, was featured at the Discovery Square event at Kitchener City Hall Tuesday evening, reports Sharon McFarlane of the science faculty.

"Science Outreach has a booth present every Tuesday evening in July to provide hands-on science activities to kids, showcasing a different department each week," McFarlane writes. "This week, Dara Gilbert from the department of chemistry (pictured above) explained the wonders of red cabbage juice as a pH indicator to Erick Traplin, children’s entertainer, on live Rogers TV."

Rogers will be showing the events live as they happen on Tuesdays in July.

Heather Neufeld, Outreach Coordinator extends an invitation to the university community to join Science Outreach each Tuesday evening in July from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in front of Kitchener City Hall.

“All of our volunteers have been doing an excellent job engaging the kids who stop by," Neufeld writes. "Come discover what we’ve been up to!”

A repeat showing of Tuesday’s demonstration is scheduled for tonight at 7:00 p.m. on Rogers TV, cable 20.

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Consumer interest research directory launched

The University of Waterloo, with support from Industry Canada, has developed and launched the Directory of Academic Researchers with a Consumer Interest.

So what is consumer interest research? It can involve research into direct relationship between consumers and sellers, and the study of the social, economic, and psychological incentives that affect consumer behaviour. Better understanding of these factors can help public policy makers design effective instruments to inform, engage and protect consumers.

The searchable directory is a new online resource that will provide policymakers, consumer organizations, and other researchers with access to information about the range of available academic expertise on Canadian consumer interest research. The goal is to reduce the lag between publication of research results and application of those findings in the public or private sector.

This project is an outgrowth of a workshop on Academic Consumer Interest Research (CIR) in Policy-Making: Strengthening a Canadian Network, held at the University of Toronto in the Fall of 2012 and organized by Professor Robert Kerton of the University of Waterloo's economics department.

The directory can be updated by researchers who self-identify as having a focus on consumer interest research. There are more than 50 researchers from institutions across Canada currently listed.

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Reminder: myHRinfo downtime starts today

Human Resources and Information Systems & Technology (IST) will be taking myHRinfo offline today at 4:30 p.m. to support maintenance and regulatory updates.  The downtime will last until Monday, July 15 at 8:30 a.m. During this period, users will not be able to login or to make changes to any information using myHRinfo. Bi-weekly payroll advices for the July 12 pay date will be available for viewing on July 11 until 4:30 p.m.

Anyone requiring additional information is encouraged to contact a member of the HRMS/HR Operations Team:

• Jim Howard, ext. 36451              
• Tammy Marcinko, ext. 36121
• Donna Krzykala, ext. 31888

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Golf and other summer pursuits

The University of Waterloo is one of the corporate partners of this week's Manulife Financial LPGA Classic tournament, which is being held from July 10 to 14 at the Grey Silo Golf Course in RIM Park. More than 140 of the world's top female players will take the field (or is it course?) in pursuit of $1,300,000 in prize money.

On Friday, July 12, the tournament will be "going red" in support of Red Day, which is a benefit for St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation, one of the charities supported by the tournament. Why not show your support as well?

The Renison International Office (RIO) is inviting the campus community to a presentation today at 4:00 p.m. by PhD candidate Julio Noriega entitled "Innovation Through the Lens of a Social Process Theory" in the Dunker Family Lounge at Renison University College.

Noriega was a campus academic director at Monterrey Tech in Mexico before coming to Waterloo to pursue a PhD in Management Sciences. His research "reconceptualizes technologies and technological innovations to their social form." According to Noriega, "Innovation depends on sharing ideas openly, participating in advances and solutions to challenging problems and needs, and inspiring agreement with respect to the enactment of social practices."

"If you're interested in strategic planning, innovation, how new programs come to life, or social change, you won't want to miss this presentation," says Ron Champion, the manager of Renison's International Office.

RSVP to Ron Champion if you wish to attend.

It's GM 2: Electric Boogaloo as the Federation of Students holds the "continuation" of its March General Meeting on Tuesday, July 16 at 4:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre's Great Hall. "All undergraduates are encouraged to attend and vote on motions," writes the Federation's Jacqueline Martinz. "More information on the agenda items and amendments is available online."

And this time around, the Feds are sweetening the deal: as a special treat during the meeting, attendees will be able to enjoy a variety of ice cream flavours from a sundae bar with toppings such as sprinkles and chocolate chips available. Pass me a proxy form!

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