MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL Despite the immense challenge thrown at us by Covid, I can proudly say that staff in Ocean Sciences have delivered almost all of our teaching ‘in person and face to face’ over the last 9 months.
Staff have simultaneously livestreamed lectures, and, as we have done for a number of years, recorded our lectures and posted these online shortly after delivery. As a result, our students, whether in the lecture theatre, working remotely or even overseas, will have been able to access the majority of the teaching delivered on their programmes. This has required staff to use new digital tools alongside traditional teaching methods, and has of course required students to learn to engage with us in new and different ways, and some innovative practices will no doubt become embedded in our teaching. The technical staff have risen to the challenge of some substantially complex logistics to make practical and field classes happen, but it is now good to see the ‘Perspex’ screens and distancing signs coming down across the campus. Covid has been devastating and our thoughts are with those who have lost family and friends and those who have found the last two years especially difficult. We appreciate that completing a University degree through these times has not been straightforward and commend your efforts. This July sees the unique situation of us welcoming back our Graduands from the last three years to a series of Graduations in July. We really look forward to celebrating with you, your families and friends on what will be a great occasion – especially for those of you who have waited for three years! We will also celebrate the success of three members of staff being awarded Teaching Fellowships at the ceremonies. We are delighted to share your successes (some of which you can read about in the following pages). Speaking of successes, and as many of you look to employment, it is significant to know that the Research Excellence Framework has reaffirmed Ocean Sciences as one of the leading Ocean Science research departments producing research and impact of world leading quality (again, you can read more in this Newsletter about this). At the same time, we are delighted that the Whatuni Awards 2022 show that our students rate us very highly, and we are seeing strong recruitment for the coming year. We remain grateful to our Alumni for their continued support of our current students through careers advice, scholarships, and placement opportunities. These are essential components to continuing to ensure a strong Bangor community of Ocean Scientists across the World. As restrictions lift, we will be planning more Alumni events and hope that some of you will return to celebrate the Prince Madog’s 21st Birthday in September. Professor John Turner, Head of School
