Work and Corona

The Corona pandemic dramatically influences the way we live and work. Most of us need to adapt to new routines, lab work is not possible and social interaction with friends and colleagues can only happen via (video-)calls. In these exceptional circumstances we first of all hope you are healthy. No one expects you to be as productive as you would normally be. Do what you can do in your current circumstances, in the personal situation you are in, and lower your expectations. Everyone understands it, everyone is in the same situation.

Below we list ideas and useful links for coping with current situation (if you have further suggestions mail us)

University information on the Corona situation

National Institute for Public Health and the Environment information

NWO website with Corona related updates on funding rounds, ongoing research and NWO's policy

Stay in touch!

Get together in groupmeetings, coffee/lunch breaks or even a borrel via Skype, Zoom, Google Hangout etc. It may have its limitations, but it is an acceptable way to discuss, socialize and stay connected.
Related to that a short interview with Stanford psychologist Jamil Zaki sharing some thoughts and ideas on distant socializing.

Make use of the UG remote infrastructure

Remote work environment UWP enabling of campus access to software like COMSOL, MatLab, and many more
RUG Software Download portal (in case you are facing or have faced some limitations, e.g. software not available or limited software licenses, please fill this google form to collect your needs and enable us to place a directed request to CIT
RUG remote library access

At surfspot.nl you can login with your UG p- or s-number and buy and download a wide range of software packages for free or at a huge discount (many below 15 Euro). Also hardware deals and deliveries are possible. The site is an ICT web-shop/service from all Dutch Universities and Higher Education together.

Get help on various issues of working from home

RUG information on online work in general
RUG information and support on online teaching
Health aspects

Support for PhD students

Central PhD support website

Options for online courses to develop your academic or professional skills

Online courses offered by RUG
Course on using the Peregrine supercomputer of the RUG

Many online courses to develop your academic or professional skills at platforms such as Coursera (special offer https://www.coursera.org/coronavirus), Udemy, EdX, FutureLearn, MITopencourseware, Codecademy, are currently free of charge.

Dutch News in English

News in the Netherlands : https://nltimes.nl/ or https://www.dutchnews.nl/
News in the 3 northern provinces https://northerntimes.nl/
Translations of news broadcasted on NOS.nl https://www.facebook.com/NOSinEnglish/

Information for international colleagues

A lot of information on various topics including news in English is provided through the International Welcome Center North. Although currently closed for face-to-face consultation, you may get in touch with them by phone or e-mail if you have specific questions.

Miscellaneous

Appreciation of solidarity https://www.scienceguide.nl/2020/04/erken-en-waardeer-solidariteit-in-tijden-van-crisis/

TED talk "It's OK to feel overwhelmed. Here is what to do next" by Elizabeth Gilbert on how to cope with and take the most out of the Corona situation.