Assorted short topics

Roy Beck

• GIF - it is possible to list recommended reviewers, even though it is not on the form.

Uri Gophna - update status on the pension plan for new (post 2003) PIs :

• The issue is still not signed; No court ruling in sight
• TAU is interested in starting to implement benefits, even before ruling:
  • Maanak Klita - implemented; Rec: take now what you can - not likely to get lower tax in future
  • 3 months salary bonus - not implemented yet
  • A few smaller issues

Yuval Ebenstein - direct purchasing from the US

• The possiblity of purchasing directly from US companies (bypassing their local reps) is checked (logistically and legally)
• May get the aid of AFTAU
• If you know of any large price diffs (>50%) between US and locally-offered prices for any goods - pass info to Yuval.
• Information sharing through Quartzy (http://www.quartzy.com/) - Yuval may pass some suggestions/tutorial
  • Can see what reagents are available in your "circle" (neighboring labs), how much they paid, etc.

Noam Shomron - checking the option for group purchase, to get discounts

Suggested topics for this year

• How to run a group
• Collaborations: When? How? How much?
• When should you cut? (a project/ student)
• Common resources in TAU
• Topics from the HFP workshop
• Department motivation/spirit - how to build it?
• Managing money through the ERP
• Conferences: To which should you go? Send your students?
• Student give/take (carrot/stick) considerations

-- IftachN - 05 Dec 2011