The University recently signed an ORCiD membership agreement as part of continuous development and support for greater research visibility. We are encouraging all researchers to register for ORCiD IDs, to distinguish themselves as UP researchers. To celebrate our ORCiD membership, the Department of Library Services at UP invited Google Chrome expert, Karen Walstra, Program Manager at Google Chrome GTM (Global), to discuss the relationship between Google and academic research.

About the presentation:

Ever since Google was born in Stanford's Computer Science Department, the company has valued and maintained strong relations with universities and research institutes. Research at Google tackles the most challenging problems in computer science and related fields. Being bold and taking risks are essential to what we do, and research teams are embedded throughout Google, which enables our discoveries to affect billions of users every day. We will explore some of the programs and resources Google offers to academics and how they might enhance the visibility of what researchers are exploring.

Karen Walstra researches and manages projects on how Chrome initiatives inform and enable global markets for educational environments. Prior to working at Google she was a teacher, teacher-trainer, lecturer and head of academics, exploring educational change. She coordinated Thandulwazi, a teacher and school leader development outreach project. She is an author and presenter. She completed an honours degree in Educational Technology at the University of the Witwatersrand, focussing on response systems in the classroom. She also did a master's in Educational Technology, focussing on mobile learning. She is passionate about how technology can enhance and empower learning.

RSVP to Christelle Steyn at [email protected] before Thursday, 20 October.

Refreshments will be served.