First Lab Meet 2009

This afternoon we had our first lab meeting with boss at "Ruai Wacana", a room ('lounge' if according to Dr Ed) meant for researchers to gather around for scientific discussions. This is perhaps another effort of the faculty to create 'research culture', after series of departmental symposium, colloquiums and research seminars starting last year.

During the meeting, boss announced that he plan to increase the frequency of our lab meet, which of course is most welcomed by members of the lab (almost all of us nodded hard in agreement). Initially I thought boss meant meeting once every month but it turned out to be 'TWICE a month'. Wow! Boss reaffirmed us his decision by saying 'some labs have it once a week' (I guess he could read from our facial expressions that say 'are you kidding?'). He said it's okay if we have nothing in terms of progress to report during the meetings, what he wants are discussions that generate new ideas, or that can contribute to research.

To be honest, I am a little doubtful although I can't deny my excitement when I hear this. It is because boss has been very occupied with administrative stuffs after he took up the position of head of department 2-3 years ago. Anyway, I still take it as a good sign that his focus is slowly shifting back to research. I remembered him telling Grace and I last week that he wanted to talk about research and not about the department (as requested) during the coming departmental seminar because he is a RESEARCHER. A good beginning indeed.