Call for Science Meetings -
GENOMIC-RESOURCES aims to contribute to the education of a new generation of scientists in applying cutting edge approaches to the characterization, economic evaluation, management, exploitation and conservation of Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR). Target researchers learn and work with novel tools and methods made available by recent advances in molecular technologies, statistical and socio-economic approaches, GIScience and integrated data analysis.
For 2013, GENOMIC-RESOURCES invites proposals from potential organisers of a 2 or 3-day sandpit meeting to take place in August - September 2013, addressing the issue "social science meets animal science: how to favour scientific integration and capacity building fo sustaninable conservation of PAnGR?"
The sandpit meeting concept was proposed in 2003 by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as a fresh approach to creating interdisciplinary projects. The idea is to throw researchers from different fields into a 'sandpit' for a given period of time with the goal of seeing the best ideas emerge. A sandpit is a discussion forum where free thinking is encouraged in order to explore problems and produce innovative solutions. It is a unique opportunity to share ideas and develop collaborations, which will address knowledge management issues and problems.
As the Sandpit progresses, participants build up background knowledge and understanding, consider how the challenges identified may be addressed and develop innovative ideas and activities to be supported in order to, in this case, favour capacity building between social sciences and animal sciences for a sustainable conservation of FAnGR. The sandpit includes inputs from a variety of sources, highlighting challenges and the need for systems research in the focus area. The sandpit environment must encourage free and open-minded thinking, vital for the purposes of the event. For more information, see website
How may it be organized?
Suggestions for activities:
1) Introductory ice-break session
2) Informal seminars with different topics
3) Reading rooms
4) Speed networking activities
5) Free room and timetable on the last morning
6) Different types of competition to increase interaction
7) Classic working group discussion
8) Working group presentations
Other suggestions:
- The sandpit could be articulated around the presentation of case studies (with a general question being “How would you address this problem?”)
- Similarly, but with “success stories” instead of case studies
- Informal seminars could take place, like for instance “white board seminars” whose goal is to move away from long presentations and go back to the principle of keeping it short and simple. Only equipped with a black pen and a whiteboard, the scientist has approximately seven minutes to present a key issue
- A structure is suggested during the meeting’s week: half a week with sandpit activities and half a week operational (like for instance how to write a successful grant)
Other recommendations:
- The organizers of the sandpit may use the services of a professional facilitator
- It is proposed to invite scientists opposed to interdisciplinary approaches to favour provocative talks with strong positions with an optimum output and a balance between different disciplines
- It is important to have experienced researchers as well as stakeholders
- The maximum number of participants is 30. Most of them will be invited by organizers, but the opportunity to apply for participation should be offered too (e.g. 6/30)
- The location chosen should be ideal to favour interaction between participants.
Complementary information:A maximum budget of € 30,000 will be available for the organization of the sandpit meetingPriority will be given to applicants from countries that financially support the programme (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom)
Application Procedure
All Science Meeting proposals should be submitted online through the following APPLICATION FORM.
Applicants are required to upload one document* containing the following information:
- Scientific summary (max. 1000 words) and abstract (max. 50-70 words);
- Details of venue;
- Draft programme of the session;
- Curriculum Vitae of the Scientific Organiser inculding list of five most relevant publications over the last five years;
- Provisional list of proposed speakers;
- Budget breakdown with justification of costs.
For information: Guidelines for Proposals and Organisers of Science Meetings .
Deadline
The deadline for submission of proposals in XXXX 2013. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
