[ECOLOG-L] International survey on attitudes and practices regarding research data

[Cliff Duke]

We encourage you to participate in an international survey on your attitudes
and practices regarding research data. This survey is conducted by a
research team at the University of Tennessee as part of the NSF-sponsored
DataONE project. All responses are anonymous.
To take the survey click on the link below or copy and paste it into your
browser.
http://bit.ly/2tkFimu

[ECOLOG-L] NAS Sackler Science of Science Communication III Colloquium

[Cliff Duke]

With the NAS Sackler Science of Science Communication III Colloquium just
over two months away (November 16-17, Washington DC), we have increased the
registration cap by 100 in order to have even more people join in the
conversation. A webcast will be available for those unable to join us in
person. See
http://www.cvent.com/events/the-science-of-science-communication-iii-inspiring-novel-collaborations-and-building-capacity/event-summary-f1b4c0b15f4c44de8aa974181ebe212f.aspx

With so many complex, important, and sometimes uncertain scientific issues
facing our society, there has never been a more critical time to communicate
effectively. The challenges facing scientists, professional communicators,
and the interested public have resulted in a growing area of research—the
science of science communication.  Evolving from past colloquia, this
Colloquium will focus on the consensus study report, Communicating Science
Effectively: A Research Agenda, as a framework for advancing both research
and practice in science communication. The Colloquium will explore ways to
build capacity for and foster the use of evidence-based strategies for
engaging the public with science and ensuring its appropriate use. 
Additionally, this third Colloquium will tackle the tough and often
overlooked organizational and infrastructure changes needed to make
research-based communication the norm. We expect 550 researchers,
practitioners, content experts, and philanthropists to join us at the
Colloquium.  

We have created a new outreach site for the Colloquium  that makes it easy
to let people know about the Colloquium. 
http://www.nasonline.org/programs/sackler-colloquia/sackler-colloquium-ssciii-toolkit.html
We have sample tweets, Facebook post, and blog /newsletter post.  In
addition to the Colloquium’s promotional video, we also have a number of
graphics available suitable for twitter, Facebook, newsletter banner, etc.  

Please share as you’re able.  We continue to use #SacklerSciComm for social
media. Thank you!  

[ECOLOG-L] Reposting attempt: U.S. State Department Notice; Call for Expert Reviewers for IPBES Assessments

[Cliff Duke]

From the Federal Register, May 19, 2017:

The United States Government encourages relevant experts to provide comments to 
the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) 
on six assessments related to biodiversity and ecosystem services: Four 
regional assessments, one global assessment, and one assessment on land 
degradation and restoration. 

The three regional draft assessments and the land degradation and restoration 
draft assessment: Available for review until June 26, 2017.

The Americas regional draft assessment: Available for review from May 29-July 
24, 2017.

The global draft assessment: Available for review from June 15-August 15, 2017.

For further information, contact Stephanie Aktipis (aktip...@state.gov)

The United States is an active member of IPBES, an independent 
intergovernmental body that assesses the state of biodiversity and of the 
ecosystem services biodiversity provides to society. The U.S. Government is 
committed to an open and transparent review process, and welcomes participation 
of all government and non-government subject matter experts. The U.S. 
government encourages individuals with significant expertise and/or 
publications relevant to these assessments to serve as expert reviewers.

Interested experts will first register as users of the IPBES Web site 
(http://www.ipbes.net/user/register?destination=sod-review) and then can apply 
to become IPBES reviewers at www.ipbes.net/sod-review (this will only work when 
logged in to the IPBES Web site). Reviewers will receive an email providing 
access to the draft assessments and will be requested to submit their comments 
using a template that is available on the same Web page. All relevant comments 
will then be addressed by the assessment authors in the next round of revisions.

The final drafts of the regional and land degradation and restoration 
assessments will be considered by IPBES Member States at the 6th IPBES Plenary 
meeting in March 2018. The global draft assessment will be released for a 
second public review later in 2018.

[ECOLOG-L] U.S. State Department Notice; Call for Expert Reviewers for IPBES Assessments

[Cliff Duke]

From the Federal Register, May 19, 2017:

The United States Government encourages relevant experts to provide comments to 
the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) 
on six assessments related to biodiversity and ecosystem services: Four 
regional assessments, one global assessment, and one assessment on land 
degradation and restoration. 

The three regional draft assessments and the land degradation and restoration 
draft assessment: Available for review until June 26, 2017.

The Americas regional draft assessment: Available for review from May 29-July 
24, 2017.

The global draft assessment: Available for review from June 15-August 15, 2017.

For further information, contact Stephanie Aktipis (aktip...@state.gov)

The United States is an active member of IPBES, an independent 
intergovernmental body that assesses the state of biodiversity and of the 
ecosystem services biodiversity provides to society. The U.S. Government is 
committed to an open and transparent review process, and welcomes participation 
of all government and non-government subject matter experts. The U.S. 
government encourages individuals with significant expertise and/or 
publications relevant to these assessments to serve as expert reviewers.

Interested experts will first register as users of the IPBES Web site 
(http://www.ipbes.net/​user/​register?​destination=​sod-review) and then can 
apply to become IPBES reviewers at www.ipbes.net/​sod-review (this will only 
work when logged in to the IPBES Web site). Reviewers will receive an email 
providing access to the draft assessments and will be requested to submit their 
comments using a template that is available on the same Web page. All relevant 
comments will then be addressed by the assessment authors in the next round of 
revisions.

The final drafts of the regional and land degradation and restoration 
assessments will be considered by IPBES Member States at the 6th IPBES Plenary 
meeting in March 2018. The global draft assessment will be released for a 
second public review later in 2018.

[ECOLOG-L] Try again: Planetary Health/GeoHealth Annual Meeting-Registration Open!

[Cliff Duke]

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the inaugural 
Planetary Health/GeoHealth Annual Meeting on April 29-30, 2017 at the Harvard 
Medical School in Boston, MA! Be sure to register soon, as space is limited! 
Please visit our event website to see the developing agenda, featuring 
highlights of the exciting emergence of institutions focused on planetary 
health around the world, cutting edge findings in planetary health science, 
speed talks by the next generation of planetary health scholars, real-world 
case studies of applying planetary health science to policy and action, and 
more.

A few important developments to note:
*We’ll be kicking off the conference with an opening reception on Friday, April 
28th at the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA, with remarks by Dr. Jonathan 
Patz (Director of the Global Health Institute, University of 
Wisconsin-Madison). Tickets will be $30/person for dinner and drinks, and must 
be purchased during online conference registration.

*Please visit our website for more information about lodging and transportation 
to the conference venue.


As always, please contact us with any questions, and we look forward to sharing 
this stellar weekend of science/policy/education and community-building with 
you!


Best,
Amalia Almada and the PHA team

[ECOLOG-L] Planetary Health/GeoHealth Annual Meeting-Registration Open!

[Cliff Duke]

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the inaugural 
Planetary Health/GeoHealth Annual Meeting on April 29-30, 2017 at the Harvard 
Medical School in Boston, MA! Be sure to register soon, as space is limited! 
Please visit our event website to see the developing agenda, featuring 
highlights of the exciting emergence of institutions focused on planetary 
health around the world, cutting edge findings in planetary health science, 
speed talks by the next generation of planetary health scholars, real-world 
case studies of applying planetary health science to policy and action, and 
more.

A few important developments to note:
*We’ll be kicking off the conference with an opening reception on Friday, April 
28th at the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA, with remarks by Dr. Jonathan 
Patz (Director of the Global Health Institute, University of 
Wisconsin-Madison). Tickets will be $30/person for dinner and drinks, and must 
be purchased during online conference registration.

*Please visit our website for more information about lodging and transportation 
to the conference venue.


As always, please contact us with any questions, and we look forward to sharing 
this stellar weekend of science/policy/education and community-building with 
you!


Best,

Amalia Almada and the PHA team

[ECOLOG-L] FW: NWF Senior Wildlife Biologist recruitment

[Cliff Duke]

Job Posting

Senior Wildlife Biologist
National Wildlife Federation
Washington, DC

The National Wildlife Federation, one of America's largest conservation 
organizations, is seeking a senior wildlife biologist to provide 
organization-wide support and leadership on fish and wildlife conservation and 
management issues. 
 
The National Wildlife Federation's mission is to "unite all Americans to ensure 
that wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world," and this position will 
provide scientific expertise in support of that mission.  Established in 1936, 
the National Wildlife Federation has a long history of advocating on behalf of 
America's fish and wildlife species and the habitats on which they depend, and 
using science-based approaches to address current and emerging threats to these 
resources. The senior wildlife biologist will work with national and regional 
staff and our state affiliates on priority fish and wildlife conservation and 
management issues. The successful candidate will be: broadly knowledgeable 
about U.S. fish and wildlife and the challenges of wildlife conservation in an 
era of rapid climate change; able to apply scientific expertise to the design 
and execution of the Federation's conservation programs; and able to provide a 
wildlife biology perspective for our conservation policy work. The position is 
based at the National Wildlife Federation's National Advocacy Center in 
Washington, DC and supervised by NWF's Associate Vice President for 
Conservation Science. 

Additional details about the position and application process can be found at: 
https://nwf.applicantpro.com/jobs/522066.html. Interested candidates should 
submit both a cover letter and resume. The National Wildlife Federation is 
committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourages candidates from 
all backgrounds to apply.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: [PCA] Fwd: Local herbarium specimens looking for a home (Silver Spring, MD)

[Cliff Duke]

Silver Spring, MD Herbarium Looking for a Good Home!

50 years ago, students and staff from Howard University collected plants from 
Wheaton Regional Park in Silver Spring, MD and carefully preserved them 
according to botanical protocol, as herbarium sheets.  The total collection now 
fills three large plastic bins.  The sheets are still in good condition, and 
the plants accurately identified.  They include trees and forbs, woodland 
flowers and shrubs.  Most seem to be native.  
Three years ago, another plant survey was made in the 500 acre park by Howard 
University students.  It may be possible to compare the results of the recent 
and past survey.
The collection is an invaluable resource for assessing how the plant population 
in the park has changed over time due to various influences.  It also may be 
used to identify extant species.  The naturalist staff at Brookside Nature 
Center would be very happy to see this collection preserved digitally and used 
thereafter by those who can appreciate the stories it has to share.

If interested in viewing the collection and/or acquiring it, please contact 
Park Naturalist Geri Drymalski at 301-962 -1486.
Thank you!

[ECOLOG-L] NOAA Fisheries Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management (EBFM) Road Map

[Cliff Duke]

NOAA Fisheries released its Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management (EBFM) Road 
Map(1) in November 2016, detailing how the agency will implement its EBFM 
Policy(2).   The EBFM Policy documents, clarifies and solidifies NOAA Fisheries 
commitment to EBFM, as well as establishes a framework of guiding principles.  
The EBFM Road Map will guide implementation of the EBFM Policy, by NOAA 
Fisheries and its partners, via a series of core components and action items 
for each of the Policy's guiding principles.  These elements are the actionable 
steps that provide a menu of options for implementation of EBFM.  They also 
establish benchmarks against which NOAA Fisheries can evaluate its progress.

There has been much discussion about EBFM for the past couple of decades, but 
this is one of the first attempts to describe in detail what operational EBFM 
might look like.  NOAA Fisheries is moving from the "what's, why's and when's" 
to the "how's" of EBFM implementation.  The Policy and Road Map's action items 
are a significant step towards that end.  It is not trivial for an agency such 
as NOAA Fisheries to delineate what it thinks successful EBFM would look like.  
This has both disciplinary and practical ramifications.  Stay tuned for 
continued discussions on the topic as we all attempt to advance the 
implementation of EBFM.

(1) http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/op/pds/documents/01/120/01-120-01.pdf
(2) http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/op/pds/documents/01/01-120.pdf

[ECOLOG-L] Global questionnaire on how scientists understand the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications

[Cliff Duke]

Dear colleague,

I am writing to invite you and your colleagues to participate in a global 
questionnaire aimed at better understanding how scientists understand "the 
right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications," which 
is codified in Article 15 of the International Convention on Economic, Social 
and Cultural Rights.  The results of the survey will help inform a report to 
the UN Committee that is currently developing an implementation framework 
(called a "general comment") on this right. The questionnaire is anonymous and 
should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete. You may complete the 
questionnaire online here: 
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3036095/Article-15-Global-Questionnaire 

As we aim to reach as many scientists and engineers globally as possible, your 
willingness to provide input is greatly appreciated. In addition, we ask that 
you share the questionnaire as widely as possible, both at home and overseas. 

This questionnaire is a joint activity of the American Association for the 
Advancement of Science (AAAS) Program on Scientific Responsibility, Human 
Rights and Law and the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition. If you have any 
questions about this activity, please contact Jessica Wyndham at 
jwynd...@aaas.org.

Sincerely,
Jessica Wyndham, LLM
Interim Director, AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program
Coordinator, AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition

[ECOLOG-L] US needs national assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services

[Cliff Duke]

The US needs a sustained national assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem 
services: see Steve Jackson et al. in today's Science, 
http://science.sciencemag.org/content/354/6314/838.summary, and ESA's Ecotone 
blog at 
http://www.esa.org/esablog/ecology-in-policy/usa-needs-national-ecosystem-assessment/
 -- "The election results last week may affect the direction and focus of U.S. 
environmental policy, but they do not alter the need for the United States to 
responsibly manage its public lands and natural resources. Now more than ever 
we need to place as much importance on monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem 
services as we do on monitoring the economic and public health of the nation."

[ECOLOG-L] Call for Abstracts: Planetary Health/GeoHealth Inaugural Annual Meeting, 10-11 April 2017. Washington, DC

[Cliff Duke]

Call for Abstracts: Planetary Health/GeoHealth Inaugural Annual Meeting, 10-11 
April 2017. Washington, DC Abstract submission deadline: 5 January 2017, 17:00 
EST

A Joint Conference Sponsored by the Planetary Health Alliance, American 
Geophysical Union, Ecological Society of America, and The Lancet

Supported by the Rockefeller Foundation

Planetary Health is the health of human civilization and the state of the 
natural systems on which it depends (see 
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)60901-1/fulltext).
 Planetary Health and GeoHealth research focuses on quantifying the human 
health impacts of accelerating environmental change.  In some instances these 
health impacts are direct (e.g., warming global temperatures causing more heat 
stress or biomass burning leading to cardiorespiratory disease from particulate 
air pollution); in other instances they are mediated through complex ecological 
pathways (e.g., multiple environmental drivers affecting fisheries structures 
with resulting nutritional impacts or sea level rise, loss of coastal barrier 
systems, and more extreme storms leading to environmental migration and 
attendant health consequences for coastal populations).

To catalyze this interdisciplinary field and raise awareness among funding 
agencies, publishers, and the broader research community, the Planetary Health 
Alliance along with the American Geophysical Union, the Ecological Society of 
America and The Lancet are organizing this Inaugural Annual Meeting on 
Planetary Health and GeoHealth on April 10-11, 2017 in Washington, DC.  The 
meeting is supported by the Rockefeller Foundation through a grant to the 
Planetary Health Alliance.   

All researchers from any discipline relevant to Planetary Health and GeoHealth 
are invited to submit an abstract describing a study that has recently been 
conducted, or a project currently in process. We encourage submissions relating 
to the approaches, methods, tools, and indicators to assess how, where, and why 
environmental change leads to meaningful public health impacts. There are many 
research themes captured within Planetary Health and GeoHealth, including 
climate change impacts on human health; environmental change and food 
systems/human nutrition; land use change and vector-borne disease; urbanization 
and mental health; zoonotic disease emergence; freshwater scarcity and 
communicable diseases; natural disasters and human displacement; and air 
quality impacts of deforestation, etc. Please visit 
www.planetaryhealthalliance.org to peruse relevant themes. 
Accepted abstracts may be chosen for an oral or poster presentation. A selected 
group of abstracts that have been accepted for oral or poster presentation will 
also be published by The Lancet in a booklet of "Top Abstracts in Planetary 
Health" released in conjunction with the Annual Meeting. Authors of those 
abstracts accepted for oral presentations or The Lancet publication will have 
their registration fees waived. Some priority will be given to showcasing the 
work of early career investigators in The Lancet publication and conference 
presentations.

Abstracts should be 300 words maximum in length and present detailed 
information on the design of the study and preliminary results. Attention 
should be given to describing the impact of a change in the structure or 
function of one or more natural systems on a dimension (or dimensions) of human 
health. Abstracts should be written in English, and contain no references, 
tables, or figures and include background (including context and aim), methods, 
findings, and interpretation. Please also include a non-declamatory title 
(including a study descriptor-e.g., randomized); names, titles, highest 
degrees, and affiliations of authors; postal and email addresses for the 
corresponding author; any funding received (if none, please state this); and a 
brief summary of the contributions of each author and any competing interests. 
The abstract submission deadline is 17:00 EST, 5 January 2017. Notification of 
acceptance will be given by 10 February 2017. 

Please visit planetaryhealthalliance.org/annual-meeting to submit abstracts. 

[ECOLOG-L] Global Registry of Biodiversity Repositories

[Cliff Duke]

The Biodiversity Data Journal has just published "The Global Registry of 
Biodiversity Repositories: A Call for Community Curation" 
(http://bdj.pensoft.net/articles.php?id=10293; doi: 10.3897/BDJ.4.e10293) as 
its first Forum Paper.  The registry was created by the Consortium for the 
Barcode of Life and is managed by Scientific Collections International, both of 
which are hosted by the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural 
History.  

Abstract
The Global Registry of Biodiversity Repositories is an online metadata resource 
for biodiversity collections, the institutions that contain them, and 
associated staff members. The registry provides contact and address 
information, characteristics of the institutions and collections using 
controlled vocabularies and free-text descriptions, links to related websites, 
unique identifiers for each institution and collection record, text fields for 
loan and use policies, and a variety of other descriptors. Each institution 
record includes an institutionCode that must be unique, and each collection 
record must have a collectionCode that is unique within that institution. The 
registry is populated with records imported from the largest similar registries 
and more can be harmonized and added. Doing so will require community input and 
curation and would produce a truly comprehensive and unifying information 
resource.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Query on authorship

[Cliff Duke]

The Ecological Society of America. See 
http://www.esa.org/esa/about/governance/esa-code-of-ethics/

-Original Message-
From: Aaron T. Dossey [mailto:bugoc...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2016 10:22 AM
To: Cliff Duke ; ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Cc: Dr. Aaron T. Dossey ; 
all.things.b...@gmail.com
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Query on authorship


Is that Entomological Society or Ecological Society?

* A code written of, for and by professors I am sure nonetheless.


On 8/22/2016 8:15 AM, Cliff Duke wrote:
> Concerning the recent "query on authorship," there is no ethical ambiguity. 
> The ESA Code of Ethics is quite clear on that point:
>   
> "Researchers will not add or delete authors from a manuscript submitted for 
> publication without consent of those authors.
> Researchers will not include as coauthor(s) any individual who has not agreed 
> to the content of the final version of the manuscript."
>
> If you can't locate the person who contributed, that person can consent to 
> the manuscript. Just note their contribution in the acknowledgements section 
> of the paper.


ATD of ATB and ISI
-- 
Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Founder/Owner: All Things Bugs LLC
Capitalizing on Low-Crawling Fruit from Insect-Based Innovation
ABOUT: http://allthingsbugs.com/People
LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/all-things-bugs-dr-aaron-t-dossey/53/775/104
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/Allthingsbugs
ISI:  https://www.facebook.com/InvertebrateStudiesInstitute
PHONE:  1-352-281-3643

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Query on authorship

[Cliff Duke]

Concerning the recent "query on authorship," there is no ethical ambiguity. The 
ESA Code of Ethics is quite clear on that point:
 
"Researchers will not add or delete authors from a manuscript submitted for 
publication without consent of those authors.
Researchers will not include as coauthor(s) any individual who has not agreed 
to the content of the final version of the manuscript."

If you can't locate the person who contributed, that person can consent to the 
manuscript. Just note their contribution in the acknowledgements section of the 
paper.

[ECOLOG-L] Students: help shape the future of plant science - deadline August 22

[Cliff Duke]

Attention graduate students and postdocs - would you like an opportunity to 
shape the future of plant science? The Plant Science Research Network is 
looking for students like you. To apply, please submit a short description 
here: https://goo.gl/forms/FoL8Pz23kP40NEg52. Deadline to submit your 
application is August 22. Questions? Please contact Natalie Henkhaus at 
nhenkh...@aspb.org. 

Apologies for short notice

[ECOLOG-L] Stressors and Drivers of Food Security: Evidence from Scientific Collections

[Cliff Duke]

Scientific Collections International is pleased to invite you to register for 
our symposium, Stressors and Drivers of Food Security: Evidence from Scientific 
Collections. The symposium will be hosted by the US Department of Agriculture 
at the National Agriculture Library in Beltsville, Maryland, just outside 
Washington, DC, Monday to Wednesday, 19-21 September 2016.
This will be the first-ever symposium that brings together food security 
researchers and experts on scientific collections in diverse research 
disciplines. The symposium will be an ambitious look forward into food security 
research that relies on evidence drawn from scientific collections across a 
broad range of disciplines: from pests and parasites, to changing growing 
seasons and tolerances, to alternative food sources and more.
Our program will highlight research and collections from across many 
disciplines in both invited talks and panel discussions with participation from 
all attendees encouraged. We are excited to welcome our keynote speakers, 
including:
* Dr. Catherine Woteki, Under Secretary for Research, Education, 
and Economics, USDA
* Dr. David Inouye, professor emeritus at the University of 
Maryland and principal investigator at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
For more information about the event, please visit our website: 
http://scicoll.org/fs.html.
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Please complete the form 
available at this link: https://goo.gl/forms/D1w4XRbHdGJ32aeZ2. (If you have 
trouble accessing Google documents, please email Eileen Graham at 
grah...@si.edu.)

[ECOLOG-L] Two more SciColl workshops

[Cliff Duke]

You are invited to participate in two workshops that take place just prior to 
the opening of the International Congress of Entomology: (1) Invasive Pests, 
Collections as Critical Infrastructure, and (2) Bee Pollinators, Critical Gene 
Banks. The workshops are sponsored by Scientific Collections International 
(SciColl) and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The first workshop will 
be held in the morning and the second will start right after lunch, so you can 
attend one or both, as you wish. These brief workshops will increase 
international dialogue between those that manage scientific collections and 
those that use them.  
In short, we will address the question: How can we better utilize collections 
to improve and conduct research, inform environmental policy-making, interdict 
invasive species, and protect pollinators?
The registration site is:  https://scicoll.arsnet.usda.gov
If you plan to attend, please register (registration is free). After 
registering, you will automatically receive a confirmation email with the 
location of the workshop. The registration site will remain open until the 
meeting reaches maximum capacity for the room (about 100 attendees), so we urge 
you to register right away.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Request for Assistance - Nominations for Two EPA Scientific Advisory Committees

[Cliff Duke]

From: Sanzone, Stephanie [mailto:sanzone.stepha...@epa.gov] 
Subject: Request for Assistance - Nominations for Two EPA Scientific Advisory 
Committees 

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to ask your help in identifying a diverse range of qualified 
candidates to be considered for the appointment to the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency's Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and the EPA 
Science Advisory Board (SAB). The CASAC and the SAB are chartered federal 
advisory committees that provide independent, expert advice to the EPA 
Administrator on a range of science, engineering and economic issues.

Each year, the SAB Staff Office publishes a Federal Register Notice announcing 
opportunities for the public to nominate candidate experts to serve on the 
CASAC, the SAB, and certain SAB standing committees. On April 6, 2016, the SAB 
Staff Office published a Federal Register Notice, 
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-04-06/pdf/2016-07918.pdf, requesting 
public nominations of candidate experts to serve on the CASAC, the Chartered 
SAB and the following standing SAB committees: Chemical Assessment Advisory 
Committee, Drinking Water Committee, Environmental Economics Advisory 
Committee, Environmental Engineering Committee, and Radiation Advisory 
Committee. The notice describes the functions of and expertise needed for the 
CASAC, the Chartered SAB and the five SAB committees. 

I invite you to nominate candidates for the CASAC and the SAB, and I also 
encourage you to share this request with others. Nominations to the SAB or the 
CASAC should be made using the web nomination form under the "Nomination of 
Experts" category at the bottom of the SAB (www.epa.gov/sab) or CASAC 
(www.epa.gov/casac) home pages, respectively. 

Nominations are sought by May 6, 2016. Should you have questions about the 
nomination process or the broad charge to the CASAC or the SAB, please contact 
me or Thomas Carpenter (Designated Federal Officer for the SAB) at 
carpenter.tho...@epa.gov or Aaron Yeow (Designated Federal Officer for the 
CASAC) at yeow.aa...@epa.gov. Thank you in advance for your assistance in 
identifying a diverse set of expert candidates for the CASAC and the SAB.

Regards.

Stephanie Sanzone
Special Assistant/Designated Federal Officer
Science Advisory Board 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (MC-1400R)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20460

Tel: (202) 564-2067
Fax: (202) 565-2098

[ECOLOG-L] M.S. Assistantships, Ecological Calendars for Climate Change Adaptation in the Pamirs, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA

[Cliff Duke]

The Kassam Research Group at Cornell University seeks applicants for M.S. 
assistantships focused on ecological calendars in the Pamir Mountains of 
Central Asia. Ecological Calendars are knowledge systems used to coordinate 
seasonal activities with the ecosystem based on close observation of 
environmental changes. For instance, Ecological Calendars track time by 
observing seasonal changes such as the nascence of a flower, the appearance of 
an insect, the arrival of a migratory bird, the breakup of ice, last day of 
snow-cover. Research on Ecological Calendars aims to build anticipatory 
capacity for climate change in mountain communities. Information about the 
Kassam Research Group can be found at: http://www2.dnr.cornell.edu/kassam

M.S. students will conduct participatory action research in mountain 
communities of Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Students will 
work closely with local communities and collaborate with a transdisciplinary 
team of scholars from China, Germany, and Italy. U.S. citizens and 
international students are encouraged to apply. 

Support packages may include a combination of research and teaching 
assistantships, depending upon the qualifications and interests of the student. 
The option to pursue a doctoral degree focused on Ecological Calendars will be 
considered upon successful defense of the M.S. thesis in spring 2018.
Qualifications:  B.S. in agriculture, anthropology, biology, botany, 
conservation science, ecology, environmental studies, or other related fields 
in the humanities, social or biophysical sciences.  Applicants should have a 
record of outstanding academic performance (e.g. >3.5 GPA), strong GRE scores 
(>75th percentiles), and previous field experience living and working in rural 
communities.  International students are required to provide proof of fluency 
in academic English by submission of TOEFL or IELTS scores (see: 
http://gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/english-language-proficiency-requirement).
 Experience of working in diverse cultural contexts and sensitivity to 
challenging cultural issues is essential.  Existing knowledge or commitment to 
learn a Central Asian language is required.

How to apply: Please send cover letter describing research interests and 
experience; resume or CV; unofficial copies of transcripts, GRE (U.S. students 
only), and proof of English fluency (international students only); and contact 
information for 3 references to Dr. Karim-Aly Kassam at ks...@cornell.edu by 
April 15, 2016. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by May 1st, 2016 and 
will be required to apply for admission to Cornell University's Department of 
Natural Resources Graduate Program: http://dnr.cals.cornell.edu/graduate to 
begin graduate study in the Fall Semester of 2016.

Karim-Aly S. Kassam, PhD
International Professor of
Environmental and Indigenous Studies
Department of Natural Resources & 
American Indian Program
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences  
Cornell University
122 Fernow Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-3001 USA
Tel: (607) 255-9757
Fax: (607) 255-0349
E-mail: ks...@cornell.edu
Website: www2.dnr.cornell.edu/Kassam

[ECOLOG-L] M.S. Assistantships, Ecological Calendars for Climate Change Adaptation in the Pamirs, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA

[Cliff Duke]

The Kassam Research Group at Cornell University seeks applicants for M.S. 
assistantships focused on ecological calendars in the Pamir Mountains of 
Central Asia. Ecological Calendars are knowledge systems used to coordinate 
seasonal activities with the ecosystem based on close observation of 
environmental changes. For instance, Ecological Calendars track time by 
observing seasonal changes such as the nascence of a flower, the appearance of 
an insect, the arrival of a migratory bird, the breakup of ice, last day of 
snow-cover. Research on Ecological Calendars aims to build anticipatory 
capacity for climate change in mountain communities. Information about the 
Kassam Research Group can be found at: http://www2.dnr.cornell.edu/kassam

M.S. students will conduct participatory action research in mountain 
communities of Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Students will 
work closely with local communities and collaborate with a transdisciplinary 
team of scholars from China, Germany, and Italy. U.S. citizens and 
international students are encouraged to apply. 
Support packages may include a combination of research and teaching 
assistantships, depending upon the qualifications and interests of the student. 
The option to pursue a doctoral degree focused on Ecological Calendars will be 
considered upon successful defense of the M.S. thesis in spring 2018.

Qualifications:  B.S. in agriculture, anthropology, biology, botany, 
conservation science, ecology, environmental studies, or other related fields 
in the humanities, social or biophysical sciences.  Applicants should have a 
record of outstanding academic performance (e.g. >3.5 GPA), strong GRE scores 
(>75th percentiles), and previous field experience living and working in rural 
communities.  International students are required to provide proof of fluency 
in academic English by submission of TOEFL or IELTS scores (see: 
http://gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/english-language-proficiency-requirement).
 Experience of working in diverse cultural contexts and sensitivity to 
challenging cultural issues is essential.  Existing knowledge or commitment to 
learn a Central Asian language is required.

How to apply: Please send cover letter describing research interests and 
experience; resume or CV; unofficial copies of transcripts, GRE (U.S. students 
only), and proof of English fluency (international students only); and contact 
information for 3 references to Dr. Karim-Aly Kassam at ks...@cornell.edu by 
April 15, 2016. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by May 1st, 2016 and 
will be required to apply for admission to Cornell University’s Department of 
Natural Resources Graduate Program: http://dnr.cals.cornell.edu/graduate to 
begin graduate study in the Fall Semester of 2016.


Karim-Aly S. Kassam, PhD
International Professor of
Environmental and Indigenous Studies
Department of Natural Resources & 
American Indian Program
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences  
Cornell University
122 Fernow Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-3001 USA
Tel: (607) 255-9757
Fax: (607) 255-0349
E-mail: ks...@cornell.edu
Website: www2.dnr.cornell.edu/kassam

[ECOLOG-L] FW: USDA Seeks Input on Agricultural Research Open Access Policy

[Cliff Duke]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public comment on the development 
of a policy to increase access to the results of federally-funded agricultural 
research.
If your organization wishes to provide input, it can do so during one of two 
live teleconferences or via email.

Teleconference on policy impacts related to scholarly papers
Monday, November 23, 2015
2:00pm EST
http://ems7.intellor.com/login/700719

Teleconference on policy impacts related to scientific data
Friday, December 4, 2015
2:00pm EST
http://ems7.intellor.com/login/700706

If you are unable to connect to the conference by computer, you may listen by 
telephone at 1-877-369-5243.

Written comments must be submitted by December 9, 2015 at 
usdaresearchacc...@nifa.usda.gov.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: NSF Graduate Data Science Workshop & Community Building, 2015

[Cliff Duke]

Subject: NSF Graduate Data Science Workshop & Community Building, 2015

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION 
NSF Graduate Data Science Workshop & Community Building, 2015
Seattle, August 5-7th
http://depts.washington.edu/dswkshp/

Overview: The NSF-sponsored Graduate Data Science Workshop will bring together 
100 graduate students from diverse domain sciences and engineering with Data 
Scientists from industry and academia to discuss and collaborate on Big Data / 
Data Science challenges.

Participation: To participate in the workshop, submit a white paper in PDF 
format that describes a Big Data / Data Science challenge faced by your 
scientific or engineering discipline or an idea for a new tool or method 
addressing Big Data / Data Science problem. White papers will be reviewed using 
NSF scoring criteria and attendees will be selected based on the strength of 
their position papers. If you are selected for attendance, you must bring a 
poster to present on one of either of the two poster presentation sessions. The 
authors of the very highest scoring white papers will be invited to give 
lightning talks of a few slides during the plenary session to describe their 
challenges or methods. The white paper submission deadline is June 22nd, 2015. 
Invitees will be notified on July 1st, 2015.

Program: In addition to keynote presentations from high profile speakers, the 
participants will present posters covering their own research and work 
collaboratively to begin to solve some of the Grand Challenge problems facing 
Data Enabled Science & Engineering disciplines.

Community building: After the workshop, the output from the collaborative teams 
will be published in an open access environment. Through the shared work at the 
workshop and beyond, the participants will form lasting, collaborative 
relationships with their peers and the senior academia partners and industry 
participants including those from companies like Amazon, Google and Microsoft.
Travel awards: If you are invited to participate, travel support of up to 
$1,000 will be available which can be used to cover the registration and 
lodging fees in addition to airfare. Most meals are included. Workshop 
registration is $200. Lodging is $123 (two beds), $195 (single) for two nights.
Organizers:
General Chair
David A. C. Beck, PhD, (University of Washington, Chemical Engineering)
Local Arrangements Chair
Jennifer Worrell
Steering Committee
Ginger Armbrust, PhD, (University of Washington, Oceanography)
Magdalena Balazinska, PhD, (University of Washington, Computer Science & 
Engineering)
Andrew Connolly, PhD (University of Washington, Astronomy)

[ECOLOG-L] FW: SETAC Rachael Carson Award Nominations Now Accepted

[Cliff Duke]

SETAC Rachael Carson Award Nominations Now Accepted

For many members of ESA and of the Society for Environmental Toxicology and 
Chemistry (SETAC), Rachel Carson is synonymous with environmental advocacy and 
creating public awareness for the natural world and potential environmental 
hazards. To honor her spirit and her life’s work, SETAC established its Rachel 
Carson Award on the 25th anniversary of the publication of her book Silent 
Spring. 

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 SETAC Rachael Carson Award.

This prestigious award is only given every four years. The application deadline 
is 15 July 2015, and the award will be presented during the 7th SETAC World 
Congress/SETAC North America 37th Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida in 2016. 
Membership of SETAC is not a prerequisite for this award, and self-nominations 
are welcome.

Please submit an award application if you know of an individual or a group that 
has:
• A desire to help others understand and become more aware of the natural world 
and appreciate the potential threats that anthropogenic stressors may have on 
the integrity and functioning of that world
• A demand for accuracy in assembling and using scientific facts to present, 
support and ultimately defend writings or other forms of communication
• A broad view of environmental issues that includes habitat and physical 
impacts as well as chemicals
• A recognition for the need for education
• A desire to make science more accessible to the public
• A voice for political change, even in the face of controversy

Application Instructions:
Email your application to se...@setac.org. Applications sent by mail or fax 
will NOT be accepted. Candidates should ensure that all emailed documents are 
submitted together, either in a zipped file or as a PDF.
For more information about the application process, visit 
www.setac.org/RachelCarsonAward.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: [dataone] DataONE Summer Internship Program Now Open

[Cliff Duke]

Dear DataONE Community

We are pleased to open the 2015 Summer Internship Program for applications.  
This will be the 7th year of the program and we have had great success with 
intern driven projects in previous years, including multiple publications and 
conference presentations in addition to resource and development activities 
within DataONE.

We have six potential projects this year:
1. Evaluating the impact of data access: The role of metrics
2. Making a Robust and Useful Earth Science Ontology Repository: Creating a 
test suite, automating ontology uploading, and standardizing RESTful API
3. Front end web site for the Earth Science Ontology Repository
4. Catalog Services for the Web (CSW) Adaptor for The Generic Member Node
5. A Tool for Live, Interactive Workflow Views over Programming Scripts
6. Network and social media communication analysis of the DataONE user community
Applications are due March 16th. Project details and application information 
can be found at: https://www.dataone.org/internships

Please forward this email to your colleagues, students and any others you 
believe may be interested.

Best
Amber
-- 
Amber E Budden, PhD
Director for Community Engagement and Outreach
DataONE
University of New Mexico
1312 Basehart SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106

Tel: 505-814-1112
Cell: 505-205-7675
Fax: 505-246-6007

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Gulf Research Program: LOI Deadline EXTENDED

[Cliff Duke]

Dear Colleagues,
 
The Gulf Research Program is extending the application deadlines for the 2015 
exploratory grants and fellowship competitions. More information about these 
opportunities-including how, where and when to apply-is included below.
 
Exploratory Grants - Award Year 2015
We welcome proposals from organizations on behalf of all qualified scientists, 
engineers, health professionals, and educators on one of the following two 
topics: 
. Exploring approaches for effective education and training of workers in the 
offshore oil and gas industry and health professions 
. Linking ecosystem services related to and influenced by oil and gas 
production to human health and well-being 
 
Letters of intent for this opportunity are now due on Wednesday, February 25 at 
5pm ET. Please visit our grants web page http://www.nas.edu/gulf/grants, to 
submit letters via the online application system. Applicants must submit a 
letter of intent to be eligible to submit a full proposal. Full proposals are 
due on March 30, 2015 at 8pm ET. 
 
Fellowships - Award Year 2015
We invite eligible candidates to apply for the following two fellowship 
opportunities:

Early-Career Research Fellowships will recognize professionals at the critical 
pretenure phase of their careers for exceptional leadership, past performance, 
and potential for future contributions to improving oil system safety, human 
health, or the environment. These two-year fellowships will be awarded to 
tenure-track (pretenure) faculty (or the equivalent) at colleges, universities, 
and research institutions.

Science Policy Fellowships will contribute to leadership development and 
capacity building by providing recipients with a valuable educational 
experience at the science-policy interface. Fellows will spend one year on the 
staff of a state legislature; state environmental, natural resources, oil and 
gas, or public health agency; or regional offices of relevant federal agencies 
in the Gulf region. Fellows will participate in and contribute to the state or 
federal policy-making process.
 
Applications for both fellowships are now due on Friday, February 27 at 5pm ET. 
Please visit our fellowships web page http://www.nas.edu/gulf/fellowships to 
submit materials through the online application system.
 
To receive the latest information about Gulf Research Program funding 
opportunities and activities, register for e-updates at www.nas.edu/gulf.
 
 

[ECOLOG-L] FW: NOAA Fisheries releases draft Climate Science Strategy for public comment

[Cliff Duke]

From: Roger Griffis - NOAA Federal [mailto:roger.b.grif...@noaa.gov] 
Subject: NOAA Fisheries releases draft Climate Science Strategy for public 
comment

Dear Colleagues - 

I am pleased to let you know that NOAA Fisheries has released a draft Climate 
Science Strategy for public comment. I hope you will consider sharing this 
announcement with your networks and providing input to help strengthen the 
Strategy. The purpose of the Strategy is to increase the production, delivery, 
and use of climate-related information in fulfilling NOAA fisheries stewardship 
mission for marine and coastal resources.

The draft Strategy and information for submitting comments can be found on our 
website:
http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/ecosystems/climate/national-call-for-comments

The Strategy is part of a proactive approach to collect and provide information 
on changing climate and ocean conditions to resource managers. It also responds 
to drivers such as the Presidents National Climate Action Plan and the National 
Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy that call for increased 
action to address the impacts of a changing climate on the nation’s valuable 
natural resources and resource-dependent sectors.

The draft Strategy identifies seven key steps needed to increase the production 
and use of climate-related information to fulfill NOAA Fisheries mission. The 
Strategy proposes specific actions to address common needs across regions and 
agency mandates. Implementation of the Strategy will help reduce impacts and 
increase resilience of marine resources and the communities that depend on them 
in a changing climate.

While the Strategy is focused on strengthening the NOAA Fisheries science 
enterprise needed to prepare for and respond to a changing climate, NOAA 
Fisheries depends on many science partners inside and outside of NOAA to meet 
these needs. Input, engagement, and support for the Strategy from science and 
non-science sectors is critical to its success.

Thank you for your interest and assistance. For more information, please 
contact Roger Griffis, Climate Change Coordinator at 301-427-8134 or 
roger.grif...@noaa.gov.
 
Find out more at:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/stories/a/our_work/climate/index.html

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Gulf Research Program Funding Opportunity

[Cliff Duke]

Subject: Gulf Research Program Funding Opportunity

Dear Colleagues,

The NAS Gulf Research Program’s 2015 exploratory grants competition is now open.

Exploratory Grants – Award Year 2015 Deadlines
Letters of intent on the topics listed below are due on January 29, 2015 at 8pm 
ET. Full proposals are due on March 30, 2015 at 8pm ET. A letter of intent is 
required for this funding opportunity.

Award Year 2015 Topics:

 *   Exploring approaches for effective education and training of workers in 
the offshore oil and gas industry and health professions
 *   Linking ecosystem services related to and influenced by oil and gas 
production to human health and wellbeing

Please visit our 
grants
 webpage 
http://www.nas.edu/gulf/grants/index.html?utm_source=Gulf+Research+Program+Updates&utm_campaign=f3004a6403-Funding_Competitions_2014-12-18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_367e0eb01a-f3004a6403-202523961&mc_cid=f3004a6403&mc_eid=a74aa40c15
 to review competition details and access the online applications.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Seeking U.S. nominations for GEO-6 (deadline January 19)

[Cliff Duke]

Subject: Federal register notice for US nominations for GEO -6
 
Governments, along with other stakeholder groups, have been invited to nominate 
experts to participate in the GEO–6 assessment.  The Department of State is 
coordinating the recommendation of experts to the United Nations Environment 
Programme for GEO–6. The purpose of GEO–6 is to provide a comprehensive, 
integrated, and scientifically credible global environmental assessment to 
support decision-making processes. 
 
Candidates may be nominated directly at 
http://hqweb.unep.org/dewa/dewa_mvc_vb/form/Default.aspx?param1=geo6¶m2=berlin.
 
 
For nominations to be considered within the U.S. government nomination process, 
they must also be submitted electronically to the United States Department of 
State, Office of Environmental Quality and Transboundary Issues 
(matusza...@state.gov and latha...@state.gov), which is coordinating the U.S. 
government nominations. 
 
DATES: Nominations should be received no later than January 19, 2015. 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Matuszak of the Office of Environmental 
Quality and Transboundary Issues, U.S. Department of State, is serving as the 
coordinator of this nomination process. 
Mr. Matuszak can be reached at email matusza...@state.gov, or telephone 
1–202–647–9278. Please copy Michael Latham at email latha...@state.gov, or 
telephone 1–201–647–1126.

[ECOLOG-L] Seeking nominations for the EPA Science Advisory Board 2015 Scientific and Technological Achievement Awards Committee; nominations sought by Friday, December 19th

[Cliff Duke]

 Dear Colleague,

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting expert 
nominations to be considered for the EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff 
Office Director's appointment to the following SAB committee: 2015 Scientific 
and Technological Achievement Awards (STAA) Committee. I am writing to request 
your help in identifying a diverse range of qualified candidates to be 
considered for positions on this committee. 

The SAB provides independent scientific and technical peer review, 
consultation, advice, and recommendations directly to the EPA Administrator on 
the scientific and technical basis for agency actions. The EPA established the 
STAA in 1980 to recognize Agency scientists and engineers who published their 
work in the peer-reviewed literature. The STAA Program is an agency-wide 
competition to promote and recognize scientific and technological achievements 
by EPA employees. The STAA program is administered and managed by the EPA's 
Office of Research and Development (ORD). Each year the SAB has been asked to 
review the EPA's STAA nominations and make recommendations to the Administrator 
for monetary awards. The SAB Staff Office is seeking nominations of experts for 
the SAB 2015 STAA Committee, which operates under the auspices of the SAB. 

Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified individuals for 
possible service on the 2015 EPA SAB STAA Committee.  Please consider 
nominating member experts of your organization for the SAB 2015 STAA Committee, 
or share this email with them so they may self-nominate. The new appointments 
will begin their work on the STAA Committee in the spring of 2015, and 
nominations should be submitted in time to arrive no later than Friday, 
December 19th.

In particular, the SAB Staff Office is seeking nominations of experts to form 
the SAB 2015 STAA Committee in the following disciplines as they relate to 
human health and the environment: air pollution exposure; chemistry and 
geochemistry; chemical engineering; civil and environmental engineering; 
ecology; environmental economics; groundwater and surface water contaminant 
fate and transport; human health effects and risk assessment; hydrology and 
hydrogeology; monitoring and measurement methods for air and water; risk 
management; transport and fate of contaminants; water quality; and water and 
wastewater treatment processes. 

The EPA values and welcomes diversity. In an effort to obtain nominations of 
diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of women and men of all racial 
and ethnic groups. 

Please see the link below to view the Federal Register Notice requesting 
nominations of experts for these committees. The notice provides additional 
background information and instructions on how to nominate experts to be 
considered. The notice identifies me as the Designated Federal officer and 
technical contact for this request.
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-11-28/pdf/2014-28157.pdf 

The EPA SAB website also provides information on how to electronically nominate 
experts to be considered for the SAB 2015 STAA Committee; see:  
http://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabproduct.nsf/Web/participatepanelformation?OpenDocument
 

Thank you for your efforts and consideration in nominating excellent candidates 
for the SAB 2015 STAA Committee and for distributing this email to others who 
may be interested. Should you have general questions about this request, please 
contact me via email or at 202-564-2134. 

Ed Hanlon
SAB Staff Office
hanlon.edw...@epa.gov 
Designated Federal Officer
EPA Science Advisory Board Staff Office
202-564-2134 (phone/voice mail)
202-565-2098 (fax)
202-564-2221 (SAB main number)

[ECOLOG-L] Reminder: Webinar: Making the Connections Between Human Rights and Ecology, November 25, 12-1 pm EST

[Cliff Duke]

REMINDER: Special Webinar Invitation from the Ecological Society of America ‐ 
Open to the Public

Making the Connections Between Human Rights and Ecology
November 25, 2014
12:00‐1:00pm EST

This webinar is designed to help participants consider the connections between 
ecology and human rights. It will provide an overview of the international 
human rights foundational documents, consider what a human rights-based 
approach to ecology might look like, provide examples of ecologists connecting 
their work to human rights, and help participants consider how they might apply 
their own expertise to human rights. This is offered in collaboration with the 
AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition and the Ecological Society of America.

Register at this website:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/515734934

Webinar Leaders:
Jessica Wyndham is Associate Director of the Scientific Responsibility, Human 
Rights and Law Program of the American Association for the Advancement of 
Science (AAAS), where she coordinates the AAAS Science and Human Rights 
Coalition. Her main area of focus is on engaging scientists in efforts to 
conceptualize and implement the right to the benefits of scientific progress. 
She is also an adjunct professor at George Washington University where she 
teaches a graduate course on internal displacement. She has worked extensively 
throughout Asia, the Pacific, Africa and the Americas, including for the UN 
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Brookings Institution 
Project on Internal Displacement.

Clifford Duke is the Director of the Ecological Society of America’s (ESA) 
Office of Science Programs, which promotes the continued development of 
ecological science and its integration into decision-making and education. At 
ESA, he leads a wide range of projects, including outreach efforts for 
engagement of the U.S. scientific community in the Intergovernmental Platform 
on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES); Sustaining Biological 
Infrastructure, an annual short course on strategic financial planning for 
project directors; and support for ESA’s Vegetation Classification Panel. Dr. 
Duke has been a member of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition since its 
inception and currently co-chairs the Coalition’s Service to the STEM Community 
Working Group. 

[ECOLOG-L] Larry E. Morse Botany Fellowship: 2015 Call for Applications

[Cliff Duke]

NatureServe's Botany Department is happy to announce the 2015 call for 
applications for the Larry E. Morse Botany Fellowship.  The news article 
(http://www.natureserve.org/news-events/news/fellowship-follows-footsteps-larry-morses-legendary-career)
 contains all of the information about this opportunity.

Any current or former US or Canadian Natural Heritage botanist, ecologist or 
data manager with a strong botanical background, is welcome to apply.  
Knowledge of Natural Heritage methodology, including conservation status 
ranking is required.

The focal areas of this year's fellowship are:  review of global conservation 
status ranks for high priority species (e.g., species where declines are known, 
those that have not been reviewed in more than 10 years), activities aimed at 
including plants in State Wildlife Action Plans, and providing expertise on 
botanical informatics in support of the Natural Heritage data needs.  

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; however, priority will be 
given to applications received by December 1, 2014 and applicants able to begin 
by January, 2, 2015.

Please address any questions to bot...@natureserve.org.

[ECOLOG-L] AAAS On-call Scientists: Calls for Volunteers

[Cliff Duke]

AAAS On-call Scientists: Calls for Volunteers
Human rights organizations are seeking environmental scientists to support 
community initiated research on the impacts of mining on indigenous peoples in 
Southeast Asia. Concerns include impacts to biodiversity, river pollution, soil 
contamination, agroecology, deforestation, social impacts, and public health. 
The organization seeks assessments of the current soil, water and/or 
biodiversity conditions.
If you are interested and suitably qualified, please contact onc...@aaas.org.

[ECOLOG-L] MIT Climate CoLab Contest: Anticipating Climate Change in the Pamir Mountains

[Cliff Duke]

Question: How can traditional ecological calendars used to guide agricultural 
activity link to climate science so as to anticipate climate change in the 
Pamir Mountains?

Submit proposals:  
http://climatecolab.org/web/guest/plans/-/plans/contestId/1301102
Deadline:  January 31, 2015, at 11:59:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time

Everyone in this contest has the opportunity to do good and share insights with 
communities at the leading edge of climate change impacts.

Judges' and Popular Choice winning teams will be invited to collaborate 
with Dr. Karim-Aly S. Kassam and villagers in the Pamir Mountains.
AGU will support the winning team with up to $2000 to support their 
continued collaboration and partnership with the project. Examples include, but 
are not limited to:
collaborating with a university in the region,
proposing collaborative studies between the winning team and local 
institutions,
contributions towards a community science component in local university 
curricula, or
travel for one member of the Judges' Choice team to travel with Dr. 
Kassam to the Pamir Mountains.
Both Popular and Judges' Choice winners will be connected with people who 
can support the further implementation of their proposal.  They will be 
recognized and publicized by the MIT Climate CoLab and AGU/TEX and invited to 
showcase their proposals at AGU and Climate CoLab conferences.

[ECOLOG-L] Webinar: Making the Connections Between Human Rights and Ecology, November 25, 12-1 pm EST

[Cliff Duke]

Special Webinar Invitation from the Ecological Society of America ‐ Open to the 
Public

Making the Connections Between Human Rights and Ecology
November 25, 2014
12:00‐1:00pm EST

This webinar is designed to help participants consider the connections between 
ecology and human rights. It will provide an overview of the international 
human rights foundational documents, consider what a human rights-based 
approach to ecology might look like, provide examples of ecologists connecting 
their work to human rights, and help participants consider how they might apply 
their own expertise to human rights. This is offered in collaboration with the 
AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition and the Ecological Society of America.

Register at this website:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/515734934

Webinar Leaders:
Jessica Wyndham is Associate Director of the Scientific Responsibility, Human 
Rights and Law Program of the American Association for the Advancement of 
Science (AAAS), where she coordinates the AAAS Science and Human Rights 
Coalition. Her main area of focus is on engaging scientists in efforts to 
conceptualize and implement the right to the benefits of scientific progress. 
She is also an adjunct professor at George Washington University where she 
teaches a graduate course on internal displacement. She has worked extensively 
throughout Asia, the Pacific, Africa and the Americas, including for the UN 
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Brookings Institution 
Project on Internal Displacement.

Clifford Duke is the Director of the Ecological Society of America’s (ESA) 
Office of Science Programs, which promotes the continued development of 
ecological science and its integration into decision-making and education. At 
ESA, he leads a wide range of projects, including outreach efforts for 
engagement of the U.S. scientific community in the Intergovernmental Platform 
on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES); Sustaining Biological 
Infrastructure, an annual short course on strategic financial planning for 
project directors; and support for ESA’s Vegetation Classification Panel. Dr. 
Duke has been a member of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition since its 
inception and currently co-chairs the Coalition’s Service to the STEM Community 
Working Group.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Invitation to Big Data Symposium at the National Research Council, October 23

[Cliff Duke]

Invitation
    
Eleventh Meeting of the 
Board on Research Data and Information
National Research Council 

Symposium on the Interagency Strategic Plan for Big Data: Focus on R&D
National Academy of Sciences Keck Building, Room 100
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

October 23, 2014

The Big Data Senior Steering Group (BDSSG) was initially formed to identify big 
data R&D activities across the Federal Government, offer opportunities for 
agency coordination, and jointly develop strategies for a national initiative. 
The National Big Data R&D Initiative ("the Big Data Initiative") was launched 
in March 2012. Since the launch, the BDSSG has held numerous meetings and 
workshops, including a major showcase event of dozens of partnerships that will 
help advance the frontiers of big data R&D across the country. Many 
participating federal agencies have already established new big data programs, 
policies and activities and plan to do more in the future. Currently, the BDSSG 
is drafting a framework and establishing a set of priory goals for a National 
Big Data R&D Strategic Plan. 

The BDSSG is currently gathering information from multiple sectors to inform 
the development of an effective National Big Data R&D Strategic Plan. After the 
submission period ends on November 14 and the feedback is analyzed, the BDSSG 
will hold a workshop to further discuss and develop the input received. 
Additional detailed information about this Request for Information may be found 
at: https://www.nitrd.gov/bigdata/rfi/02102014.aspx.

This BRDI Symposium will be held in two sessions. The first one will have 
presentations by six federal government speakers, beginning with an overview 
and followed by more focused talks in the five strategic areas of the Big Data 
Initiative: technologies; knowledge to action; sustainability; education; and 
gateways. The second session will feature three panelists from academia and 
industry, who will comment on the interagency Big Data Initiative and respond 
to the presentations in the first session. There will be ample time for 
discussion with the audience as well. The Symposium will be moderated by the 
co-chairs of the Board on Research Data and Information, Clifford Lynch of the 
Coalition for Networked Information, and Francine Berman of the Rennselaer 
Polytechnic Institute.

The Symposium will be followed immediately by the presentations of the award 
winners of the BRDI Data and Information Challenge. There is no fee to attend, 
but please contact the Board director, Paul Uhlir at puh...@nas.edu or at 1 202 
334 1531, to register in advance. Additional information about both these 
events, including the detailed program, is available at www.nas.edu/brdi. 

[ECOLOG-L] The World Science Summit on Climate Engineering: Future Guiding Principles and Ethics

[Cliff Duke]

The World Science Summit on Climate Engineering: Future Guiding Principles and 
Ethics
Date: 2-3 December 2014
Venue: U.S. National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Avenue, Washington 
DC

Background: The inability of the global community to effectively limit or roll 
back greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continues to undermine the ability to 
minimize impacts of global climate change and has led to serious speculation 
about the need for engineering the climate. Climate engineering, just to 
mitigate against the temperature increases predicted by the mid to late part of 
the current century, opens our planet to many potentially hazardous and 
dangerous unknowns. In order to manage the risks and limit "larger scale" 
experiments with trans-boundary implications, we need to establish new and 
innovative perspectives on the development of global principles and ethics 
pertaining to climate engineering.  Strong pleas are growing for governments to 
develop governance structures to oversee the emerging R&D activities involving 
climate modification at scale by individual scientists or countries. 
 
Objectives of the Summit: We will engage the global scientific community, 
including world class men and women scientists, to bring new and innovative 
perspectives to the development of global principles and ethics - encompassing 
the potential social, ecological, and economic effects on climate engineering. 
This forum is viewed as an important follow-on of the "Geoengineering the 
Climate" report of the Royal Society, the Asilomar International Conference on 
Climate Intervention Technologies, and subsequent discussions of governance 
structures for engineering the climate.

Expected Impact of the Summit: From your Summit participation and involvement, 
we will take the next critical step of defining what is and is not acceptable 
for scientists to pursue as members of the scientific community.  We will 
create a set of guiding principles for climate engineering research.  We will 
circulate these principles to the broad scientific community, for endorsement 
by their professional societies and associations.  We aim to include the 
broadest cross-section of the scientific community to define the scope and 
scale of climate engineering research that can be reasonably pursued and why. 
We will identify the research that falls outside those boundaries, requiring 
world scale formal governance structures, strictures, and instruments to 
implement.

Participation in the Summit: You may register at http://www.cssp.us/ (click on 
"Meetings" menu at the top of the page.) Please note that registration is 
limited. If you have any questions, please contact the CSSP office 
(j...@sciencepres.org) or Paul Bertsch (paul.bert...@csiro.au) of the Council 
of Scientific Society Presidents.
 

[ECOLOG-L] CitStitch Hackathon Opportunity

[Cliff Duke]

iDigBio (www.idigbio.org) and Zooniverse's Notes from 
Nature Project (www.notesfromnature.org) are 
pleased to announce the CitStitch Hackathon.  The goal of the hackathon is to 
build interoperability among projects thus further enabling public 
participation in biocollections digitization in useful and exciting ways. There 
are approximately 1 billion specimens of this type in US collections alone, but 
it is estimated that just 10% of them are currently digitized and online. 
Digitization of biodiversity research collections grants researchers and the 
public access to vast quantities of information needed for addressing questions 
related to climate change, invasive species, and the extinction crisis.  The 
magnitude of the task of bringing those collections into digital format exceeds 
that of any single organization and will require new, Internet-scale approaches 
to engage the public.  This is an exciting opportunity to work on a 
ground-breaking citizen-science endeavor with immediate and strong impacts in 
the areas of biodiversity and applied conservation.

The event will occur from December 3-5, 2014, at iDigBio in Gainesville, FL.  
There is up to $1500 for support of travel, lodging, and meals for each 
participant.

Two or more development tracks will be identified by hackathon participants 
during one or more remote meetings prior to the hackathon. These tracks could 
involve such things as (1) innovative cross-platform ways to deploy and manage 
public participation projects, (2) services for data analysis and visualization 
to engage the public or inform project management, (3) novel ways to advertise 
and grow public participation projects, or (4) ingestion of crowdsourced data 
into biodiversity collection data management systems. The CitStitch Hackathon 
is being organized by Austin Mast (Florida State University) and Rob Guralnick 
(University of Colorado-Boulder), with input from an organizing committee 
additionally composed of Ben Brumfield, Libby Ellwood, Paul Flemons, Ed 
Gilbert, Greg Newman, and Nelson Rios.

**If you wish to be considered for one of about 5-7 open invitations (of a 
total of about 30), please send (1) your CV/resume, (2) a short description 
(<250 words) of your relevant expertise (citing example products where 
appropriate), (3) a short description of the functionality that you'd like to 
develop in this domain, and (4) the days that you can attend to Austin Mast 
(am...@bio.fsu.edu) by Monday, September 1, for 
assured consideration.  We especially encourage qualified graduate students and 
postdoctoral scholars to apply.**

With best regards,

Austin and Rob

Austin Mast


Associate Professor * Director, Robert K. Godfrey Herbarium * Associate Editor, 
Systematic Biology and Systematic Botany * Treasurer, American Society of Plant 
Taxonomists * Executive Committee Member, iDigBio, The National Resource for 
Advancing Digitization of Biodiversity Collections

Department of Biological Science * 319 Stadium Drive * Florida State University 
* Tallahassee, FL 32306-4295 * U.S.A.

Office is King Life Science Building, room 4065 * Lab is King Life Science 
Building, rooms 4068 and 4084 * Herbarium is Biological Science Unit One, room 
100

Voice: 1 (850) 645-1500 * Fax:  1 (850) 645-8447 * 
am...@bio.fsu.edu

[ECOLOG-L] 7th Conference of the Ecosystem Services Partnership Costa Rica September 2014

[Cliff Duke]

The 7th Conference of the Ecosystem Services Partnership (ESP): "Local action 
for the common good", will be held in Costa Rica 8-12 September 2014.
 
Every year ESP organizes an international conference on the science, and best 
practice and policies of Ecosystem Services. In addition to several high-level 
keynotes, and an opening address by the Costa Rican Minister of Environment, 
the core of the conference is built around 45 workshops and special sessions. 
It hosts over 270 presentations on a wide range of topics on the science, 
policy and practice of ecosystem services. In addition, several EU funded 
projects will present results of 4-5 years of research on the use of Ecosystem 
Services in Community Based Ecosystem Management in Latin America and there are 
several free pre-conference trainings on practical tools for ecosystem service 
assessment.
 
Local organizer is Fundacion Neotropica in collaboration with CATIE, 
Universidad Nacional and IUCN-CEM Meso-America and supported by the 
CGIAR-Water, Land and Ecosystems program. 
 
Deadline for registration for the free trainings is August 15, and the 
conference registration closes September 1st.
For information on the conference: http://www.espconference.org 
For information on ESP: www.es-partnership.org 
 
Yours sincerely,
Martine van Weelden
ESP Conference Organising Committee
8-12 September 2014 / San José, Costa Rica

[ECOLOG-L] Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management

[Cliff Duke]

Dear Colleagues, 

I'm pleased to alert you to a new opportunity to submit applications to lead 
the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management. 

The RFA was posted on grants.gov: 
http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=RFA-OAA-14-18

A brief synopsis is below, but please see the link above for full description 
of the opportunity. Please note, all questions should be directed to Sascha 
Kemper at the address in the RFA (not to the technical team). 

Closing date is June 24, 2014
Deadline for submitting questions is April 29, 2014
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-OAA-14-18

Feed the Future Innovation Labs, formerly known as the Collaborative Research 
Support Programs (CRSPs), are authorized under Title XII of the FAA. Feed the 
Future Innovation Labs (Innovation Labs) are USAID-funded long-term, 
multi-disciplinary applied research and capacity-building efforts to address 
the problem of food insecurity and malnutrition in developing countries. 
Managed by U.S. universities, Innovation Labs support students and researchers 
in the U.S. and around the world to work with leading scientists in seeking 
scientific solutions to overcome hunger and poverty, while building the 
capacity of the institutions with which they collaborate. The principal 
partners in this research and training are scientists from U.S. universities, 
working in collaboration with scientists in developing country universities, 
national and international research centers, the private sector, and 
non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to jointly pursue scientific 
investigations to overcome critical agricultural constraints facing today's 
global food systems. The IPM Innovation Lab, for which applications are 
requested by this RFA, will engage U.S. university capacity to conduct research 
on integrated pest management (IPM) and address key issues related to the 
adoption of IPM strategies and technologies by smallholder farmers and other 
beneficiaries of USAID assistance. The IPM Innovation Lab is described in more 
detail in Section I of this RFA.

Please circulate widely to your networks. 

Angela Records, angela.reco...@gmail.com
U.S. Agency for International Development

[ECOLOG-L] Golden Goose Award, nominations due April 18, 2014

[Cliff Duke]

The purpose of the Golden Goose Award is to demonstrate the human and/or 
economic benefits of federally funded scientific research. It is also intended 
to demonstrate that scientific outcomes build upon each other and that the 
technological advances that flow from them cannot easily be predicted at the 
outset of a particular scientific research project. The award highlights and 
honors examples of scientific studies or research that may have seemed obscure, 
sounded "funny," or for which the results were totally unforeseen at the 
outset, but which ultimately led, often serendipitously, to major breakthroughs 
that have had significant societal impact.

See http://www.goldengooseaward.org/ for details.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] 4,362 environmental consulting jobs vs 721 academic posts (3)

[Cliff Duke]

Before joining the staff of ESA, I worked for about 13 years in consulting, 
managing and providing technical input to (primarily) National Environmental 
Policy Act studies. I greatly enjoyed it, and got to work on projects all over 
the U.S., from a bicycle trail in DC to the breakup of the Conrail freight rail 
system. Consulting firms, and the companies and government agencies they work 
for, need good scientists who can write and who are interested in practical 
applications of their knowledge. I commend the field to anyone seeking a career 
outside of academia. And although I have PhD (Botany), a Master's degree, or a 
double Master's in complementary fields like policy and a scientific 
discipline, is excellent preparation for such a career. I also have a Master's 
in policy, and found it very useful. And of course, nongovernmental 
organizations and scientific societies are also great places to make a life in 
science.

-- Cliff Duke, ESA Director of Science Programs

Date:Wed, 12 Mar 2014 13:33:21 -0500
From:Malcolm McCallum 
Subject: Re: 4,362 environmental consulting jobs vs 721 academic posts

I found this information to support that previous email on consulting.

http://www.pmenv.com/Environmental-Consulting-Career-Advice

I hope this helps out some people.

On Wed, Mar 12, 2014 at 1:29 PM, Malcolm McCallum
 wrote:
> A few moments ago I did an indeed search "for environmental consultant."
> The search returned 4,362 vacancies, compared to the 721 academic
> posts listed on the ecology job wiki.  Now, many of these
> solicitations were older and had not been removed from the web yet.
> Others, certainly are not appropriate for an ecologist.  But, the same
> can be said of the 721 posted on the jobs wiki.
>
> My point here is that if you are a doctoral ecology student, it
> behooves you to take some courses in environmental
> policy/environmental law/risk assessment/environmental assessment
> before you graduate, maybe even a course or two in business management
> or public administration.  The pay is often better than what you get
> in academia, and you still work on projects that can be pretty
> intriguing.  These will be very applied, and you will be expected to
> beat the bushes for contracts I suspect.  But, find me an academic who
> is not expected to find $$.
>
> I've applied for a few of these in the past, I'm sure many others
> have.  I get the feeling most positions are filled by MS level
> employees, but I know plenty of PHDs doing this.
>
> With so many people discussing employment opportunities, I felt it
> might be worth mentioning this on the listserv.  It would be
> especially interesting to hear input form those who do this kind of
> work.  IT would probably be useful for the many people who are seeking
> employment.
>
>
> --
> Malcolm L. McCallum
> Department of Environmental Studies
> University of Illinois at Springfield
>

[ECOLOG-L] New Climate Communications Initiative

[Cliff Duke]

New Climate Communications Initiative

Climate Voices -- Science Speakers Network will be launched this spring as a 
new initiative of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) 
and the United Nations Foundation.  The goal is to bring scientists and their 
local communities together for real dialogue on climate science that speaks to 
citizens' current and future well-being and responsibility as members of a 
community and democracy.
Materials for context-setting presentations will be offered as will coaching 
regarding how to begin conversations about climate change with fellow citizens. 
 Venues for such conversations will be local institutions such as service 
organizations (Rotary, etc.), faith-based institutions, chambers of commerce, 
etc.

If you are interested in volunteering for this network, please go to 
climatevoices.org and create a profile.  Profiles will "go public" when the 
full web site is launched in about a month.  Once you create a profile, you 
will be kept up to date on Climate Voices progress including construction of 
the full web site, availability of presentation materials, webinar coaching, 
and plans for project launch.

For any questions, please contact: Cindy Schmidt (UCAR), cschm...@ucar.edu

[ECOLOG-L] 1st Annual Environment and Human Rights Course & Field Visit in Costa Rica

[Cliff Duke]

The Human Rights and Education Association (HREA) is accepting registrations 
for our annual blended learning programmes on human rights and the environment 
and indigenous peoples' rights and our Advocacy Institute. Discounted rates are 
available if you register by 1 March 2014. Please read below for more 
information about each programme.

1st Annual Environment and Human Rights Course & Field Visit in Costa Rica
E-learning course Environment and Human Rights (19 March-29 April 2014)
Field experience in Costa Rica (2-7 June 2014)

This blended learning programme organised by HREA and the UN-mandated 
University for Peace Human Rights Centre provides participants with the 
opportunity to study the intersections of the environment and human rights 
through a six-week online course and visit to Costa Rica, a country known for 
its leadership in this field. The e-learning course focuses on international 
environmental law, international human rights law, and their theoretical and 
actual linkages. The field visit will explore the intersections between 
different elements of the human rights and environment agenda, with a focus on 
a holistic approach to sustainable development. 

This programme is intended for environmental and human rights academics, 
advocates, and practitioners who seek a balance of education and work at the 
institutional and community levels. It is also possible to participate only in 
the e-learning or the field components.

For more information, brochure and online registration: www.hrea.org/EHR.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Webinar Tomorrow: "Climate-sensitive, Insular Ecosystems of the Southeastern U.S.: The State of the Science and a Case Study of Limestone Cedar Glades in the Central Basin of Tennessee"

[Cliff Duke]

*NCCWSC 2013 CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT WEBINAR SERIES*

A partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey's National Climate Change and 
Wildlife Science Center (NCCWSC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 
National Conservation Training Center (NCTC)

*"**Climate-sensitive, Insular Ecosystems of the Southeastern U.S.:
The State of the Science and a Case Study of Limestone Cedar Glades in the 
Central Basin of Tennessee**”*

*Jennifer Cartwright, USGS Tennessee Water Science Center*

*Wednesday, February 19, 3:30 PM Eastern**

**via WebEx (Register at https://nccwsc.usgs.gov/webinar/304) *

*Description:* In the Southeastern U.S., “insular ecosystems” may be 
particularly vulnerable to ecological effects from climate change.
These insular ecosystems are characterized by (1) occurrences that are 
spatially discrete, (2) relatively small geographic footprints, and
(3) steep ecological and environmental gradients at their boundaries.
Such insular ecosystems tend to support concentrations of endemic and disjunct 
species; thus their contributions to regional biodiversity are often 
disproportionate to their small geographic sizes. Components of this project 
included a systematic literature review to document the biodiversity of 
selected insular ecosystems and to evaluate their potential vulnerability to 
climate change; a conceptual model for ecosystem integrity based on abiotic 
stress regimes and application of this model to generate hypotheses for 
ecological alteration based on changes in temperature or precipitation; and a 
2-year field investigation in Limestone Cedar Glades to explore links between 
hydrology, soil physical and chemical properties, and ecological outcomes such 
as soil microbial community structure. This case study serves as an example of 
the type of empirical research that researchers argue is necessary to better 
evaluate the climate-change vulnerability of this class of ecosystems.

*YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER TO JOIN THIS WEBINAR VIA WEBEX

**TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT:
**https://doilearn.webex.com/doilearn/j.php?ED=262691387&RG=1&UID=0&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D*


*CLOSED CAPTIONING* will be provided. After joining the webinar, please open 
another web browser and go to:
http://fedrcc.us//Enter.aspx?EventID=2310859&CustomerID=321


THIS WEBINAR WILL BE RECORDED
*If you cannot attend the webinar, it will be posted, with closed captioning, 
approximately 1-2 weeks after the presentation is given and posted on the 
NCCWSC website: https://nccwsc.usgs.gov/webinar/304
*UPCOMING NCCWSC WEBINARS*
For the schedule of upcoming webinars in the NCCWSC Climate Change Science and 
Management Webinar Series, please click here:https://nccwsc.usgs.gov/webinars
Learn more about NCCWSC at https://nccwsc.usgs.gov and the CSCs at 
http://www.doi.gov/csc/index.cfm.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Powell Center Funding Opportunity for Research on Sage-Grouse

[Cliff Duke]

Subject: Powell Center Funding Opportunity for Research on Sage-Grouse

The DOI Climate Science Centers 
 and the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area

 are interested in promoting synthesis activities surrounding questions about 
the implications of climate change effects on Greater sage-grouse and sagebrush 
habitat in the semi-arid west. They are coordinating with the Powell Center 
  to provide funding for a Working Group on this 
topic. A working group would synthesize existing climate science as it relates 
to Greater sage-grouse and the sagebrush habitat that supports the species with 
a consideration for how climate change may be altering the sagebrush ecosystem. 
We encourage teams of scientists working at the intersection of climate science 
and sage brush/sage grouse to consider developing a Powell Center Working Group 
proposal   related to this 
topic. Information pertaining to the Powell Center can be found at 
powellcenter.usgs.gov  . The deadline for 
proposals is April 30 for Working Groups starting in FY15. All Powell Center 
Working Group proposals will be reviewed by the Science Advisory Board. Please 
refer questions to Jill Baron or Marty Goldhaber (jill_ba...@usgs.gov 
 , mg...@usgs.gov  ).

To view this announcement online, please visit 
https://nccwsc.usgs.gov/content/powell-center-funding-opportunity-research-sage-grouse

Learn more about NCCWSC at https://nccwsc.usgs.gov and the CSCs at 
http://www.doi.gov/csc/index.cfm.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Nominations Sought for Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel

[Cliff Duke]

The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) of the Global Environment 
Facility is currently accepting applications for two positions from highly 
qualified candidates with outstanding academic and technical credentials, and a 
passion for advancing and improving the science/policy interface, in the areas 
of Biodiversity and Chemicals.

The successful candidate must have:

Professionalism:
1. An advanced degree, preferably a PhD in a field directly related to the 
position;
2. Minimum 15 years experience in scientific research – and the application of 
results to real-world issues;
3. Ability to work cross-sectorally in areas of importance related to their 
field of expertise;
4. Capable of bridging scientific, technological, and policy issues;
5. Capable of linking bio-physical and economic, socio-economic/sociocultural 
issues;
6. Experience working in developing countries and in the context of 
multi-lateral environmental assistance;
7. Demonstrated ability to manage scientific research undertakings involving 
multiple stakeholders;
8. Excellent communication skills, orally or written.
9. Understanding of the assigned GEF focal area, its strategic objectives, and 
linkages with other GEF focal areas is an asset.

Leadership:
1. Extensive access to scientific networks, and demonstrated ability to engage 
these networks;
2. Demonstrated expertise and leadership in one of the thematic areas noted 
above, supported by (but not restricted to) the candidate’s peer-reviewed 
publication record;
3. Knowledge of the scientific processes required for the implementation of 
relevant conventions in developing countries for which the GEF supports.

A STAP Panel Member is expected to provide 60 to 90 days per year to the work 
of STAP. Remuneration is based on UN scales for senior consultants. A full 
description of responsibilities, and application forms, are available at: 
http://www.stapgef.org/notice-of-recruitment-biodiversity-and-chemicals-waste-panel-members-2014/.
 

Applications along with a cover letter should be sent to 
recruitment.stap...@unep.org, quoting the relevant vacancy reference number in 
the subject line of your email. All applications should be sent on or before 
the deadline of 31 January 2014. 

[ECOLOG-L] Come to the Professional Societies Fair in DC November 19!

[Cliff Duke]

Come to the Professional Societies Fair!

Date: November 19, 2013
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Place: USDA Jamie L. Whitten Building
1st Floor Patio
Jefferson Drive, SW (between 12th and 14th Sts., SW)
Washington, DC
(Smithsonian Metro Stop, Mall exit)

- Interested in joining an agriculture/natural resource professional society?
- Come network with fellow professionals and learn about the many benefits!

- Lunch and beverages provided (FREE!)

- Brief remarks by USDA officials and association executives:

- Donna Harman, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Forest & Paper 
Association
- Bob Bendick, Director, Gulf of Mexico Program, The Nature Conservancy
- Ann Bartuska, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Research, Education, and 
Economics
- Butch Blazer, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and 
Environment

Sponsored by ESA and:
National Capital Society of American Foresters
American Fisheries Society
American Geophysical Union
American Society of Agronomy  
Crop Science Society of America
Society for Advancing Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
Society for Range Management
Soil and Water Conservation Society 
Soil Science Society of America
The Wildlife Society
American Phytopathological Society

[ECOLOG-L] Call for Nominations - Scientific Achievement Award for contemporary "pre-eminent forest scientists" - Deadline: 12/31/13

[Cliff Duke]

Here's an opportunity to nominate worthy forest scientists in the United States 
to receive an award from the International Union of Forest Research 
Organizations (IUFRO). 

For information on the nomination process, see http://iufro2014.com/news/.  
Deadline: December 31, 2013

For more information on the 2014 IUFRO conference, see: 
http://iufro2014.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IUFRO_ConferenceBooklets2.pdf
(be forewarned, it's a big file)

Here is more detail:

The Forest Service and its partners-the National Association of University 
Forest Resources Programs, 
the Society of American Foresters, and the Canadian Institute of Forestry-are 
looking forward to hosting 
the XXIV World Congress of the International Union of Forest Research 
Organizations (IUFRO) in Salt 
Lake City, Utah, on October 5-11, 2014 (http://www.iufro2014.com) . 

This will be the first IUFRO World Congress in North America since Canada 
hosted the event in1990 and 
the first in the United States since 1971. Three thousand researchers from 100 
countries are expected to 
attend, along with 1,500 resource managers and practitioners expected for the 
concurrent national 
conventions of the Society of American Foresters and the Canadian Institute of 
Forestry. 

At each World Congress, IUFRO honors one or two truly outstanding scientists 
with the IUFRO Host 
Country Scientific Achievement Award. This award is an once-in-a-lifetime 
opportunity to recognize a 
distinguished career that has had exceptional impact. The recipients of this 
prestigious award should be 
regarded as the preeminent forest scientists of contemporary times in the 
United States of America. 
Nominees do not need to be affiliated with an IUFRO member organization. 

I invite you and members of your organization to submit nominations for the 
IUFRO Host Country 
Scientific Achievement Award. The selection criteria, eligibility, nomination 
process, and information 
required are explained in detail in the Call for Nominations. Download that 
document by clicking the 
"Read More" link in the press release discussing the award on the web page 
http://iufro2014.com/news/. 
December 31, 2013, is the deadline to submit completed nomination forms and 
reference letters to me via 
email (rgul...@fs.fed.us). The IUFRO Honors and Awards Committee will make the 
final selections. 

The IUFRO World Congress also presents a unique opportunity for sharing the 
latest research results and 
showcasing the ongoing work and recent accomplishments of your organization. To 
enhance the 
visibility of your organization at this event, please contact Christopher 
Whited (whit...@safnet.org) to 
discuss the options available. You can also review them on the IUFRO Congress 
website at 
http://iufro2014.com/trade-exhibition/. Contacting Mr. Whited before December 
15, 2013, will assure 
your organization of a prominent place at the Congress on the most favorable 
terms. 

Sincerely, 
Richard W. Guldin 
Chair, Congress Organizing Committee 
XXIV IUFRO World Congress

[ECOLOG-L] You're Invited: FREE EVENT - Professional Societies Fair, November 19th, 11am-1pm, USDA Whitten Bldg patio, Wash DC

[Cliff Duke]

NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES FAIR  - FREE EVENT! 

November 19, 2013 - 11 am - 1 pm - USDA Jamie L. Whitten Building
 
Interested in Joining a Professional Society? 
Interested in Networking with other Natural Resources and Agriculture 
Professionals? 
 
Come learn more about the benefits of joining a professional society and hear 
from distinguished Government and Association executives including: 
 
-- Donna Harman, President and CEO, American Forest & Paper Association
-- Bob Bendick, Director, Gulf of Mexico Program, The Nature Conservancy
-- Ann Bartuska, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Research, Education & 
Economics 
-- Butch Blazer, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources & 
Environment 
 
November 19, 2013
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
 
USDA Jamie L. Whitten Building
1st Floor Patio 
12th Street SW and Jefferson Drive
Washington, DC 
(Smithsonian Metro Stop, Mall exit)
 
FREE Lunch and Beverages!
 
Sponsoring Societies:
National Capital Society of American Foresters
American Fisheries Society
American Geophysical Union
American Society of Agronomy
Crop Science Society of America
Ecological Society of America
Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
Society for Range Management
Soil and Water Conservation Society
Soil Science Society of America
The Wildlife Society

Please feel free to share this invitation with interested colleagues.
 
For questions, please contact Andy Mason, National Capital SAF, at 
ama...@fs.fed.us.

[ECOLOG-L] Hackathon announcement applications due Friday November 1

[Cliff Duke]

iDigBio (www.idigbio.org) and Zooniverse's Notes from Nature Project 
(www.notesfromnature.org) are pleased  to announce a hackathon to further 
enable public participation in online transcription of biodiversity specimen 
labels.  There are approximately 1 billion specimens of this type in US 
collections alone, but it is estimated that information from just 10% of them 
is currently digitized and online.  Digitization of natural history collections 
grants researchers access to vast quantities of information in their 
investigations of timely subjects such as climate change, invasive species, and 
the extinction crisis.  The magnitude of the task of bringing those collections 
into digital format exceeds that of any single organization and will require 
new, Internet-scale approaches to engage the public.  This is an exciting 
opportunity to work on a ground-breaking citizen-science endeavor with 
immediate and strong impacts in the areas of biodiversity research and applied 
conservation.

The event will occur from December 16-20, 2013, at iDigBio in Gainesville, FL.  
There is up to $1200 for support of travel and lodging for each participant.  

The hackathon will produce new functionality and interoperability for 
Zooniverse's Notes from Nature (www.notesfromnature.org) and similar 
transcription tools.  There are four areas of development that will be 
progressively addressed throughout the week.  On Monday, the focus will be (1) 
linking images registered to the iDigBio Cloud to transcription tools to create 
efficiency and alleviate storage issues.  Starting on Tuesday, topics will 
include (2) transcription QA/QC and the reconciliation of replicate 
transcriptions, (3) integration of OCR into the transcription workflow, and (4) 
new UI features and novel incentive approaches for public engagement. We expect 
that most participants will arrive on Monday afternoon and depart on Friday 
late afternoon/evening or Saturday morning. There will be a social at the 
Florida Museum of Natural History on Wednesday, December 18. There will be 
opportunities to narrow the focus in each category of activity in a 
teleconference tentatively scheduled for early in the week of November 25.

**If you wish to be considered for one of about ten open invitations (of a 
total of about 30), please send (1) your CV/resume, (2) a short description 
(<250 words) of your relevant expertise (citing example products where 
appropriate), (3) the development areas that interest you (of the four numbered 
above), and (4) the days that you can attend to Austin Mast (am...@bio.fsu.edu) 
by Friday, November 1, for assured consideration.  At least 3 slots will be 
reserved for qualified graduate students.**

With best regards,

Austin and Rob Guralnick (UC-Boulder), co-organizers

Austin Mast


Associate Professor · Director, Robert K. Godfrey Herbarium · Associate Editor, 
Systematic Biology and Systematic Botany · Treasurer, American Society of Plant 
Taxonomists · Steering Committee Member, iDigBio, The National Resource for 
Advancing Digitization of Biodiversity Collections

Department of Biological Science · 319 Stadium Drive · Florida State University 
· Tallahassee, FL 32306-4295 · U.S.A.

Office is King Life Science Building, room 4065 · Lab is King Life Science 
Building, rooms 4068 and 4084 · Herbarium is Biological Science Unit One, room 
100

Voice: 1 (850) 645-1500 · Fax:  1 (850) 645-8447 · am...@bio.fsu.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Fwd: Scientists survey on data management and education

[Cliff Duke]

You are invited to participate in an NSF-sponsored DataONE research study.   A 
survey link is enclosed with this email. Your responses will contribute to the 
understanding of how scientists currently create, preserve, manage, and share 
their data as well as how they are involved in education concerning these 
topics. Once you have completed the survey, please forward the survey link to 
other faculty, researchers, lecturers, post-doctoral associates, and graduate 
students in sciences, technology/engineering, health sciences, and social 
sciences. Please contact Carol Tenopir (cteno...@utk.edu) with any questions.

Cut and paste this link into your browser to open the survey: 
http://tinyurl.com/DataONEScientistsSurvey

Thank you.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Announcing the BRDI Data and Information Challenge

[Cliff Duke]

BRDI Announces Data and Information Challenge

(Please excuse cross postings)

The National Academy of Sciences Board on Research Data and Information (BRDI; 
www.nas.edu/brdi) announces an open challenge to increase awareness of current 
issues and opportunities in research data and information. These issues 
include, but are not limited to, accessibility, integration, discoverability, 
reuse, sustainability, perceived versus real value and reproducibility.

A Letter of Intent is requested by December 1, 2013 and the deadline for final 
entries is May 15, 2014. 

Awardees will be invited to present their projects at the National Academy of 
Sciences in Washington DC as part of a symposium of the regularly scheduled 
Board of Research Data and Information meeting in the latter half of 2014.

More information is available at 
http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/brdi/PGA_085255. Please contact Cheryl 
Levey (cle...@nas.edu) with any questions. 

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Invitation to BRDI Symposium - Privacy in a Big Data World, Sept 23, 2013

[Cliff Duke]

INVITATION 
Privacy in a Big Data World 
A Symposium of the Board on Research Data and Information 
(http://www.nationalacademies.org/brdi )
 Monday, September 23, 2013 from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm  
 National Academy of Sciences Lecture Room
2100 C Street NW, Washington, DC 

"Big data" describes the phenomenon of an explosion in quantities of scientific 
data available for research. The term is also used to describe the vast 
increase in personal data available in a digital world. The enormous quantities 
of data are requiring new terms such as exabytes, zettabytes, and yottabytes, 
new methods of processing and storage, such as cloud computing, and additional 
broadband. Big data also implies new ways of thinking about data that emphasize 
their reuse and repurposing, and the recombination and aggregation of data from 
multiple sources; these are practices that are often in tension with 
traditional ideas about privacy and anonymity. Such developments offer 
unprecedented opportunities to realize scientific advances and economic growth 
- if we can sort out the right balances with privacy, and if legal and 
regulatory constraints do not become intractable barriers. 
Data flow across boundaries for both scientific and commercial uses. There are 
several international and national efforts to enhance data privacy in a big 
data world, including revisions in the United States to the OECD 1980 Privacy 
Guidelines, the EU General Data Protection Regulation, and proposed revisions 
to the Common Rule for the Protection of Human Subjects. These activities 
impact access and use of data for a wide variety of research purposes. How can 
we provide adequate privacy protection for individuals without impeding 
research and innovation? How do these different regulatory approaches to 
privacy impact national and transnational research? Has society's perspective 
on privacy evolved in a digital world, and how may it have to change further in 
the future? 

This Symposium will explore current developments in these areas. The co-chair 
of the Board on Research Data and Information, Clifford Lynch of the Coalition 
on Networked Information, will lead the symposium discussion, beginning at 3 
p.m. on Monday, September 23. The event will continue for 2 ½ hours in a mix of 
short presentations and discussion. The entire proceedings will be recorded and 
an audio-tape will be archived on the Board's website. The meeting will be 
followed by a reception outside the Lecture Room. 

The symposium is free and open to the public, but space is limited and advance 
registration by no later than noon on September 20 is required (contact: Cheryl 
Levey, cle...@nas.edu or call 202-334-1531).
Monday, September 23, 2013 from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm 
National Academy of Sciences Lecture Room
2100 C Street NW, Washington, DC 
The symposium is free and open to the public, but advance registration is 
required.
RSVP by September 20 to Cheryl Levey at cle...@nas.edu

For additional information about the program, please visit 
http://www.nationalacademies.org/brdi 
or contact Paul Uhlir, the Board Director, at puh...@nas.edu or 202-334-1531. 
The Symposium will be webcast-see the Board website for details on Monday, 
September 23, 2013 
  

[ECOLOG-L] NEON RFI Released (Urban Relocatable Site in Domains 14 & 15)

[Cliff Duke]

NEON RFI Released (Urban Relocatable Site in Domains 14 & 15)

NEON has released a Request for Information (RFI) to obtain input and 
recommendations from the environmental science community to contribute to 
NEON's integrated continental design and identify suitable urban Relocatable 
sites for Domains 14 (Desert Southwest) and 15 (Great Basin). For more 
information, please go to:

http://neoninc.org/content/rfi-urban-site-great-basin-desert-southwest

Please pass on to others as appropriate.
__
Dave Tazik
Project Scientist & Director of Biology, Neon, Inc.
1685 38th Street, Boulder, CO  80301
Office: 720-746-4841; Cell: 601-559-9362
dta...@neoninc.org
www.neoninc.org 

[ECOLOG-L] FW: NRC wild horse and burros report

[Cliff Duke]

The recently released NRC report, Using Science to Improve the BLM Wild Horse 
and Burro Program: A Way Forward is the result of a study commissioned by the 
Bureau of Land Management for an independent evaluation of the science, 
methodology, and technical decision-making approaches of the Wild Horse and 
Burro Program. The committee's report and supplementary material related to the 
study are available at http://dels.nas.edu/Report/Using-Science-Improve/13511.  
There will be a webinar about the report on Wednesday, June 26, at 1pm EDT. 
Registration details can be found in the link. 

[ECOLOG-L] Request for sand and shell hash samples

[Cliff Duke]

From: Charles Menzie [mailto:camen...@exponent.com] 
Subject: Request for sand and shell hash samples

I am beginning a project that involves pulling together beach sand and shell 
hash samples from the world's oceans and major seas. 

I am particularly interested in obtaining the following sands / shell hash:

Northern Mediteranean
North Sea
Eastern Atlantic
Western Atlantic Eastern and Western Pacific Coastal Islands of Pacific Indian 
Ocean South Africa Austalia

Ideally I would like to receive a pint sample either in a jar or plastic bag. 

These can be mailed to me at the following address:

Charles Menzie
PO Box 989
Severna Park, MD 21146

Thanks for participating. You will receive the results of the project. If you 
are curious about how the sand and shell hash will be used in this project just 
give me a call - 5712143648. 

All my best,

Charlie

Charles A. Menzie, Ph.D.
Principal 
Exponent 
1800 Diagonal Road
Suite 500
Alexandria, VA 22314
Cell Phone (best number) 571-214-3648
Office Phone: 571-227-7200
Fax: 571-227-7299
camen...@exponent.com 
www.exponent.com

[ECOLOG-L] Survey on scientists' views of responsibilities -- Reaching the global community

[Cliff Duke]

Dear AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition colleagues [including ESA],

We have had a very positive response to our questionnaire concerning how 
scientists and engineers view their responsibilities. 

We now seek your assistance in reaching the global scientific and engineering 
communities. Whether you represent a Coalition Member or Affiliated 
Organization or you are an Affiliated Individual, please share the 
questionnaire with your international contacts and networks. [Note that Ecolog 
subscribers have responded strongly -- we are now seeking additional 
international outreach.]

As a reminder, the questionnaire is anonymous and should take no more than five 
minutes to complete. The questionnaire is available online here: 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SciEngResponsibilities-Questionnaire 

Many thanks for contributing to our efforts in identifying how the global 
community of scientists and engineers view their responsibilities. If you have 
any questions about this activity, please contact Jessica Wyndham at 
jwynd...@aaas.org.

Sincerely,

Mark S. Frankel, PhD
Director, AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

Jessica Wyndham, LLM
Associate Director, AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program
Coordinator, AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition

Robert Albro, PhD
Co-Chair, Ethics and Human Rights Working Group, AAAS Science and Human Rights 
Coalition

[ECOLOG-L] Geological Society of America 2013 Annual Meeting

[Cliff Duke]

GSA 2013 Annual Meeting - 125th Anniversary
"Celebrating Advances in Geoscience"
27-30 October 2013 - Denver, Colorado USA 
Colorado Convention Center
http://www.geosociety.org/meetings/2013/

Abstract deadline:   6 August 2013
Registration Deadline:    23 September 2013

[ECOLOG-L] Issues in Ecology on the Ecological Dimensions of Biofuels

[Cliff Duke]

Issues in Ecology No. 17, Ecological Dimensions of Biofuels, is now available 
as a free PDF at http://www.esa.org/esa/?page_id=1638. This report is the fifth 
in a series exploring ecological implications of biofuels production for land 
use and biodiversity; forests; grasslands, rangelands, and agricultural 
systems; and effects on water, soil and the atmosphere. The previous four 
reports are available free at 
www.esa.org/biofuelsreports<http://www.esa.org/biofuelsreports>, and print 
copies are available for a nominal fee. Please contact Cliff Duke, 
csd...@esa.org<mailto:csd...@esa.org>, if you have any questions.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: [Shrcoalition] Survey on Responsibilities of Scientists and Engineers

[Cliff Duke]

Dear colleague,
You are invited to participate in a questionnaire aimed at identifying how 
scientists and engineers view their responsibilities. The questionnaire is 
anonymous and should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete. You may 
complete the questionnaire online here: 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SciEngResponsibilities-Questionnaire
 
As we aim to reach as many scientists and engineers globally as possible, your 
willingness to provide input is greatly appreciated. In addition, we ask that 
you share this questionnaire with colleagues at home and overseas. In 
particular, Coalition Member and Affiliated Organizations are asked to share 
this questionnaire with their membership. [ESA is a full Coalition member.]

This questionnaire is a joint activity of the AAAS Program on Scientific 
Responsibility, Human Rights and Law and the Ethics and Human Rights Working 
Group of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition. If you have any questions 
about this activity, please contact Jessica Wyndham at jwynd...@aaas.org.

Sincerely,

Mark S. Frankel, PhD
Director, AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program
Jessica Wyndham, LLM
Associate Director, AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program
Coordinator, AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition
Robert Albro, PhD
Co-Chair, Ethics and Human Rights Working Group, AAAS Science and Human Rights 
Coalition

[ECOLOG-L] FW: USGS Data Challenge

[Cliff Duke]

Only 14 days left to submit to the App-lifying USGS Earth Science Data 
Challenge! http://applifyingusgsdata.challenge.gov/

If you haven't had a chance to check out the challenge site please head on over 
and take a peek. As a reminder, this challenge is open to anyone age 13 and up 
so if you know of anyone that this may be of interest to please pass this 
message along to them.

Also, check out our webinars on each of the datasets participating in the 
challenge. http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/webinars.html

We look forward to your submission!

[ECOLOG-L] FW: [dataone] Extended: Deadline for DataONE Summer Internships now Mar 21

[Cliff Duke]

Good news for those of you who have had a busy week: we are extending the 
Summer Internship application deadline to March 21st. 
Please promote this opportunity within your networks.
 
DataONE internship are offered in multiple areas and are listed below.  Full 
information can be found on the DataONE website at: 
www.dataone.org/internships.  
The internship runs from May 27 - July 26 and interns will receive a stipend of 
$5,000.  

The 2013 projects are:
. Next Generation Data Environment: Semantically-Enabling the DataONE Metadata 
Environment
. Ontology Mappings in the Earth and Environmental Sciences
. Evaluation of Ontology Coverage for Curation
. Integrating Data Stories into DataONE Education and Community Engagement 
Products
. Data Policies for Public Participation in Scientific Research
. Bi-level Metadata Registry Development
. PBase: Provenance as a First-class Citizen in DataONE
. Build Fundamental Components for Provenance-aware Model Exploration, 
Evaluation, and Benchmarking Cyber-infrastructure Prototype
. A Visualization Tool for Provenance in DataONE
The deadline for applications is March 21st 2013.  Applicants must have a valid 
visa to work in the US and be resident in the US during the internship period.  
For full eligibility information see: www.dataone.org/internships.  

Additional questions can be addressed to interns...@dataone.org.

Thanks
Amber
-- 
Amber E Budden, PhD
Director for Community Engagement and Outreach
DataONE
University of New Mexico
1312 Basehart SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106

Tel: 505-814-1112
Cell: 505-205-7675
Fax: 505-246-6007

[ECOLOG-L] FW: A training workshop for Macrosystems research

[Cliff Duke]

Subject: A training workshop for Macrosystems research

Integrating evidence on forest response to climate change: physiology to 
regional abundance.
A training workshop for Macrosystems research
13-14 May 2013, Thomas Center, Duke University

At the 2012 annual workshop for the NSF Macrosystems research program we 
discussed training opportunities for advanced graduate students and 
postdoctoral studies in eco-informatics and modeling.  Our own macrosystems 
project has several leader in this area who have agreed to present a training 
workshop.  

We can invite a small group of grads/postdocs for this activity that will take 
place at Duke University on 13-14 May 2013.  Methods focus on synthesis of 
evidence for the effects of climate change on forest processes.  Goals of the 
workshop are to engage state-of-the-art experimental and observational data 
analyses from physiological to species distribution modeling in the development 
of synthetic models.  We can train a small group (8 to 12) of advanced graduate 
students and post-docs.  Presentations for the 2-day training activity will 
combine modeling and computation, including hands-on experience with software 
in R.  
Participants will be asked to cover travel expenses.  We can cover costs of the 
workshop, including lodging and meals.

To apply please send to jimcl...@duke.edu a current cv and a paragraph 
describing 1) your background in quantitative methods and 2) your thoughts on 
how this workshop could benefit your own research.  We will accept applications 
through 15 Apr, but will give preference in order of receipt.

Agenda
Sunday, 12 May
pm arrival and reception
Monday, 13 May 
8:30    Clark   Welcome, logistics, overview; summarize 
motivation, goals of the 2-day workshop, schedule of activities
am session Clark   Individual scale, regional consequences: the 
macrosystems approach
    State space modeling of 
demographic rates from tree census data 
pm session Finley/McMahon   Spatial modeling of forest attributes using 
high-dimensional remotely sensed data and field inventories
    group projects
pm group dinner
Tuesday, 14 May 
am session Dietze Integrating forest data into ecosystem models
pm session Gelfand   Spatial scaling of integral projection models: 
individuals to populations
    group session and wrap up
Methods workshop abstracts:
 
Clark 
 The two goals of this session are 1) to introduce the motivation for 
individual scale analysis for regional scale interpretation, and 2) to discuss 
modeling and computation issues for hierarchical dynamic models of demography.  
The modeling topics include structure and assumptions, use of prediction to 
evaluate models and identify important input variables.  Computation will be 
included using software in R.

Dietze    
This session will focus on how to apply Bayesian approaches to the calibration 
of processes-based ecosystem models and the propagation of uncertainty into 
model forecasts. Building on the previous sessions, we will focus on the 
integration of forest inventory, tree ring, and remote sensing data. In 
addition, we will utilize the PEcAn workflow system and R to apply these 
methods to a simple ecosystem model (SIPNET) and a sophisticated terrestrial 
biosphere model (ED2).

Finley/McMahon     
The session will blend modeling, computing, and data analysis using a variety 
of LiDAR and experimental forest inventory data. We will briefly cover LiDAR 
and forest inventory data preprocessing using R, hierarchical spatial Bayesian 
model specification, parameter estimation, prediction, and inference. Some 
advanced topics will include multivariate models with missing data and settings 
where the number of observations is too large to efficiently fit the desired 
hierarchical models. Special attention will be given to exploration and 
visualization of data and the practical and accessible implementation of 
spatial models using R and lower-level programming languages.

Gelfand 
Integral projection models (IPMs) are used to estimate demographic functions 
(survival, growth, fecundity). The approach does not align projected 
distributions with the observed data, and it introduces an inherent mismatch in 
scales. Parameter estimates on individuals do not allow population-level 
interpretation.  I discuss a new three-stage hierarchical model to infer 
dynamics within a Bayesian framework.  Exact Bayesian model fitting is 
computationally challenging; we offer approximate strategies to facilitate 
computation. We illustrate with simulated data examples as well as well as a 
set of annual tree growth data from Duke Forest in North Carolina.  

[ECOLOG-L] Register Now for NatureServe's Biodiversity Without Boundaries

[Cliff Duke]

Register Now for NatureServe's Biodiversity Without Boundaries

Join NatureServe in the charm of downtown Baltimore, April 14-18, 2013, for 
Biodiversity Without Boundaries 2013! From scientists, natural resource 
managers, and environmental consultants to planners, environmental advocates, 
and corporate and public policy-makers, BWB participants come together to 
present, explore, and address urgent and emerging conservation issues and 
solutions:
* the science behind the pressing problems
* the information and expertise needed to direct decisions
* the tools and methods for setting priorities, planning and taking 
action, and monitoring and tracking progress toward goals
* the lessons learned from conservation success, collaboration, and 
network approaches

The agenda features over 100 interactive workshops, panels, and plenaries. 
Highlights include:
* The Landscape Conservation Symposium hosted by USGS and 
NatureServe featuring representatives from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and 
its Landscape Conservation Cooperatives, USDA NRCS, and the National Park 
Service
* Advances in documenting at-risk status of ecosystems, ecosystem 
classification and mapping, and a half-day track on ecosystem services
* Climate change sessions including tools for coastal climate 
change vulnerability assessment and planning, and methods for assessing 
vulnerability to climate change for communities, species, and ecosystems
* A regional track focusing on biodiversity science and climate 
change adaptation in the  Chesapeake Bay watershed
* A half-day program featuring a roundtable discussion on coastal 
and marine strategy and a workshop applying the standard for classifying 
coastal and marine ecosystems.
* An outstanding array of field trips-whether you're a bog-turtler 
or botanizer-to Parkers Creek, Poplar Island, Blackwater National Wildlife 
Refuge, Soldiers Delight, and the National Aquarium.

Take advantage of early bird rates before March 1. Visit www.natureserve.org to 
register or contact pat_leig...@natureserve.org, 703-908-1803.

Biodiversity Without Boundaries would not be possible without the support of 
our event sponsors:
ExxonMobil; Chevron; The Nature Conservancy; Keller Benefit Services; Mullen, 
Sondberg, Winbash, & Stone; The Virginia Department of Conservation and 
Recreation; and Rite in the Rain.

To learn more about sponsorships, exhibitor packages, and about other support 
opportunities, contact NatureServe's director of development, Erin Chen, at 
703-908-1841, erin_c...@natureserve.org
Biodiversity Without Boundaries 2013 is co-hosted by the Maryland Natural 
Heritage Program, a division of the Department of Natural Resources.

[ECOLOG-L] Sustainable Water Resources Roundtable Meeting March 5-7

[Cliff Duke]

Invitation (no charge for participation):

You are invited to the Florida meeting of the Sustainable Water Resources 
Roundtable (SWRR), a forum for those with a serious interest in water resources 
to share information and ideas. From Tuesday evening March 5 to the afternoon 
of March 7, SWRR will hold a meeting in the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge 
south of Tallahassee. The theme of the meeting is Putting Sustainable Water 
Management to the Test. Speakers will make presentations and discuss with 
participants many topics important in Florida and the nation. For details, 
registration information and hotel info, go to Eventbrite at: 
http://swrrflorida.eventbrite.com  

The SWRR is a subgroup of the Advisory Committee on Water Information which is 
a conduit for information on water to the Federal Government.  The SWRR has 
held meetings around the United States to inform participants on such topics as 
water availability, demand for multiple uses, infrastructure, technological and 
policy developments, ecosystem needs, indicators of sustainability and water 
research. The SWRR web site is at http://acwi.gov/swrr/  and proceedings of 
past meetings can be found at http://acwi.gov/swrr/p&p_library/index.html

There are 27 rooms at the historic lodge available at a great reduced rate of $ 
80 per night to the first 27 people (or pairs of people) who reserve a room 
there and other participants will stay at hotels a few miles away. To book a 
room at the Wakulla Springs Lodge call 1 850-421-2000. 

We look forward to seeing you,

David Berry, Manager, Sustainable Water Resources Roundtable

[ECOLOG-L] Public symposium at NAS Feb. 26: Finding the Needle in the Haystack: Strategies for Discovering Research Data Online

[Cliff Duke]

Dear Colleague, 
 
You are cordially invited to attend a public symposium entitled Finding the 
Needle in the Haystack: Strategies for Discovering Research Data Online. The 
event is being organized by the National Research Council's Board on Research 
Data and Information, and will be held on the afternoon of February 26 in 
Washington, DC. A formal invitation with the summary description of the 
symposium, the location, and RSVP instructions may be found below. 
 
Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who you think may be 
interested. More complete information about the event and the Board on Research 
Data and Information is at: http://www.nationalacademies.org/brdi.
 
If you are able to join us, we only ask that you let us know at least a day in 
advance by RSVP to: cle...@nas.edu. The symposium will be webcast, if you 
cannot attend in person, but we hope to see you there!
 
Best wishes,
Paul Uhlir
Director, Board on Research Data and Information 
 
INVITATION
Finding the Needle in the Haystack:
A Public Symposium on
Strategies for Discovering Research Data Online 
Organized by the 
Board on Research Data and Information
National Research Council
(http://www.nationalacademies.org/brdi)
 Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm 
 National Academy of Sciences Auditorium
2100 C Street NW, Washington, DC
 
One of the problems recognized by experts and casual data users alike has been 
the inability to find the full array of research databases or factual 
compilations that are needed to support any given query. As data continue to 
proliferate and research becomes more data intensive, the discoverability of 
factual references also grows in importance. For research funders and 
policymakers, there is a need to better understand data productivity and trends 
in science, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Yet the deluge of 
information and the diversity of the datasets makes the task for all users of 
data and facts that much more difficult. 
Despite the proliferation of models and solutions in various disciplines and 
sectors, there is a recognized need for a pervasive infrastructure, 
standardization of approaches, and the usual questions of who does what, where, 
and how? This symposium therefore seeks to highlight some of these different 
approaches, providing examples that are both broadly interdisciplinary as well 
as discipline-specific to finding the right data at the right place in the 
right time. Although we will not offer any common solutions to this set of 
problems, we do hope to shed some light on the underlying issues and provide an 
opportunity for experts working in this area to interact, both among each other 
and with the audience.
The co-chairs of the Board on Research Data and Information, Clifford Lynch of 
the Coalition on Networked Information, and Francine Berman of the Rensselaer 
Polytechnic Institute, will lead the symposium discussion, beginning at 3 p.m. 
on Tuesday, February 26. The event will continue for 2 ½ hours in a mix of 
short presentations and discussion. The entire proceedings will be recorded and 
an audio-tape will be archived on the Board's website. The meeting will be 
followed by a reception outside the main auditorium.

The symposium is open to the public, but advance registration is requested 
(contact: Cheryl Levey, cle...@nas.edu or call 202-334-1531).
  
Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm 
National Academy of Sciences Auditorium
2100 C Street NW, Washington, DC 
The symposium is free and open to the public, but advance registration is 
requested.
RSVP to Cheryl Levey at cle...@nas.edu

For additional information about the program, please visit 
http://www.nationalacademies.org/brdi 
or contact Paul Uhlir, the Board Director, at puh...@nas.edu or 202-334-1531. 
The Symposium will be webcast--see the Board website for details on Tuesday, 
February 26, 2013. 

Cheryl Williams Levey
Senior Program Associate
National Academy of Sciences
Board on Research Data and Information
Keck 511 (c/o Paul Uhlir)
Washington , DC 20001  
U.S.A.
Phone: 301-473-1482
Fax: 773-897-7455
E-mail: cle...@nas.edu
http://www.nas.edu/brdi
 

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Request for Nominations to EPA Board of Scientific Counselors's Sustainable and Healthy Communities Research Subcommittee

[Cliff Duke]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking nominations for technical 
experts to serve on its Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC), a federal 
advisory committee to the Office of Research and Development (ORD). ORD is 
forming a BOSC subcommittee to provide independent scientific and technical 
peer review, consultation, advice, and recommendations to the Sustainable and 
Healthy Communities Research Program. Individuals and organizations can 
nominate themselves or others by using the nomination form on the BOSC website 
at http://www.epa.gov/osp/bosc/nomination.htm. The nomination period is open 
until April 1, 2013.

Details regarding areas of expertise sought, process for submitting 
nominations, and selection criteria can be found in the Federal Register. 

For more information go to: 
http://www.epa.gov/ncer/events/news/2013/sustainhealthnom.html

To learn more information about BOSC or the ORD Research Programs, go to their 
websites at http://epa.gov/osp/bosc/index.htm and 
http://www.epa.gov/ord/research-programs.htm, respectively.

If you have any questions, contact the Sustainable and Healthy Communities 
Subcommittee Designated Federal Officer, Claudia Walters 
(walters.clau...@epa.gov).

[ECOLOG-L] IIASA YSSP 2013: Summer Research Fellowship in Austria

[Cliff Duke]

IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program 2013
Summer Fellowship in Austria for Doctoral Students in Natural and Social 
Sciences, Math, Policy and Engineering
Each summer, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), 
located in Schloss Laxenburg near Vienna, Austria, hosts a selected group of 
graduate students, primarily doctoral, from around the world in its Young 
Scientists Summer Program (YSSP). These students work closely with IIASA's 
senior scientists on projects within the Institute's 3 theme areas. 
 
Funding is available for Fellows selected by IIASA, to cover travel to IIASA 
and a modest living allowance.
Most funding comes from IIASA's NMOs for students from member countries, but 
applicants from all nations are eligible to apply, and some unrestricted 
fellowships are available. 
 
APPLICATIONS DEADLINE: 14 JAN 2013
2013 YSSP DATES: 1 JUNE - 31 AUGUST
 
WHAT IS IIASA AND WHAT ARE ITS PROGRAM AREAS?
IIASA is an international institution, supported by twenty member nations, 
engaged in scientific research aimed at providing policy insight on issues of 
regional and global importance in the following fields:
GLOBAL PROBLEM AREAS
* Energy and Climate Change
* Food and Water
* Poverty and Equity
 
PROGRAM AREAS
* Energy 
* Transitions to New Technologies
* Advanced Systems Analysis 
* Ecosystem Services and Management 
* Mitigation of Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gases 
* Evolution and Ecology   
* World Population 
* Risk Policy and Vulnerability 
* Water
 
Detailed information about each program is on the IIASA Website:  
http://www.iiasa.ac.at/
 
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
·    You are an advanced graduate student;
·    Your field is compatible with ongoing research at IIASA;
·    Your research and career would benefit from working alongside 50 or so 
contemporary young scientists from a score or more of other nations, and senior 
scientists from around the world;
·    You would like to explore the policy implications of your work.
HOW DO YOU APPLY? 
An on-line application form, along with more information, is at  
http://www.iiasa.ac.at/yssp/register/
General Questions:  Tanja Huber, YSSP Coordinator  hu...@iiasa.ac.at
National Member Organization (NMO) contacts:   To learn about funding in your 
country, contact your NMO.  Information can be found at 
http://www.iiasa.ac.at/web/home/about/nationalmembers/Full-List-of-Members.en.html
 
 

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Federal Register Notice: Reopening of Nomination Period for Members of the Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Science

[Cliff Duke]

*DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR*
*United States Geological Survey*
*[GX13EN05ESB0500]*
*Reopening of Nomination Period for Members of the Advisory Committee on 
Climate Change and Natural Resource Science *
*AGENCY: *U.S. Geological Survey, Interior.
*ACTION: *Notice.

*SUMMARY: *The U.S. Department of the Interior published a notice announcing 
the establishment of the Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural 
Resource Science (Committee), and inviting nominations for membership on the 
Committee. The closing date for nominations was November 19, 2012. This 
*Federal Register *Notice reopens the nomination and comment period for 30 
days. If you have already submitted information to be considered for 
appointment to the Committee you do not have to resubmit it.

*DATES: *Written nominations must be received by December 24, 2012. 

*ADDRESSES: *

Send nominations to: 

Robin O’Malley
Policy and Partnership Coordinator
National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 400
Reston, VA 20192
/romal...@usgs.gov/

* *
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *On October 4, 2012, the U.S. Department of the 
Interior (DOI) published a notice announcing the establishment of the Advisory 
Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Science (Committee), and 
inviting nominations for membership on the committee. The Committee will 
provide advice on matters and actions relating to the establishment and 
operations of the U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Change and Wildlife 
Science Center and the DOI Climate Science Centers. In doing so, the Committee 
will obtain input from Federal, state, tribal, local government, 
nongovernmental organizations, private sector entities, and academic 
institutions. The Department has determined that additional time is required to 
enable members to be nominated for the committee. We are seeking nominations 
for individuals to be considered as Committee members. Nominations should 
include a resume that describes the nominee’s qualifications in enough detail 
to enable us to make an informed decision regarding meeting the membership 
requirements of the Committee and to contact a potential member. Members of the 
Committee will be composed of approximately 25 members from both the Federal 
Government, and the following interests: (1) State and local governments, 
including state membership entities; (2) Nongovernmental organizations, 
including those whose primary mission is professional and scientific and those 
whose primary mission is conservation and related scientific and advocacy 
activities; (3) American Indian tribes and other Native American entities; (4) 
Academia; (5) Individual landowners; and (6) Business interests. In addition, 
the Committee may include scientific experts, and will include rotating 
representation from one or more of the institutions that host the DOI Climate 
Science Centers. The Committee will meet approximately 2–4 times annually, and 
at such times as designated by the DFO. The Secretary of the Interior will 
appoint members to the Committee. Members appointed as special Government 
employees are required to file on an annual basis a confidential financial 
disclosure report. No individual who is currently registered as a Federal 
lobbyist is eligible to serve as a member of the Committee.

Dated: November 16, 2012.

*Marcia McNutt,*
/Director, USGS./
[FR Doc. 2012–28414 Filed 11–21–12; 8:45 am]
This Federal Register Notice can be found at :
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-11-23/pdf/2012-28414.pdf

[ECOLOG-L] Request for Comments on Draft Implementation Plan for a Network Integrated Biocollections Alliance

[Cliff Duke]

The biocollections community is currently engaged in an important process to 
develop an Implementation Plan that will guide the multi-year effort to create 
a Network Integrated Biocollections Alliance.

The Implementation Plan for the Network Integrated Biocollections Alliance 
builds upon the work of an earlier report: A Strategic Plan for Establishing a 
Network Integrated Biocollections Alliance. The Strategic Plan issues a strong 
and urgent call for an aggressive, sustained, coordinated, and large-scale 
effort to digitize the nation's biological collections in order to mobilize 
their data (including images) through the Internet.

The draft Implementation Plan outlines the actions, timelines, and milestones 
required to achieve these goals. It was developed by a writing team drawn from 
the participants in a September 2012 workshop of experts in biocollections, 
digitization, computer science, and other relevant fields. The workshop was 
co-organized by James Hanken and Lucinda McDade and convened by the American 
Institute of Biological Sciences, with support from the National Science 
Foundation.

A draft of the Implementation Plan is now available for public comment at 
http://blogs.aibs.org/niba/. Members of the biological collections community 
and other stakeholders are encouraged to review the plan and submit comments to 
the comment section of the website or via email to publicpol...@aibs.org. 
Comments must be received by 26 November 2012.

[ECOLOG-L] NSF/IOS updated proposal solicitation and FAQs

[Cliff Duke]

The National Science Foundation's Division of Integrative Organismal Systems 
has issued an updated solicitation for the core programs (NSF 13-506) along 
with a revised set of IOS Frequently Asked Questions (NSF 13-09) which are now 
available on the IOS home page at: http://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=IOS

The core programs covered under this solicitation in the Division of 
Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS) support research aimed at understanding 
why organisms are structured the way they are and function as they do.  Areas 
of inquiry include, but are not limited to, developmental biology and the 
evolution of developmental processes, nervous system development, structure, 
and function, physiological processes, functional morphology, symbioses, 
interactions of organisms with biotic and abiotic environments, and animal 
behavior.

The Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS) will also host a Webinar 
to discuss the outcomes of the new preliminary proposal system thus far and 
answer questions about the updated solicitation on Monday, December 10th. 
Information about how to sign up for the webinar will follow shortly and be 
posted to the IOS home page. 

Please feel free to post these links and information for your membership and 
include them in your newsletters.

Cordially,
Michelle Elekonich

Michelle M. Elekonich, PhD
IOS Science Advisor
   ICOB Program Director
   Behavioral Systems Cluster Leader
Division of Integrative Organismal Systems
Directorate for Biological Sciences
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
tel : 703.292.7202
fax : 703.292.9153
email: melek...@nsf.gov

The next preliminary proposal deadline for IOS is January 18, 2013. The current 
IOS core program solicitation NSF 13-506 can be found here:    nsf.gov - 
Publications - nsf13506 Division of Integrative Organismal Systems - Core 
Programs - US National Science Foundation (NSF)

FAQs for the core solicitation can be found here:   
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2013/nsf13009/nsf13009.jsp?

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Ostrom Fellowship on Practice and Policy on Commons

[Cliff Duke]

Prof. Elinor Ostrom International Fellowship on Practice and Policy on Commons

It is our pleasure to share with you the call seeking applications for the 
'Prof. Elinor Ostrom International Fellowship on Practice and Policy on 
Commons'. Being announced by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) and 
the International Association for the Study on the Commons (IASC), the 
fellowships are aimed at promoting sound policies for the governance and 
management of Commons in different parts of the world. FES is particularly 
interested to receive papers which describe and critically assess practical 
strategies and experiences in these aspects of securing the commons and 
commoners rights. The fellowships are open to practitioners, researchers, 
policy makers from across the world. A note on the call for fellowships is 
attached fro your reference. At a personal level, I feel that some of the 
experiences that you narrated yesterday ( for eg: the Phillipines story) could 
easily qualify for the award.

All applications should be sent to linostromfellowsh...@fes.org.in. The 
application should include:

* A brief proposal clearly stating the aspect of the proposed research, 
the applicant's perspective on this subject, and expected output.

* An abstract of the paper (300 words),

* A detailed CV and

* Three references attached with recommendation letters from each of 
concerned individuals.

Though proposals from all interested individuals would be considered, 
preference would be given to those proposals whose abstracts are accepted for 
the 14th IASC Conference. The last day for submitting abstracts for the 14th 
IASC Conference is 31st October 2012.

We request you to apply as well as share the announcement with your colleagues 
and other listservs who might find it interesting.

Best regards,

Jagdeesh Rao | Executive Director | Foundation for Ecological Security PB NO. 
29, Anand | Gujarat,India

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Harvard Sustainability Science Fellowship for doctoral, post-doc and mid-career fellows - due Jan 15

[Cliff Duke]

From: Dickson, Nancy [mailto:nancy_dick...@harvard.edu] 
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 10:11 AM
Subject: [sustsci_fellowships] Harvard Sustainability Science Fellowship for 
doctoral, post-doc and mid-career fellows - due Jan 15

I would be most grateful if you would circulate this fellowship announcement to 
potential candidates. Thank you.

Sustainability Science Fellowships at Harvard University
Doctoral, Post-doctoral, and Mid-career Fellowships
Due date for applications: January 15, 2013

The Sustainability Science Program at Harvard University invites applications 
for resident fellowships in sustainability science for the academic year 
beginning in September 2013. The fellowship competition is open to advanced 
doctoral and post-doctoral students, and to mid-career professionals engaged in 
research or practice to facilitate the design, implementation, and evaluation 
of effective interventions that promote sustainable development. Some of the 
most serious constraints to sustainable development lie in the interconnections 
among sectors: energy's growing need for water; the impacts of water use on 
human health; the competition for land among food, energy and conservation 
initiatives; and the cumulative impact of all sectoral initiatives on climate 
and other key environmental services.  A central challenge is to develop an 
integrated understanding of how sectoral initiatives for sustainability can 
compete with and complement one another in particular regional contexts. The 
2013-14 fellowship competition therefore focuses on regional initiatives 
pursing an integrated perspective on sustainable development in India, China 
and Brazil. It also includes a cross-cutting research initiative to integrate 
work focused on the theme of Innovation for Sustainable Development. Preference 
in this year's competition will be given to applicants whose proposals 
complement one or more of these four initiatives.  The Initiatives (see below), 
are led by Professors William Clark, Henry Lee, Paul Moorcroft, and Rohini 
Pande. The Program is also open, however, to strong proposals in any area of 
sustainability science.  In addition to general funds available to support this 
fellowship offering, special funding for the Giorgio Ruffolo Fellowships in 
Sustainability Science is available to support citizens of Italy, Brazil, 
China, India or developing countries who are therefore especially encouraged to 
apply. For more information on the fellowships application process see 

http://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/mrcbg/programs/sustsci/fellowships. 

Applications are due January 15, 2013 and decisions will be announced by March 
2013.

Governance Innovations for Sustainable Development: Building Public-Private 
Partnerships in India
Faculty leader: Rohini Pande, Mohammed Kamal Professor of Public Policy
Project director: Michael Greenstone
Sustainable development, by its nature, requires government and private actors 
to work together. Externalities from rapid growth, such as the depletion of 
subsidized resources, widespread air and water pollution or unsustainable 
energy use, arise from a joint failure of government and industry to create an 
economy where the most profitable action is also best socially. The India 
Initiative will address sustainability problems in India of both national and 
global import. The motivation for this research program is to work with 
governments to channel the enterprising potential of the private sector to 
correct such externalities. The research will address questions in sustainable 
environmental regulation and provide evidence on how public-private 
partnerships can contribute to solving existing challenges. We focus on three 
research areas. First, existing environmental regulations are weakly enforced 
by possibly under-resourced regulators, leading to poor environmental quality. 
Second, traditional regulations, even if strengthened, are not the right tools 
to address many of India's pollution problems. Third, from the perspective of 
sustainability of resource use, India's inefficient and rapidly growing energy 
consumption threatens to undermine its own development by contributing to 
global climate change. The research team is partnering with government and 
private institutions in order to conduct field trials of innovative 
environmental policies to provide rigorous evidence on the impact of these 
policies for sustainable development. Doctoral, post-doctoral, and mid-career 
candidates are encouraged to apply.

Sustainable Development of the Energy Sector in China: Challenges and Options 
Faculty leader: Henry Lee, Jassim M. Jaidah Director, Environment and Natural 
Resources Program
Project directors: Edward Cunningham, Laura Diaz Anadon, Venkatesh Narayanamurti
The China Initiative addresses the environmental implications of energy 
policies in China and explores how China can manage these implications. Fellows 
work to identify and promote policies that 

[ECOLOG-L] Call for volunteers: review Biodiversity Management Plan for Mongolian copper/gold mine

[Cliff Duke]

The AAAS On-Call Scientists project connects scientists, engineers and health 
professionals interested in volunteering their skills and knowledge with human 
rights organizations that are in need of scientific expertise.  Through On-Call 
Scientists, Bank Information Center and a coalition of other organizations is 
seeking assistance monitoring compliance of the Oyu Tolgoi copper/gold mine in 
southern Mongolia with international human rights and environmental standards 
(http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12675.aspx). The Environmental and Social 
Impact Assessment (ESIA) was recently disclosed, beginning the 60 day 
consultation period with civil society. The organization seeks help with basic 
analysis and review of the document, specifically those related to desert 
ecology and biodiversity. The volunteer would be reviewing the Biodiversity 
Management Plan as support for the assessment. The relevant documents can be 
found at the following link: http://www.ot.mn/en/node/2679. The volunteer would 
be asked to write a 3-10 page analysis outlining potential technical issues, 
strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations based on a desk review of the 
relevant sections of the ESIA. 

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please email 
onc...@aaas.org for more information. 

Please note that the organization wishes to start this project on September 6, 
so respond soon if you are interested.

[ECOLOG-L] Conservation Psychology Institute

[Cliff Duke]

Antioch University New England and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 
(Pittsburgh, PA) have joined together to run an intensive 4-day Conservation 
Psychology Institute (CPI), October 13-16, 2012, designed for professionals in 
museum, zoo, aquarium, botanic garden, nature center, environmental advocacy, 
media, and other sectors with broad public engagement opportunities to learn 
from an internationally recognized team of faculty about relevant psychological 
theories and strategies for changing behavior for environmental and human 
well-being. 

The CPI goal is to equip participants with knowledge and skills in the fields 
of conservation psychology, environmental psychology and ecopsychology 
to effectively bring about environmental behavior change via work in their own 
institutions and sectors.

See www.conservationpsychologyinstitute.org for details.

[ECOLOG-L] Data Management Video Contest!

[Cliff Duke]

Let's be candid: one of the barriers to making data public is that talking 
about data management, ethics and sharing too frequently strikes scientists as 
boring.

Scientists laud the dogged commitment to all sorts of routine but 
mission-critical tasks - Pipetting? Please! - but have a hard time sitting 
still to talk about data management.

We need to figure out how to talk about data management and sharing! We 
launched a SciFund Challenge on May 1 to raise a little prize money for a video 
contest and succeeded in raising over $500!

So we now invite submissions to the video contest, with the top 3 short videos 
to be selected by a panel of experts, with cash prizes awarded. For details, 
and instructions on entering the contest, go to 
https://notebooks.dataone.org/video-contest/.

And learn about the new DataONE portal, tools for scientific data, at 
http://www.dataone.org/news/dataone-goes-live

[ECOLOG-L] Job: Chief of Party for USAID Measuring Impact Project

[Cliff Duke]

CHIEF OF PARTY - Biodiversity and Forestry Conservation, USAID Measuring Impact 
Project
Duration: Long-term
Location: Washington, DC
Integra Government Services International LLC (www.integrallc.com) is an 
international development firm dedicated to improving the lives of the poor by 
facilitating economic growth and human progress in the developing world. In the 
area of Environment and Natural Resources Management, Integra employs a 
knowledge-driven, technologically empowered, participatory, and empirical 
approach to the challenges of managing the environment and natural resources in 
an economic development context. The firm places solid analysis backed by 
evidence ahead of conventional wisdom. 

Integra seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated USAID Measuring Impact 
(MI) project.   The project aims to enhance the impact of biodiversity and 
forestry programs in USAID.  This goal will be achieved by 1) enhancing the 
capacity of USAID and partners to design and adaptively manage effective 
biodiversity, forestry and related integrated programs; 2) increasing USAID 
evaluation capability for biodiversity and integrated program; 3) strengthening 
the evidence base for the impact of biodiversity and forest conservation on 
development; and 4) enhancing USAID's technical leadership in the forestry and 
biodiversity field. The project/position is pending USAID approval.
Primary Duties:
.  Provide overall project leadership, strategic guidance, and technical 
direction of the entire program, ensuring an integrated vision among different 
components and actors, and a focus on achieving the results defined in the 
contract. 
.  Work with various stakeholders, including high-level government, USAID 
officials and local partner organizations.
.  Act as the key liaison between USAID/Washington, USAID Missions and all 
other counterparts and implementing partners involved with the program.
.  Identify issues and risks related to program implementation in a timely 
manner, and suggest appropriate program adjustments.  
Qualifications: 
.  More than 10 years of senior-level management experience; including in the 
areas of international development strategic planning, project design and 
evaluation;
.  Minimum 5 years of relevant experience managing international development 
projects and overseeing field-based operations in developing countries;
.  Strong technical expertise in biodiversity, forestry and/or natural resource 
management;
.  Advanced degree (graduate level: Doctorate, Master's) in relevant field such 
as international development, conservation, natural resource management;
.  Record of achieving development impacts in a similar context;
.  Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety 
of stakeholders, including national and local governments, local stakeholders, 
donors, community-based organizations, think tanks and universities, the 
private sector, project partners and staff; 
.  Excellent management, communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, 
including the ability to manage high-level relationships and motivate team 
members of all levels.
To Apply: Please send your CV to mvandu...@integrallc.com or submit through 
www.integrallc.com indicating "COP Biodiversity and Forestry Conservation" 
position. Please indicate where you saw this posting. 
Integra LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

[ECOLOG-L] Making data management fun: help fund our video contest!

[Cliff Duke]

Help make data management fun! A group of us affiliated with the DataONE 
project are organizing a contest to develop fun, educational videos about data 
management. We'd like to raise a modest sum through SciFund to provide prizes 
to the winners (see description below). Thanks in advance for your support.

http://www.rockethub.com/projects/7472-7-toed-terrestrial-dolphins-bored-to-death

When a species becomes endangered, or a hurricane devastates an ecosystem, 
access to existing data about those organisms and ecosystems is critical, 
especially when those ecosystems directly provide resources to humans - like 
clean water, timber or food. What was lost? When might it rebound? How can we 
help? But most environmental data sets are not publicly shared, or even managed 
by scientists in ways that allow easy sharing. And scientists basically are 
bored out of their skulls when you try to talk to them about data management. 
We plan to run a video contest that invites people to talk about data 
management and sharing in ways that they think are funny and engaging - and we 
can do it, but we need just a little prize money to create extra incentive for 
all those creative and enlightened students, postdocs and other researchers to 
get involved! We are suggesting $150 for top prize, $75 for two more winners.

Also see many other opportunities to support research through SciFund at 
http://www.rockethub.com/projects/by_category/34-science

Cliff Duke
Ecological Society of America

[ECOLOG-L] On-Call Scientists: Call for Agroecologists

[Cliff Duke]

On-Call Scientists: Call for Agroecologists
 
A human rights organization working in more than 40 countries seeks to develop 
long-term partnerships with volunteers who can advise the group's projects 
about connections between human rights, empowerment, and agroecology, including 
through research and documentation, monitoring and reporting, and training 
staff and community partners. If you are suitably qualified and interested in 
exploring this opportunity, please contact onc...@aaas.org.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: CODATA International Conference on Open Data and Information for a Changing Planet

[Cliff Duke]

News from the CODATA_International eNewsList follows from here:.

The 23rd International CODATA Conference- Open Data and Information for a 
Changing Planet
Taipei 28th-31st October 2012. 

For more information on the Conference, including: Call for Abstracts, Call for 
Sessions, Call for CODATA Prize Nominees: 

Visit the website at: http://www.codata2012.com/

You can also follow us on twitter, which we have just opened, on 
https://twitter.com/#!/CODATANews

Diary the dates 28th - 31st October 2012.

Kathleen Cass
Executive Director
CODATA, 5 rue Auguste Vacquerie
75016 Paris, France
Ph: + 33 1 45250496
http://www.codata.org
CODATA Science Journal http://www.codata.org/dsj
  

[ECOLOG-L] Ecosystem Services conference in Portland, OR, July 31 - August 3, 2012

[Cliff Duke]

5th Annual Ecosystem Services Partnership Conference
Linking Science, Policy, and Participation for Sustainable Human Well-Being
July 31 - August 3, 2012
Portland, Oregon
www.espconference.org
 
Why Attend: Come participate in a new conference model that focuses the power 
of groups to produce tangible and innovative solutions.
 
Featuring: Álvaro Umaña, Glenn-Marie Lange, Hal Mooney, Pushpam Kumar, and 
Michel Masozera
 
Submit Working Groups, Abstracts, and Posters by April 15, 2012
 
Experience Portland, Oregon this summer for a new conference format. 
Tackle real-world problems in fields desperate for serious solutions. 
Solve these problems by working in small, transdisciplinary groups. 
Connect with scientists, practitioners, communicators, and policy-makers. 
Implement solutions with the international Ecosystem Services Partnership. 
Communicate your results to an international audience. 
 
Call for abstracts (due April 15):
There are three possible presentation/participation options for the conference. 
1)    Parallel session presentations. These presentations will be held on the 
first two days of the conference. We are planning on having only a few parallel 
sessions, but with shorter presentations. This will allow you to have a larger 
audience for your presentation. 
2)    Poster Presentations. Posters will be displayed throughout the 
conference, with specific times for being at your poster for discussion. 
3)    Working Groups/Sessions. Small, transdisciplinary groups will work 
together to solve problems over the course of two days (August 1-2) and then 
report their results in plenary on August 3rd. To submit your abstract go to: 
www.espconference.org 
 
For any questions please contact Ida Kubiszewski at ida@gmail.com

[ECOLOG-L] EcoSummit 2012: CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - DEADLINE 20 January 2012

[Cliff Duke]

EcoSummit 2012
4th International EcoSummit
Ecological Sustainability: Restoring the Planet's Ecosystem Services
30 September - 5 October 2012
Columbus, Ohio, USA
www.ecosummit2012.org

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - DEADLINE 20 January 2012

Please remember to submit your abstracts for poster and oral (general session 
and invited symposium) presentations by 20 January 2012. Abstracts should be 
submitted using the online submission system on the EcoSummit 2012 website. 

Abstracts are invited on the following topics:

- Sustainability and Resilience
- Ecosystem Creation and Restoration/Ecological Engineering
- Global Change
- Ecosystem Services
- Ecological Indicators
- Biodiversity and Biological Conservation
- Climate Change
- Ecological Complexity
- Ecotoxicology
- Ecological Economics
- Ecological Modelling
- Biological Invasions
- Ecosystem Health
- Environmental Policy
- Ecological Knowledge
- Coastal Problems Caused by Upland Pollution Sources
- Watershed/River Catchment Management
- Ecohydrology

To submit your abstract go to
http://www.ecosummit2012.org/submit-abstract.html

EcoSummit 2012 will bring together the world's most respected minds in 
ecological science to discuss restoring the planet's ecosystems.

Plenary Speakers:
Lester Brown, Earth Policy Institute, USA
Robert Costanza, Portland State University, USA
Jared Diamond, UCLA, USA
Olafur R. Grimsson, President, Republic of Iceland
Sven E. Jørgensen, University of Copenhagen, Denmark 
Wolfgang Junk, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Germany
Rattan Lal, The Ohio State University, USA
Simon A. Levin, Princeton University, USA
William J. Mitsch, The Ohio State University, USA 
Elinor Ostrom, Indiana University, USA
E.O. Wilson, Harvard University, USA 

Symposia and Workshops:
70 symposia and 11 workshops with almost 600 participants from over 55 
countries have been tentatively accepted for the EcoSummit 2012 Program. The 
symposia and workshops cover a wide variety of ecological topics, including 
ecological restoration, ecosystem services, climate change issues, and lake, 
wetland, and river management and will be presented over the entire week of the 
conference in parallel sessions. 

For further information on submitting an abstract, and symposia and workshops 
visit the EcoSummit 2012 website: www.ecosummit2012.org

[ECOLOG-L] EcoSummit 2012 Symposia and Workshops update

[Cliff Duke]

The EcoSummit 2012 Conference will be held in Columbus, Ohio, September 30 - 
October 5, 2012. The Conference Secretariat is proud to announce that 70 
symposia and 11 workshops with almost 600 participants have been accepted for 
the EcoSummit 2012 Program. Some of the best-known ecologists and environmental 
scientists in the world are among the participants from over 55 countries 
represented in these sessions. The symposia and workshops cover a wide variety 
of ecological topics, including ecological restoration, ecosystem services, 
climate change issues, and lake, wetland, and river management and will be 
presented over the entire week of the conference in parallel sessions. The 
deadline for individuals to submit abstracts for presentations is January 20, 
2012. 

For information, see www.ecosummit2012.org.

[ECOLOG-L] Briefing -- International Polar Year: A Focus on Knowledge to Action Tuesday November 29

[Cliff Duke]

 "International Polar Year: A Focus on Knowledge to Action." 

The polar regions offer many powerful insights about Earth and its inhabitants, 
for example, how humans and animals have adapted to extreme conditions, and the 
many factors that affect the weather and climate. Understanding the Poles is 
essential to building a sustainable future.

Join us for this unique event, co-sponsored by the Canadian Embassy and the 
Polar Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, as distinguished 
polar scientists and representatives of the polar regions discuss the legacy of 
the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 and gear up for a 2012 conference 
in Montreal that will focus on putting the research findings into action. The 
event is free and open to the public.

The program will include representatives from the Canadian Embassy and the U.S. 
Department of State, distinguished polar scientists, an Inuit representative 
from the North, and a special PolarPalooza presentation. A reception at the 
Koshland Science Museum will follow.

The event will take place 4:00-6:00 pm (with reception to follow) on Tuesday, 
November 29, 2011 in Room 100 of the National Academy of Sciences Keck Center.

Download the flyer for the event: 
http://dels.nas.edu/resources/static-assets/prb/miscellaneous/PRB-IPY_Event_Flyer.pdf

Register here: 
http://dels.nas.edu/Upcoming-Event/International-Polar-Year-Focus/AUTO-5-73-08-W
 

[ECOLOG-L] FW: IPBES Public Forum, 29 Nov in Washington, DC

[Cliff Duke]

From: Collins, Margaret [mailto:mcoll...@nas.edu] 
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2011 1:10 AM

The U.S. National Committee for DIVERSITAS 
of the National Academy of Sciences is pleased to invite you to a
 
Public Forum on the 
Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
The Seminar will be held in the Alfred Nobel Hall of the
House of Sweden
2900 K St, NW
Washington, DC.
ADMISSION IS FREE, BUT WE REQUEST THAT YOU REGISTER ONLINE at 
http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/biso/DIVERSITAS/PGA_065789

Please feel free to forward this Invitation to Colleagues who might be 
interested in the topic.
Agenda
Moderator: Peter Raven, Chairman, USNC DIVERSITAS
2:00    Welcome and Opening Remarks: Global Threats to Ecosystems and 
Biodiversity 
    Peter Raven, President Emeritus, Missouri Botanical Garden
 
2:30    Global Assessments and Policy Making: IPBES, IPCC, and the MA
    Thomas Lovejoy, Biodiversity Chair, Heinz Center for Science
 
3:00    IPBES and the Science-Policy Interface 
    Charles Perrings, Professor of Environmental Economics, Arizona State 
University
    (via video link)
 
3:30    IPBES Negotiations:  What has been agreed, Questions still to come
    Douglas Beard, Chief, USGS National Climate Change and Wildlife Science 
Center
 
4:00    IPBES and the Science Community: Shaping and Carrying Out IPBES 
    Panel with Representatives of Scientific Societies, Academic 
Institutions and NGOs
    Discussion and Suggestions from Audience
    Panel will include:
    John Fitzgerald, Policy Director, Society for Conservation Biology
 
5:00    Reception in the Atrium Lounge
  With appreciation for the French wines provided by the Embassy of France 
    
 
 
Co-sponsored by: DIVERSITAS
    Embassy of France
   NRC Board on Environmental Change and Society
  Society for Conservation Biology
  Ecological Society of America
   
IPBES Background, and the purpose of this Public Forum
The Intergovernmental Science-policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem 
Services (IPBES) is designed to be an interface between the global scientific 
community and policymakers that aims at building capacity for and strengthening 
the use of science in policymaking.  Approved by the UN General Assembly in 
early 2011, the framework and responsibilities of the IPBES are being 
negotiated at two plenary meetings in 2011 and early 2012, organized under the 
auspices of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in cooperation with 
UNESCO, FAO and UNDP.  Like IPCC, it is being established with the intention of 
ensuring that the best available science is offered to Governments and decision 
makers.  
This session is designed to inform and update the Washington science and policy 
communities on the rationale and plans for the IPBES, describe the progress at 
the first IPBES plenary session, and explore opportunities for scientists, 
scientific societies, and NGOs to contribute to both the shaping and the 
execution of IPBES, in order to maximize its value for both scientific 
understanding and policy formulation.  DIVERSITAS has been designated by ICSU 
to represent the science community in those sessions.  The US National 
Committee for DIVERSITAS, chaired by Peter Raven, has been funded by NSF to 
work with relevant scientific organizations to educate and engage the U.S. 
science community with regard to the IPBES.  This informational public forum, 
and the discussions with the audience, is the first step in the USNC's process.
 
More information on IPBES is available here.
 
If you have questions about the program, please contact Margaret Goud Collins 
(mcoll...@nas.edu)
 

[ECOLOG-L] SETAC Europe Special Science Symposium -- Ecosystem Services

[Cliff Duke]

SETAC Europe is organizing a two day Special Science Symposium in Brussels on 
February 15-16, 2012.  A short descriptive clip follows and more details are 
available at: http://sesss05.setac.eu/?contentid=471.  Abstracts can still be 
submitted online at the above website until midnight CET on 15 November.

Ecosystem Services: From practice to policy

This special science symposium aims to introduce the ecosystem services concept 
and its applications in environmental assessment and management to a broad 
audience. The focus will be on the implementation of the European environmental 
policies, such as the biodiversity agenda, the agricultural policy and the 
water framework directive.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: survey on USA natural-resource research priorities

[Cliff Duke]

I would be grateful if you would participate and encourage your colleagues to 
participate in a survey on information needed to maximize effectiveness of 
management of natural resources in the United States.
 
Colleagues and I coauthored a recent publication in BioScience 
(http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/bio.2011.61.4.9) that identified 40 
research questions that, if answered, might provide information on natural 
resources needed by policy makers in the United States. The questions reflect 
the input of nearly 400 individuals affiliated with more than 100 public and 
private organizations. If you do not have online access to BioScience and wish 
to obtain a copy of the article, please request a reprint from Erica Fleishman 
(efleish...@ucdavis.edu).
 
We now want to canvass a diverse group of policy makers and their advisors, 
resource managers, and researchers in the United States to rank these 
questions. Understanding how research priorities vary among sectors and 
organizations will help increase alignment between policy makers' needs and 
research.
 
Please assist us in this prioritization effort by responding to the survey 
yourself and, if relevant, distributing the survey link below to individuals in 
your organization or department who have responsibilities or interests in 
natural resource management. 
 
The survey link is
http://www.envsurvey.com/40Q/cgi-bin/ciwweb.pl?studyname=40Q&AC=111222
 
If you have any questions about the survey, which was developed by Murray Rudd 
at the University of York, or the original work and publication, please contact 
Erica Fleishman (efleish...@ucdavis.edu, 530-754-9167). We estimate the survey 
will take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Links to a FAQ are included 
throughout the survey.
 
Thank you very much.

[ECOLOG-L] National Climate Ethics Campaign Seeks Endorsements on Climate Ethics Statement

[Cliff Duke]

National Climate Ethics Campaign Seeks Endorsements on Climate Ethics Statement
 
The National Climate Ethics Campaign seeks the endorsement of the "Statement of 
Our Nation's Moral Obligation to Address Climate Change" found at this 
link: http://climateethicscampaign.org/statement/
 
One of humanity's most deeply held universal moral precepts is to 'do no harm.' 
 This axiom says that any activity that unjustifiably causes human suffering 
and death is morally wrong. The destruction to homes, communities, and 
businesses as well as the physical injury to humans caused by the climate 
change-enhanced extreme weather events in the U.S. and around the world this 
year make clear that climate change is already causing extensive suffering and 
death. Climate change is also amplifying many diseases, illnesses, and other 
health impacts, destroying agricultural productivity, and undermining economic 
and social wellbeing around the world. Most importantly, climate change is 
damaging the ecological systems species that makes all life possible. These 
impacts will only grow as the Earth's temperatures rise. This makes climate 
change a deeply moral issue.
 
The National Climate Ethics campaign is a project of a 20 person plus national 
steering committee (I am a member) that seeks to make the individual and 
collective moral obligations we have to address climate change a visible public 
and political issue. The committee firmly believes that efforts to meaningfully 
address climate change will stimulate the creation of whole new industries, new 
businesses, and millions of good jobs.
 
Please join the 350 plus people that have already signed the statement by 
endorsing the document found at the link above. It will be released to Congress 
and the President in late November. 
-- 
Bob Doppelt
Executive Director
The Resource Innovation Group
PO Box 51182
Eugene, Oregon 97405
P: 541-744-7072
F: 541-484-7395
Email: b...@trig-cli.org
Website: www.theresourceinnovationgroup.org

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Upcoming NRC Biofuels Briefing

[Cliff Duke]

You're invited to a Public Briefing on the upcoming report from the National 
Research Council: Renewable Fuel Standard: Potential Economic and Environmental 
Effects of U.S. Biofuel Policy.

Biofuels, which are fuels derived from biological sources such as plant 
material, offer an alternative to petroleum-based transportation fuels. 
Interest in biofuels stems from two potential benefits: improved U.S. energy 
security and reduced life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil 
fuels. The Renewable Fuels Standard, enacted in 2005 and expanded in 2007 
(RSF2), mandates the consumption of 36 billion gallons of biofuels by 2022. 
This report from the National Research Council, produced at the request of the 
U.S. Congress, provides an independent analysis of the economic and 
environmental effects associated with achieving the standard. Please join us at 
9:30 AM for a discussion of the report and its findings.

When: October 4, 2011
Where: National Press Club, Washington, DC
Register to attend here: 
http://dels.nas.edu/Upcoming-Event/Public-Briefing-Renewable-Fuel-Standard-Potential/BANR-O-08-09-A

[ECOLOG-L] Feeding the Spirit: Museums, Food & Community

[Cliff Duke]

For Ecolog readers interested in the links among sustainability, food, and 
health.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, Pittsburgh, PA, October 13, 2011:
The symposium Feeding the Spirit: Museums, Food & 
Community will 
explore three themes: how museums can increase food literacy in their 
communities, to help people make informed choices about health and nutrition; 
how museums can bring their own food services into alignment with their values 
about health and sustainability while improving their own bottom line; and how 
museums can use food to reach out to new audiences and strengthen their ties to 
their community.

A vital and interesting mix of attendees from museums and other sectors 
(health, food, policy, etc.) will contribute to a lively discussion that will 
help create a discussion and resource guide that the American Association of 
Museums will use in the coming year to engage museums and their communities 
more deeply in these issues.

The keynote lecturer is Jessica 
Harris, scholar, cook, author and 
historian of African American food traditions. Her most recent book is High on 
the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America.
The thought leaders for the symposium are:
Jeannette Ickovics, Yale 
School of Public Health, who is curating a major exhibit at the Peabody Museum 
of Natural History called "Big Food," on the science, anthropology and policy 
issues of the obesity epidemic
Elizabeth Meltz, Director of 
Food Safety and Sustainability, (Mario) Batali/Bastianich Hospitality Group, 
who will speak on creating green food services
Erika Allen, national 
outreach coordinator for Growing Power, a community service/food justice 
organization based in Milwaukee and Chicago.

For more information, and registration information, visit 
http://www.futureofmuseums.org/events/lecture/2011symposium.cfm

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecosystems and Energy Biofuels Homage to Principle or Deceptive Fraud?

[Cliff Duke]

People interested in ESA activities regarding biofuels and sustainability may 
be interested in the following: (1) series of biofuels and sustainability 
reports at http://www.esa.org/biofuelsreports/, (2) presentations from our 2008 
conference on the ecological dimensions of biofuels at 
http://www.esa.org/biofuels/, (3) position statement on biofuels and 
sustainability at 
http://www.esa.org/pao/policyStatements/Statements/biofuel.php; and (4) a 
feature with several articles in the June issue of Ecological Applications at 
http://www.esajournals.org/toc/ecap/21/4.

-- Cliff Duke

Clifford S. Duke, Ph.D.
Director of Science Programs
Ecological Society of America
1990 M Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 833-8773
Fax: (202) 833-8775
E-mail: csd...@esa.org
www.esa.org/science

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Registration Now Open for EcoSummit 2012

[Cliff Duke]

From: EcoSummit 2012, Columbus, Ohio, September 30 - October 5, 2012
Subject: Registration Now Open

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Early Bird Registration Deadline: April 27, 2012

 We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for EcoSummit 2012 at 
www.ecosummit2012.org. 
Register by Friday April 27, 2012 for the reduced delegate rate US$500 (late 
registration rate US$625).
The registration fee includes:
. Access to all conference sessions
. Access to the exhibition
. Full conference materials, including a Program booklet and abstract CD
. Welcome reception drinks
. Mid-session refreshments as scheduled in the conference program
. Lunch with mid-conference field trips
. A mid-conference (Wednesday) all-day ecology field trip (some will have a 
small additional fee)
During the registration process you will be able to select your mid-conference 
field trip and optional pre-conference field trip. We recommend that you look 
at the pre-conference and mid-conference field trip options before starting the 
registration process.
View registration details and register here. 

Authors 
Presenting authors are reminded that they must register to attend the 
conference by Friday April 27, 2012.

We look forward to seeing you in Columbus!
Kind regards, 
William J. Mitsch
EcoSummit 2012 Chair

For more information on EcoSummit 2012 and to sign up for email updates, 
including speaker and program announcements, visit www.ecosummit2012.org.

September 1, 2011
Deadline for Proposals Symposia/Workshops
January 20, 2012
Deadline for Abstract Submission
April 27, 2012
Deadline for Author Registration 
and
Deadline for Early Bird Registration 

[ECOLOG-L] FW: New Science & Technology Policy Masters Program in DC: Open House April 18

[Cliff Duke]

OPEN HOUSE IN WASHINGTON DC
Professional Science Master's in Science and Technology Policy
http://sciencepolicy.asu.edu

Monday, April 18th, 2011 from 5 - 6 pm

ASU Washington DC Center
1834 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington DC 20009 

Do you want to make a difference in the world, applying your knowledge and 
skills to meeting real-world challenges? Do you want to help solve complex 
problems like energy, climate change, public health, or national security? Are 
you interested in a career in business, government, or the non-profit sector 
with a focus on policy and/or communication?

Gain essential skills, knowledge and methods for analyzing innovation, 
expertise, and large-scale technological systems. Examine the political and 
societal impacts of science and technology. Learn how to write effectively 
about science and technology and their interconnections with human lives, 
community development, or global transformation. Work alongside scientists, 
engineers and elected officials to find creative solutions to many of today's 
most complex challenges - risk, sustainability, health, energy, development, 
security, information, infrastructure, democracy.

Click here to download our program tri-fold for DC area students or visit 
http://sciencepolicy.asu.edu/files/PSMSTP_DC.pdf 

Join us for refreshments, to meet our faculty, and explore graduate 
opportunities in Science and Technology Policy! 

Wish to sample more of the program's synergistic offerings? Please join us for 
our seminar series immediately following the open house. At 6 PM journalist and 
science writer Eric Roston will discuss "Errors, Accidents, and Unavoidables: 
What the Deepwater Horizon and Fukushima Daiichi Incidents Teach Us About 
Risk". Eric will be sharing insights from his recent role as a senior analyst 
for the National Commission on the BP Oil Spill. 

PLEASE RSVP TO: Travis Doom at csp...@asu.edu indicating whether you wish to 
attend the open house and the seminar.



Additional information follows.

Professional Science Master's in Science & Technology Policy
sciencepolicy.asu.edu 

Why this degree program?
The one-of-a-kind, comprehensive and hands-on science and technology policy 
program in the country is now available to D.C. area students and 
professionals.  The curriculum has been developed within one of the largest 
centers for research, education and outreach on the societal aspects of 
emerging science and technologies: the Consortium for Science, Policy & 
Outcomes (CSPO) at Arizona State University (ASU).
. Receive individually tailored guidance from nationally recognized faculty and 
complete your program in just one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).  
. Learn to apply cutting edge ideas, tools, and methods including: anticipatory 
governance, real time technology assessment, and decision making under 
uncertainty.
. Network with practitioners who fund, regulate, shape, critique and publicize 
science and technology.
. Join the ranks of a new kind of science and technology professional: 
o Analysts who can work alongside elected officials, business leaders, and 
scientists and engineers to solve real world problems in innovation, expertise, 
and technological systems;  
o Managers who can advance scientific and technological research and 
development while also improving governance, promoting justice, and creating 
better lives and livelihoods for people all over the world;
o Writers & communicators who can convey the social stories wrapped up in 
technical issues

Degree Requirements
The program requires 30 credits of coursework:
. 6 credits of required core courses,
. 6 credits of restricted electives,
. 6 credits of applied policy analysis courses
. 3 credits of internship, and
. 9 credits of free electives

Classes
Courses are taught at ASU's Washington DC Center by DC based faculty and also 
by Arizona based faculty using video teleconferencing technology. The science 
and technology policy program is part of a larger ASU presence in Washington, 
D.C. that feeds into and benefits from critical decisions and policy making at 
our nation's capital. This includes initiatives undertaken by the law school, 
journalism school, and various other departments.  Students will have access to 
growing opportunities including our ongoing workshops, speaker series, and 
projects.  

Questions?
. Clark Miller, Program Chair (480) 965-1778; clark.mil...@asu.edu 
. Andra Williams, Program Assistant (480) 727-9498; sciencepol...@asu.edu 
. Mahmud Farooque, Program Contact in D.C. (202) 446-0397; 
mahmud.faroo...@asu.edu 

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Feedback on NSF's Merit Review Criteria

[Cliff Duke]

Hi everyone, and a belated Happy New Year to you! 

We need your help getting in contact with NSF-funded PIs on your campus or in 
your institution. The National Science Board's (NSB) Merit Review Task Force is 
undertaking a thorough review of the National Science Foundation's two merit 
review criteria (Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts). The merit review 
process is at the heart of NSF's mission, and the merit review criteria form 
the critical base for that process. Moreover, in the recently enacted America 
COMPETES Reauthorization Act, the Broader Impacts Review Criterion was 
specifically mentioned.

The Task Force is now gathering input from a wide variety of stakeholder 
groups, and will be developing its report and recommendations during 2011.
To ensure that all interested parties have an opportunity to provide input, NSF 
has established a web site through which you can submit your thoughts and ideas 
on several issues of interest to the Task Force 
(http://www.nsf.gov/funding/meritreviewform.cfm). Please take this opportunity 
to provide comments and suggestions for improvements, as the Task Force 
undertakes this important review.

Comments will be accepted through March 15. The Dear Colleague letter is posted 
here: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/publications/2011/01_19_mrtf.jsp.
Many thanks in helping get the word out.
Best wishes,
Dana

Dana Topousis
Acting Division Director, Public Affairs
National Science Foundation
(703) 292-7750
http://www.nsf.gov/

[ECOLOG-L] FW: [shrplist] Webinar: Best Practices for Defending the Human Rights of Scientists

[Cliff Duke]

Re: Webinar: Best Practices for Defending the Human Rights of Scientists
Date: March 7, 2011, 2:00-3:30pm EST
Location: Register Online at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/849829158

Join the American Chemical Society (ACS) and Scholars at Risk to learn more 
about the interplay between human rights and science, and how you can identify 
appropriate and practical solutions to human rights problems facing the 
scientific community today. 

ACS has over two decades of experience working in the area of scientific 
freedom and human rights, especially in the use of letter writing as an 
advocacy tool for chemistry-related scientists whose rights have been abridged 
around the globe.   

Scholars at Risk is an international network of universities and colleges that 
promotes academic freedom and defends the human rights of scholars and their 
communities worldwide. 

What You Will Learn: 
   Advocacy, monitoring, case assessment, and actions to take on behalf of a 
scholar 
   Actions specific to associations and societies 
   Regional and international human rights standards 
   How to draft effective letters of appeals and alerts, following-up   
   Specific case studies 
   New frontiers and future directions in human rights 
   And much more…

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: 
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/849829158
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information 
about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements:
PC-based attendees: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Macintosh®-based attendees: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

[ECOLOG-L] FW: USGS Brieing at Defenders next Tuesday at 10:30 EST

[Cliff Duke]

From: Noah Matson 
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 12:02 PM
To: 'Natural Resource Funding List'
Subject: USGS Brieing at Defenders next Tuesday at 10:30 EST

You are cordially invited to a briefing by Matt Larson, Associate Director for 
Climate and Land Use Change at USGS, next Tuesday, 2/22, at 10:30 am at 
Defenders of Wildlife (1130 17th St NW, Washington, DC). See description 
below.  You are encouraged to attend in person if you are in DC.  For those of 
you outside DC, see log-in information below.

Noah Matson
Vice President for Climate Change and
Natural Resources Adaptation
Defenders of Wildlife
1130 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 682-9400,  Fax (202) 682-1331
nmat...@defenders.org
Visit us at http://www.Defenders.org  
Read our blogs at http://www.Defendersblog.org and 
http://experts.Defendersblog.org
Connect with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/DefendersofWildlife 
Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/defenders 
Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/user/defendersofwildlife 



Matthew C. Larsen is the Associate Director for Climate and Land Use Change at 
USGS. Under the new USGS realignment, he now manages the portfolio that 
includes the National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center, USGS climate 
variability research, the Climate Effects Network, and the agency's land use / 
land cover programs, including the EROS Data Center and associated remote 
sensing activities (i.e., the upcoming Landsat mission).  Matt has been with 
USGS for most of his career, with his most recent assignment being Associate 
Director for Water. 

Matt will provide an overview of the recently released DRAFT USGS Global Change 
Science Strategy: A Framework for Understanding and Responding to Climate and 
Land-Use Change, and request / invite comments to contribute to its revision 
and completion. 

He will also review relevant aspects of the USGS budget as proposed by the 
President for FY12.


Presentation by Matthew Larsen, Associate Director for Climate and Land Use 
Change, USGS 
You have been invited to a ReadyTalk Meeting hosted by Kate Rosenberg. All the 
information you need to join is below. 
 

Step 1: Dial-In 


U.S. & Canada:    866.740.1260 
Access Code: 7220243 


Step 2: Web Login 
https://cc.readytalk.com/r/eqwg5po2u0b 


Meeting Description: 

Matthew C. Larsen is the Associate Director for Climate and Land Use Change at 
USGS. Under the new USGS realignment, he now manages the portfolio that 
includes the National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center, USGS climate 
variability research, the Climate Effects Network, and the agency's land use / 
land cover programs, including the EROS Data Center and associated remote 
sensing activities (i.e., the upcoming Landsat mission).  Matt has been with 
USGS for most of his career, with his most recent assignment being Associate 
Director for Water. 

Matt will provide an overview of the recently released DRAFT USGS Global Change 
Science Strategy: A Framework for Understanding and Responding to Climate and 
Land-Use Change, and request / invite comments to contribute to its revision 
and completion. 

He will also review relevant aspects of the USGS budget as proposed by the 
President for FY12. 


Date & Time 

Date: 
Tue, Feb 22, 2011 
Time: 
10:30 AM EST 
Duration: 
1 hour 30 minutes 
Host(s): 
Kate Rosenberg 


Lotus Notes Help 
ReadyTalk Support Information 
Test your computer for compatibility prior to the meeting. 
For technical support:
U.S. and Canada: 800.843.9166
International: 303.209.1600
Email: h...@readytalk.com
Web: Conferencing Support


 

[ECOLOG-L] Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels: CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

[Cliff Duke]

Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
The Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Office of 
Biomass Program (DOE EERE-OBP) has commissioned the National Academies' Board 
on Agriculture and Natural Resources and Board on Energy and Environmental 
Systems to examine the promise of sustainable development of algal biofuels, 
identify potential concerns and unforeseen sustainability challenges and 
unintended consequences for a range of approaches to algal biofuels production, 
explore ways to address those challenges, and suggest appropriate indicators, 
and metrics that can inform future assessments of environmental performance and 
social acceptance associated with sustainability. The study will

* Identify the potential sustainability concerns for commercial production 
(including larger centralized and smaller distributed facilities) of algal 
biofuels associated with a selected number of different pathways of biomass 
production and conversion. Potential concerns to be addressed could include the 
availability and use of land, water, and nutrient resources, human health and 
safety associated with feedstock cultivation and processing, potential toxicity 
associated with algal metabolites and their adverse impacts on downstream 
co-products, use of genetically modified organisms, and other impacts that are 
of social and environmental concern.

* Identify information or data gaps related to the impacts of algal biofuels 
production.

* Suggest indicators and metrics to be used to assess sustainability concerns 
across the algal biofuels supply chain and data to be collected now to 
establish baseline and to assess sustainability. Identify indicators that are 
most critical to address or have the greatest potential for improvement through 
DOE intervention. This input will inform DOE EERE-OBP's broader analysis of 
biofuels and bioenergy sustainability.

* Using selected approaches as illustrations, discuss whether any, or 
combinations of, the identified challenges could present major sustainability 
concerns. Identify preferred cost-and-benefit analyses that could best aid in 
the decision-making process, and discuss whether those decisions could be 
performance based and technology neutral. 

The study will be conducted by a committee of 15 members appointed by the 
National Academies. We are seeking your nominations for potential committee 
members, and they may include scientists and experts familiar with current 
basic and applied research in algal biofuels production, including research on 
biomass production, algal biomass conversion, and fuels synthesis; algal 
ecology; environmental science and impact analysis, and social scientists. 
Potential committee members may be academics, government employees, and 
individuals from nongovernmental organizations or industry. Please suggest 
individuals who are broadly knowledgeable,
distinguished within their respective communities, and able to work well with 
others in analyzing information and developing consensus. The final committee 
will include a mixture of perspectives that will contribute to the study's 
ability to develop supportable conclusions about the sustainable development of 
algal biofuels.

Please provide your suggestions for potential committee members by October 31, 
2010. Contact Evonne Tang (202-334-3648, et...@nas.edu) or K. John Holmes 
(202-334-2045, jhol...@nas.edu) for more information.

[ECOLOG-L] FW: Harvard Sustainability Science Fellowship for doctoral, post-doc and mid-career fellows (due Dec 1)

[Cliff Duke]

Fellowships in Sustainability Science
Harvard University's Center for International Development 
Due date for applications:  December 1, 2010

The Sustainability Science Program at Harvard University's Center for 
International Development invites applications for resident fellowships in 
sustainability science for the University's academic year beginning in 
September 2011. The fellowship competition is open to advanced doctoral and 
post-doctoral students, and to mid-career professionals engaged in research or 
practice to facilitate the design, implementation, and evaluation of effective 
interventions that promote sustainable development. Applicants should describe 
how their work would contribute to "sustainability science," the emerging field 
of use-inspired research seeking understanding of the interactions between 
human and environmental systems as well as the application of such knowledge to 
sustainability challenges relating to advancing development of agriculture, 
habitation, energy and materials, health and water while conserving the earth's 
life support systems. This year we will give some preference to appli!
 cants whose work addresses challenges of innovation for sustainable 
development, with special attention to innovation in the energy, health and 
agricultural sectors. In addition to general funds available to support this 
fellowship offering, special funding for the Giorgio Ruffolo Fellowships in 
Sustainability Science is available to support citizens of Italy or developing 
countries who are therefore especially encouraged to apply.  The Sustainability 
Science Program is directed by Professors William Clark and Michael Kremer, and 
Nancy Dickson.  For more information on the fellowships application process see 
http://www.cid.harvard.edu/sustsci/fellowship. Applications are due December 1, 
2010.  
 

[ECOLOG-L] Call for Symposia for EcoSummit 2012, Columbus, Ohio

[Cliff Duke]

Call for Symposia

EcoSummit 2012, to be held in Columbus, Ohio, USA, on September 30 - October 5 
2012, will focus
on integrative aspects of all ecological science and its application under the 
general theme of
"Ecological Sustainability: Restoring the Planet's Ecosystem Services." It is 
the 4th EcoSummit
since 1996 and is the first one held in the USA.

Our EcoSummit 2012, an international convening of ecologists and environmental 
scientists,
engineers, and policy makers, will have the same general approach as with many 
other meetings of
scientific papers (invited plenary, invited symposial, contributed, and 
posters). The structure of
EcoSummit is also unique in the sense that it is a summit rather than only a 
conference. All delegates
will be able to participate actively during the EcoSummit through working 
groups, in addition to the
symposiums, organized oral presentations and contributed poster sessions. We 
expect 2000
participants from 60 countries.

If you are interested in organizing a symposia that 1) fits well with the theme 
of "Ecological
Sustainability: Restoring the Planet's Ecosystem Services" and 2) has speakers 
from a minimum of
4 countries, please fill out the form below and submit it to Prof. William J. 
Mitsch in an email to mitsc...@osu.edu

Name of Symposium Organizer ___
Address ___
___
Approximate Symposium Title ___
Brief description 
___
_
_
_
_
Countries to be invited 
___
Sponsorship Opportunities for International Visitors 

__