Transdisciplinary, International Scientific Teamwork and Proposal Development Workshop on Global Environmental Issues

October 12 to November 6, 2015

Funded by Inter-American Institute for Global Change CRN3 Grant (CRN 3105: Interdisciplinary science team skill building through the study of socio-ecological impacts from bioenergy development across the Americas)

Hosted by

Michigan Technological University, USA; Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico; Conservação Internacional/ Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Universidad de la República, Uruguay; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Argentina; and Laurentian University, Canada

Global change is one of the world’s most pressing and complex problems, and addressing it will require international, transdisciplinary science teams of managers, policy makers, advocates and scientists who communicate and work together effectively. This workshop offers participants from all sectors and experience levels the opportunity to learn how to craft transdisciplinary research proposals and work successfully in transdisciplinary and multinational teams. Participants will interact with an international group of students and faculty from across the Americas, including social, natural, and engineering scientists. Guest lecturers will be drawn from industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies. Lectures will cover a range of topics, from working in teams to different disciplinary and cultural perspectives on global change research. Discussion and lectures will be given in both Spanish and English, and participants must be comfortable with both languages.

Learning objectives

After completing the workshop, participants will be able to:
• Form and work successfully in international, transdisciplinary teams
• Understand how different disciplines and countries approach global change related research questions
• Craft proposals for transdisciplinary research on global environmental issues

Workshop Format

• Participants should expect to attend the workshop twice a week for two hours per session, over a one-month period from October 12 to November 6, 2015.
• The first week, each 2 hour session will consist of lectures and group discussions. The second, third and fourth weeks, each session will consist of one hour of lecture, followed by one hour of group work on transdisciplinary research proposals. Each group will have a faculty mentor.
• Participants will be expected to read 1 to 3 research papers per week, participate in group discussions, and produce a research proposal with their group.

Requirements for Workshop Participation

• Working knowledge of English and Spanish languages are required of all participants.
• Open to professionals, decision makers, practitioners, scientists, and students of all levels. Preference will be given to applicants from one of the 19 Inter-American Institute member countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, USA, and Venezuela.

To Apply

Send the following documents together in a single pdf (in Spanish or English) to: jlknowlt@mtu.edu

• A one page statement explaining why you want to participate in this workshop, how you will benefit or use the knowledge gained, and how you will make the necessary time.
• A short resume or curriculum vitae, not longer than two pages.
• A short, one paragraph biography about yourself with a picture, which we can share with other participants and publish on our website if you are selected.
• Make sure to answer the following questions in your application: What sector are you working in? What research themes interest you? What social or environmental problems are you concerned about? What are your expectations in terms of this training?
• Application deadline: September 11th 2015.

Cost: Free

Questions

Please contact Jessie Knowlton, Michigan Technological University at jlknowlt@mtu.edu