C.T. De Wit Graduate School

Production Ecology and Resources Conservation - PE&RC

www.pe-rc.nl

 

PE&RC Messages

 Number 2 - Year 2010

19 February 2010

Contents

  

  1. PE&RC PhD courses

  2. Skills and competences courses organized by Wageningen Graduate School (WGS)
  3. Other courses

  4. Symposia, Lectures, Workshops. Seminars and other activities

  5. Grants

  6. Position Announcements

  7. Other News

 

 

1. PE&RC PhD courses                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

  • Building an Innovation system for sustainable development  (19 tot 23 April 2010)

    Traditional innovation in agriculture is mainly aimed at productivity increase and cost efficiency. The underlying innovation model is linear, uni-dimensional and static. This leads to specialisation and even fragmentation in both business and academia. The current innovation system is also aimed at only a small spectrum of relevant drivers, and therefore sometimes leads to unexpected negative side effects and barriers. The Dutch agricultural sector needs a transition towards a more sustainable and balanced development. This course explores the cutting edge of transitions towards sustainable development in agriculture.  (Limited places).
     

  • Multivariate Analysis (19,20,21,28,29 April 2010)
    The course is presented by Dr Cajo J. F. ter Braak and ir. Saskia L.G.E. Burgers and is mainly based on the book "Data analysis in community and landscape ecology" of Jongman, Ter Braak & van Tongeren (1995). More recent developments are also part of the program. Practical exercises, the use of Canoco for Windows (4.5) and GenStat for Windows and interpretation of the output are an important part of the course. Participant are expected to have a good knowledge of basic statistics (like hypothesis testing, t- and F-tests and lineair regression) and some experience in a statistical package (GenStat, SPSS or likewise).
     
  • Basic Statistics (26 May - 1 June 2010)
    We will refresh basic knowledge of Probability, Statistical Inference (Estimation and Testing), t-tests, simple cases of Regression and ANOVA, Experimental Design, Nonparametric Tests, and Chisquare Tests. Some time is reserved to discuss statistical problems from the participants.
     
  • Linear Models (14 June - 16 June 2010)
    In this module we continue with Regression, ANOVA, and ANCOVA, set in the general framework of Linear Models. We see this module as the central module, and advise all students to partake as it form the basis of other advanced modules mentioned below. We look at topics like parameter estimation and interpretation, checking model assumptions, regression diagnostics, analysis of unbalanced designs and multiple comparisons. We start the module with 1½ days of instruction and computer practicals on the first day and the morning of the second day. The afternoon of day 2 is reserved to work on some cases (with limited supervision). On day 3 we continue with a discussion of the cases, and further instruction.
     
  • Mixed Linear Models (21 - 22 June 2010)
     
  • Generalized Linear Models ( 28 - 29 June 2010)
     
  • Soil Ecology  (20-25 June 2010)
     
  • The Art of Modelling (23 Augustus - 3 September 2010)
    Mathematical modelling and computer simulations are widespread as tools for analysis or decision-making. Today's simulation tools make it easy to set up and simulate domain specific models. Yet, many researchers interested in domain specific applications are not systems scientists, and have the feeling that they could gain more from their models if they had somewhat enhanced skills in this area.  The aim of this course is to update and enhance the (dynamic) modelling and simulation skills of researchers, and provide a state-of-the-art review of methods and techniques. Theoretical background will be provided where necessary, but the emphasis will be on practical applicability, and the course can be seen as a guidebook. The methodological part of the course is of general nature, the applications will be sought in the area of bio-systems, ecosystems and crop modelling at various levels of aggregation.
     
  • Bayesian Statistics (21- 22 October 2010)
    We discuss Bayesian statistics. Nowadays, with the advance of computing and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms, Bayesians statistics is becoming a powerful alternative for traditional frequentistic statistics. The philosophy behind Bayesian Statistics is discussed. Practical examples are studied, and analyzed using the (freeware) program WinBUGS. Students will be surprised how easy they can tackle problems that are quite complicated to handle with traditional frequentistic statistics.
1. PE&RC Weekend (16-18 April 2010)   Registration is open - Please note that this year we have limited places

        The idea of this weekend is to make PhD students more familiar with the Graduate School and to give them an idea of what to expect during the PhD track and how to avoid major catastrophes
        and disappointments. Focus will be on the pit-falls you can encounter during the PhD and what the criteria are for a successful PhD within 4 years.
 

2. Skills and competences courses organized by Wageningen Graduate School (WGS)    
         For more information please click here

3. Others courses  

  • Evolutionary Dynamics  (23 - 26 Febraury 2010) The Veenhorst, Midlaren -  The Netherlands - PhD course lectured by Dr. Martijn Egas (University of Amsterdam) and Dr. Tom van Dooren (NCB/Naturalis, Leiden University) and organized by RSEE . The Aim of the course is to obtain a basic understanding of different theories for slow and fast evolutionary dynamics. Become able to independently increase this understanding further. Be able to apply the tools presented to simple population dynamical models, to turn them into evolutionary dynamical systems. For more information please click here.

     

  • Cursus Sampling for Natural Resource Monitoring (1 en 8 March 2010 ) Wageningen University and Research Centrum- The Netherlands.  See brochure
     

  • Spring School ‘RNAi & the World of Small RNA Molecules’   (14-16 April 2010) Wageningen University Campus- The Netherlands

    An intensive 3-days course comprising of 10 lectures by experts from various topics of RNA interference. Lecturers will present an overview of their scientific discipline, not just covering their own research. PhD student presentations (oral or poster) are included as well. For more information please click here.     Registration deadline 28 February 2010
     

  • NWO Talent Days  - Spring 2010  (13 April, 11 May, and 22 June) These masterclasses take up one full day. The classes are in Dutch, unless indicated otherwise. If you don’t speak Dutch, but would like to participate in a Dutch-spoken workshop, let us know by sending an email to verdieping@nwo.nl .  For more information/registration  please go to: www.nwo.nl/verdieping

     

  • Course on Sustainable Development Diplomacy ( 6 to 20 June - Utrecht / Wageningen - the Netherlands). The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University (Boston), Wageningen UR (University & Research Centre) , and the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality (LNV), in cooperation with the Sustainability Challenge Foundation (SCF), have organized a first of its kind two-week executive education course on Sustainable Development Diplomacy.
    The purpose of the course is to provide (future) leaders in the public, private or non-profit sectors, with a combination of theory and practice of sustainable development diplomacy. The course aims to teach experienced mid-career civil servants and diplomats as well as excellent Masters and PhD students. Please note that there are scholarships available for Wageningen University students.
    The deadline for application is Thursday, 15 April 2010.  For more information, please contact Barbara Kolijn of Wageningen University (Barbara.kolijn@wur.nl) or Viv Mestdagh of SCF (viv.mestdagh@tiasnimbas.edu). See preliminary schedule

     

  • Summer School Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology - Environmental Systems Analysis (June 21– 25, 2010), Eawag Dübendorf, Switzerland
    The Eawag Summer School “Environmental Systems Analysis” provides an introduction to model-based data analysis in the environmental sciences. It covers model construction, sensitivity analysis, frequentist and Bayesian inference, and estimation of model prediction uncertainty. As prediction in the environmental sciences usually requires the combination of prior knowledge with measured data, there is an emphasis on Bayesian techniques. The course is targeted at researchers who are interested in analyzing their data with mathematical models and/or in predicting future behavior of environmental systems. This includes PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, and senior research scientists.  See brochure.
     
  • 6th International School of Conservation Biology (iSCB) (23 June - 1 July 2010) Rovinj, Croatia. For graduate and post-graduate students interested in the field of Conservation Biology. Registration is opened and available on-line at: www.hbd1885.hr/iscb . For more information please contact T.Hengl.
     
  • GEOSTAT 2010 Summer School, (27 June - 4 July 2010) - University of Plasencia, Spain. For more information please click here.
     
  • Integrated Assessment of Agricultural Systems (IAAS) for a Sustainable Development  (5 - 10 September 2010) , Montpellier, France
    Organized by: CIHEAM-IAMM (France), Montpellier Supagro (France) and SEAMLESS the Association (The Netherlands) Chairs: Hatem Belhouchette (IAMM), Jacques Wery (Montpellier SupAgro) and Martin van Ittersum (SEAMLESS Association, Wageningen University). For more information click here
     
  • Mixed Effects models in Ecology Coimbra, (17-21 May, 2010) Department of Life Sciences University of Coimbra. For more information click here
 

4 Symposia, Lectures, Workshops and Seminars, 

  • Themabijeenkomst over Wetenschappelijke Integriteit (8 maart 2010) KNAW, Kloveniersburgwal 29, Amsterdam  - The Netherlands
    De discussie tijdens de themabijeenkomst zal zich richten op ervaringen en vragen met betrekking tot wetenschappelijke integriteit en de behandeling van klachten in Nederland, maar ook zullen integriteitsproblemen in internationaal onderzoek aan de orde komen.  Zie Programma

  • Symposium Biogeochemical processes in Wetlands  (14 April 2010) Utrecht, The Netherlands. The CWE is a network of fundamental science groups in universities and academic research institutes on all aspects of wetland science. It aims at  enhancing the interaction between the worlds of fundamental research and management implementation regarding wetlands and water bodies. See poster
     
  • BES annual symposium:"Integrative Role of Plant Secondary Metabolites in Ecological Systems" (12-14 April 2010) Susses - United Kingdom For more information please see announcement
     

  • 3rd National Ecogenomics Day Netherlands Ecogenomics Research Organisation (NERO)  (21 April 2010) Trippenhuis, Kloveniersburgwal 29, 1011 JV Amsterdam

    Dear ecogenomics partners, PhD's, post-docs and PI's! On April 21, 2010 the 3rd National Ecogenomics day will be organized in Amsterdam. We invite you all to submit abstracts. The full programme will be announced in due course once we have received all abstracts.   The 3rd National Ecogenomics Day is organized together with the Annual Meeting of the NGI Ecogenomics Consortium (www.ecogenomics.nl)  on April 20 at the same venue.
     

  • International Conference on Balanced Nutrient Management for Tropical Agriculture, Pahang, Malaysia 12 - 16th April 2010. Balanced plant nutrition is an integrated approach to meet the nutritional needs of the crop throughout its life cycle. In the current scenario of high input costs for agriculture production, issues on methods of achieving balance between the nutrient requirements of plants and the nutrients reserves in soils for maintaining high yields and soil fertility, preventing environmental contamination and degradation and sustaining agricultural production over the long term will have to be discussed. Thus this conference will be a platform for interested stakeholders to present their latest R&D findings, innovations and ideas on issues on balanced nutrients for tropical agriculture. This agenda will encompass issues on sustainable nutrient management for crop production, environmental management and socio-economic issues. For more information click here.
     

  • PLANT POPULATION BIOLOGY: CROSSING BORDERS (13–15  May 2010) - Nijmegen, The Netherlands.  An international Plant Ecology conference hosted by the Radboud University Nijmegen and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology. For more information please click here
     

  • Organization and Leadership for PhD. students (May 19; June 2, 3, 14, 15, 16, 28, 29, 30) Utrecht University, The Netherlands. Professionals such as PhD.students are inccreasingly expected to take on a leadership role in the organization such as being coordinator of a project. This 9 days course give the participants the opportunity to learn about organization processes and leadership. For more information please click here.
     
  • 23rd Annual Conference of the working group Plant Population Biology of the Ecological Society of Germany, (13-15 May 2010) Switzerland and Austria  (GfÖ) "Plant Population Biology: Crossing Borders",  Nijmegen, The Netherlands - this year organized by Dutch ecologists. The PopBio meeting is a medium-sized international meeting that has become an exciting forum for scientific exchange among plant population biologists. This year, it will take place in Nijmegen, the oldest city of the Netherlands. We will offer two and a half days of interesting talks and posters, great keynote speakers, a conference dinner, and an excursion. For more information please visit the conference website
     

  • Belmondo Festival, Sunday, June 6 - 2010,  from 01.00 to 07.00 PM in the Belmonte arboretum of Wageningen UR. This festival offers an opportunity to local groups and also international (student) groups in Wageningen, to participate and expose their cultural colours and diversity in Wageningen. On the festival day the city will show the unique identity with a variety of activities, colours, tastes en smells. All national and international student groups have the opportunity to participate and show their cultural identity with dances, dress and food. For more information, please contact: Huub Spiertz, Phone: 0317-416332  Email: j.h.j.spiertz@zonnet.nl or huub.spiertz@wur.nl See also the Website: www.belmondo.nl
     

  • International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference & EXPO – SGEM 2010 (20-26 June 2010) Albena Resort Bulgaria. for more information click here.
     

  • 6th International School of Conservation Biology (iSCB) (23 June - 1 July 2010) Rovinj, Croatia,. We encourage graduate and post-graduate students interested in the field of Conservation Biology to apply for iSCB. Registration is opened and available on-line at: www.hbd1885.hr/iscb or contact: T. Hengl
     
  • Environmental Systems Analysis (June 21– 25, 2010), Eawag Dübendorf, Switzerland, The Eawag Summer School “Environmental Systems Analysis” provides an introduction to model-based data analysis in the environmental sciences. It covers model construction, sensitivity analysis, frequentist and Bayesian inference, and stimation of model prediction uncertainty. The course consists of lectures covering the underlying theory, practice sessions based on didactical exercises, and discussion of problems of the participants. The participants are encouraged to bring their data sets and models to start working on their own problems during the course.  More Information.
     
  • 19th World Congress of Soil Science  (1-6 August 2010)  Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre - Australia -  The conference theme “Soil Solutions for a Changing World” provides a tremendous opportunity for a broad range of presentations.  Registration for the 19th World Congress of Soil Science is open 
     
  • 13th ISBE meeting  (26 September 2010) Perth - Australia. The congress is hosted by the Centre for Evolutionary Biology, at the University of Western Australia For more information please click here.
     
  •  ECSA 47 Symposium (14 to 19 of September 2010) Figueira da Foz, PortugalOrganizes: IMAR – Institute of Marine Research, University of Coimbra, and the Centre of Oceanography, University ofLisbon.   This International Symposium will focus on Integrative tools and methods in assessing ecological quality in estuarine and coastal systems worldwide.  Presently, this is among the most important ecological subjects on debate. However, despite the increasing attention that has been paid to the development of tools for different physicochemical or biological elements, very few methodologies integrate them when evaluating ecosystems condition. The development of such integrative tools is therefore of major importance, both from a scientific and stakeholder points of view, and must take into account the multidisciplinarity of the problems involved.    The ECSA 47 Symposium will contribute to provide an overview of the current situation through examples from each of the continents. Moreover, the organizers aim at contributing to bring together, in a proper setting, science, management and decision making. For registration, abstract submission, and all the information regarding ECSA 47 please click here
5. Grants

6.  Position Announcements    

  • Junior Scientist Position at UMR 1201 Dynafor, Centre de Recherche INRA de Toulouse-Auzeville (France) : A research position is available in the Sciences for Action and Sustainable Development (SAD) Department of INRA (France) to work on the Participatory Assessment and Modelling of change in livestock farming systems at the farm and the landscape level. The recruited scientist will join an interdisciplinary research group involved in long term social-ecological research on rural landscape change and in integrated landscape ecology applied to support to public policy and local governance for rural development sustainability. For the job description please click here. Recruitment is open from 19 January to 26 February 2010. Information is available at the INRA Website.
     
  • Consultants for  the assessment of the organization of the UNCCD 1st. Scientific Conference. For more information please click here.
  • CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems is offering a postdoctoral fellowship in agro-ecological modelling to be based in Perth at the Centre for Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) with links with the University of Western Australia.  For more details please click here. or go to: CSIRO Careers site Deadline applications 2 March 2010.
     
  • Two PhD studentships available in Soil, Plant and Ecosystem Ecology - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences  Department of Forest Ecology and Management at Umeå. For more information please click here.
     
  • Biomass Researcher/Postdoc for Biobased Products and Bioenergy Crops at Hohenheim University in Southern Germany. See job description
 

7.- Other News
  • Innovatiechallenge 2010 : Oproep voor deelname aan de Innovatiechallenge Water en Mobiliteit: Bouw jij mee aan een veilige en bereikbare Deltametropool Nederland in het Olympisch jaar 2028? Meer informatie. Inzendingen dienen uiterlijk 15 april 2010 bij de organisatie binnen te zijn, waarna een deskundige jury een winnaar zal kiezen.
    Deze wordt tijdens het World Congres on Information Technology 2010 bekendgemaakt. Meer informatie: www.wcit2010.com.
     
  • Open letter by Dutch scientists on IPCC and errors in Climate Report 2007 : In response to the ongoing discussion about the reliability of the IPCC and the climate reports, a group of 55 leading Dutch scientists working in the field of climate change, energy and the environment has written an open letter. The letter was published in several Dutch media on February 10. You can download the full letter here. If you want to support the open letter and have your name added to the list of signatories, you can fill in the support form. For pragmatic and for content reasons, the support form can only be submitted by persons that hold a Professoral or Doctoral title.   To express your support to the open letter from 55 Dutch scientists by completing and submitting your details on a support form, click here
When you have information that you want to have included in PE&RC messages please send this information to: Claudius.vandeVijver@wur.nl