Monday, January 31, 2011

Blended learning programme on "Science and Policy of Climate Change", fee reduced.


The World Bank is holding eight-week blended learning programme on "Science and Policy of Climate Change". This is being developed for Asia Pacific region jointly by TERI (The Energy and Resource Institute) and IGES (Institute for Global Environment Strategies, Japan).

It is scheduled to commence on 08 April to 08 June 2011 and on-line registration for the course would start from 21 February 2011. There will be a preliminary VC seminar for potential participants in mid-February.

In addition to web-based learning through video-recorded lectures, case studies, academic articles and multimedia, there will be 6 video conference sessions of about 2 hours duration each to provide inter-activity.

Registration charges are US$ 150 per participant, which has to be paid at The World Bank, Public Information Center. I am attaching the draft Brochure for your kind information please.

2011 International Conference on Environment and Industrial Innovation(ICEII 2011)

2011 International Conference on Environment and Industrial Innovation(ICEII 2011)
4 to 5 June 2011, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

All papers of ICEII 2011 will be published in the conference proceeding, and will be indexed by Thomson ISI Proceedings.

The deadline for abstracts/proposals is 25 February 2011.

Enquiries: iceii@cbees.org
Web address: http://www.iceii.org/
Sponsored by: APCBEES

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Young Researchers Award: Call for Proposals 2011

The main objective of the Young Researchers Award (YRA) is to foster innovative research and discovery in biodiversity informatics by graduate students in masters and doctorate programs at universities in countries participating in the GBIF network.  The award has been put in place to stimulate use of GBIF enabled data by graduate students developing new research in biodiversity informatics and also to serve as an outreach mechanism to universities. 

“Students are the future of the biodiversity research community,” commented Dr. Leonard Krishtalka, Chairperson of the GBIF Science Committee. “To have more researchers in biosystematics and biodiversity informatics using GBIF enabled data, we need greater involvement with students and academia and these awards will serve as an incentive towards that goal.” 

The call for proposals provides prospective applicants with more information regarding the requirements for submission as well as details of the selection process. 


Friday, January 28, 2011

Call for registration: European Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change 2011 - Science, Policy and Practice (12 + 13 April 2011 in Bonn, Germany)


On 12 and 13 April 2011, the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) will host the “European Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change 2011, Science, Policy & Practice” to be held in Bonn, Germany.

The 2-day conference will offer a platform to discuss recent research results in the field of climate change and biodiversity. Special attention will be paid on the question of how these results can be fed into political decision making processes and to support practitioners.

In co-operation with the European Network of Heads of Nature Conservation Agencies (ENCA) and the University of Greifswald, the BfN invites scientists, practitioners, policymakers and the media to this conference.

Please find attached the conference programme.

*The registration is open now.* All relevant information (registration form and information on travel and hotel booking) can be downloaded at http://www.bfn.de/index+M52087573ab0.html#c65947

The event is free of charge, however, please keep in mind that the number of seats available is limited to 200 participants. We strongly advise early registration.

With kind regards on behalf of the organizing team

Katrin Kraus

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Katrin Kraus
Research Assistant Biodiversity & Climate Change
c/o German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation,
Isle of Vilm - Branch Office
D - 18581 Putbus/Ruegen, Germany
Phone: +49 (0)38301- 86181
E-Mail: katrin.kraus@uni-greifswald.de

19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, from 6 - 10 June 2011 / Abstract by 31 January 2011

The 19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition will be held from 6 - 10 June 2011 at the ICC Berlin - International Congress Center Berlin - Germany.

The Conference and Exhibition offer a unique platform to present innovative results and ideas to Biomass specialists and decision makers from all continents. The subjects for which we are inviting you to submit your contributions are based on the experiences of our previous successful global European Biomass Conferences. The subjects have been further developed and reflect recent scientific technology and market developments, with new specific topics on Algae and Novel Crops, Recycling of conversion residues, Torrefaction of biomass as well as Bio-processes and Bio-based systems.

You find detailed news and information on the Conference subjects and the procedures for the submission of abstracts in the Final Call for Papers, to be downloaded from:
http://www.conference-biomass.com/Call-for-Papers.485.0.html

All authors wishing to contribute and to present innovative development, progress, and scientific results to the Biomass Community are very welcome to submit their abstract by 31 January 2011.

For questions concerning abstract submission please contact:

Ms. Catherina Bernaschina Tel.: +39-055-500 22 80 or Mr. Wolfgang Hiegl Tel.: +49-89-720 12 731, E-mail: biomass.paper@wip-munich.de

For latest news on the 19th EU BC&E, please visit the website http://www.conference-biomass.com

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions for the European Biomass Conference and Exhibition in Berlin in June 2011!

Conference General Chairman
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Faulstich
Technische Universität München
Director Science Center Straubing

Technical Programme Coordination
Dr. Heinz Ossenbrink
Dr. David Baxter
Dr. J-F Dallemand
European Commission - DG JRC

WIP - Renewable Energies
ETA-Florence Renewable Energies
Tel.: +39-055-500 22 80
Tel.: +49-89-720 12 731
Email: biomass.paper@wip-munich.de
www.conference-biomass.com

Web-based course on Climate Change Diplomacy, 21 Feb-15 April 2011

Programme area: Climate Change, Peace Security and Diplomacy, Multilateral Diplomacy

Fee: USD 800

Website: http://www.unitar.org/mdp/

Contact Email: mdp-elearning@unitar.org

 

Other events details:

Public – by registration   E-learning    English   open to register/apply   How to register

Background
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Understanding climate change is a work in progress for the scientific community, however the risks that it already poses mean that mitigation and adaptation efforts command the expertise of economists, development agencies and policy makers alike. This course brings together these cross-cutting themes in the context of diplomacy by introducing challenges from a scientific perspective, examining the international policy framework of the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol, and analyzing the most important issues concerning diplomats and negotiators working in this field.
Event Objectives
This online course aims to facilitate international negotiations, public sector work, and diplomatic engagement in relation to climate change through an enhanced understanding of its science, international policy framework, and the key negotiation issues pertinent to a post 2012 agreement.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, participants should be able to:
•             Comprehend climate change science and the observed and projected climate change impacts
•             Explain the international climate change policy framework, including the climate change negotiations to date
•             Define both climate change mitigation and adaptation
•             Appreciate international considerations for climate change decision-making
•             Appraise the key issues in the ongoing international climate change negotiations, and recognize and analyse the next steps for COP17 and beyond

Content and Structure
The course content is to be confirmed but will tentatively include the following one-week modules:
1.            Climate Change Science, Causes and Impacts
2.            Introduction to Climate Change Diplomacy
3.            Implementation, Compliance and Enforcement of the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol
4.            Mitigating Climate Change
5.            Adapting to Climate Change
6.            International Considerations for Climate Change Decision Making
7.            Other Important Considerations for International Climate Change Negotiations
8.            Towards a Post 2012 Agreement

Methodology
e-Learning: The course is internet-based, moderated by senior international experts, asynchronous, and places emphasis on online discussions and self-paced learning. The participants will be primarily responsible for their own learning over the eight-week span of the course. The course will consist of the following components:
•             Compulsory and optional reading material, intended to teach the basic concepts and principles of the lesson's subject-matter;
•             External links to additional books, articles, documents, and websites related to the lessons;
•             Quizzes and case studies at the end of each module. To be eligible for the course certificate, a passing grade of 80% on both quizzes and case studies is required;
•             A Community Discussion Board will be available for participants to post questions or comments visible to the instructor and other participants. This discussion board will be moderated by the course director and UNITAR;
•             Estimated learning time: minimum of 60 hours;
•             Participants will be eligible to receive a certificate after the successful completion of the course.

Targeted Audience
The course targets mid to senior-level government officers in ministries preparing for and/or taking part in conferences in relation to climate change as well as staff of intergovernmental / nongovernmental organizations. It also targets entry-level and mid-career diplomats working in a multilateral setting.  Private sector specialists and students whose work or studies are related to this subject are also encouraged to apply.

Additional Information
The course participation fee is 800 USD. You will receive an invoice by email after registration.
Participants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are eligible to apply for a fellowship. Please click here for more details. Registration will be closed as soon as the course is full and your place will be secured once your payment is confirmed.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Vacancy Announcement: Caritas Nepal, a national level NGO

Caritas Nepal, a national level NGO with Central Office in Dhobighat, Lalitpur, is announcing vacancy for following positions for its project in the field of Agriculture Research for Development.   The following temporary (project) staff positions are Lalitpur based with 60-70% of time in field work (in at least 3 districts).  There will be initial provisional period and placement is for 5 years.

Applicants should submit letter of interest (1-2 pages), biodata (with contact phone and e mail),  copy of education certificates, example of past research report or publication is desirable, 1 photo, copy citizenship certificate , copy of driver's license if present, and 2 reference letters.

 

Please submit materials before 11th February, 2011 to: Agriculture Research Vacancy, Human Resources Section, Caritas Nepal GPO 9571, Kathmandu Nepal.  If you send materials by courier our office is in Dhobighat, Lalitpur near Bhanimandal.  Office phone is 5538172, 5539344.  You may send materials by e mail as well to: robinshrestha.caritasnepal@gmail.com.

 

Following are the Positions Vacant and Requirements:

 

Position 1: Project Coordinator
Education: Master’s in Agriculture (and rural development or sociology preferred). Should have undertaken training or education in project / program management.

Skill and Experience required: at least 5 years work experience in project development, management, monitoring and evaluation and reporting of a large agriculture (research and extension sector) project preferably supported by International Donor such as EU.  Ability to manage project team effectively.  Skilled in community survey and mobilization methods, farmers’ cooperative development, research and project data analysis, project financial management, and computer usage for reporting.  High level of language skills in Nepali and English.  Should be knowledgeable in addressing cross cutting issues such as gender, and should have training or work experience in addressing climate change concerns.

 

Position 2: Senior Research Officer
Education: Master in Agriculture (research and extension).
Experience and skill: Should have at least 5 years work experience. Should have undertaken research and prepared report / publication on traditional practices, and / or successful practices in sustainable agriculture.  Should have research or extension experience in addressing climate change concerns.  Should be skilled in undertaking action research and training / extension for replicating successful practices.   Should be able to develop / train team to manage agriculture research, and oversee extension work.  Should have high level of research data analysis skills, and good computer usage skills (word, excel, data base) and reporting and publication skills.  High level of language skill in Nepali and English.

Call for Applications - 7th Annual UNESCO Chair International Leadership Forum

The UNESCO Chair & Institute of Comparative Human Rights at the University of Connecticut invites applications for the seventh annual International Leadership Programme: A Global Intergenerational Forum, to be held August 5 - 14, 2011 in Storrs, Connecticut. Applications must be received by February 21, 2011.

The Forum seeks to empower young leaders by involving them in finding solutions to emerging human rights problems, and nurturing individuals to be effective leaders in the field of human rights. To this end, the Forum will:
· Introduce participants to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
· Build a network of solidarity among human rights leaders
· Expand the knowledge relevant to human rights practice
· Provide tools and a platform for open debates
· Provide programmes, activities and processes necessary for human rights leadership
· Promote the sharing of experiences and understanding
· Showcase speakers on such topics as: health and human rights, education, the environment, the plight of child soldiers, the use of media, fundraising, conflict resolution and transformation; litigation and advocacy

The UNESCO Chair will provide all conference participants with dormitory housing, meals, ground transportation in Connecticut, resource materials and a certificate of participation.

Young people between the ages of 18-30, with community service experience, and with demonstrated ability to work on solutions to human rights problems, should apply. Relevant issues include, but are not limited to, human trafficking, the plight of children, refugees, hunger, HIV/AIDs, gender discrimination, racism, classism, the environment and peace education.

Conference will be held in English only. Fluency in English is required. Applicants will be selected based on the strength of their application essay, demonstrated commitment to human rights (practical/hands-on experience), potential impact on the individual and their potential contribution to the Forum, regional and gender representation.

Programme details and application material can be accessed by linking to
www.unescochair.uconn.edu or http://www.unescochair.uconn.edu/upspecialevents.htm

Monday, January 24, 2011

Brown Summer Institute in Climate Change 2011

Brown University and Santander Universities are again sponsoring a two-week summer institute on developing the climate change science of the future, targeted at early career academics in the Global South.  Applications are being accepted and are due by February 11th.  Please apply yourself or encourage your colleagues to apply.  A longer description of the Institute is below, and a brochure describing all of the Brown International Advanced Research Insitutes (BIARI) is attached.  Apply online at:
 
 
If you have questions about this Institute, please email them to co-conveners Leah_VanWey@Brown.edu or James_Russell@Brown.edu.
 
Regards,
Leah K. VanWey, Associate Professor of Sociology, Brown University
James Russell, Assistant Professor of Geological Sciences, Brown University
 
 

Climate Change and its Impacts: Water in a Changing Climate

 

Climate change will have myriad impacts on human and natural systems around the globe. This Institute will discuss the scientific study of climate change and its impacts through a consideration of water. We will focus on changes in the amount and variability of precipitation that will occur globally in coming decades, and how these will combine with human population growth, income growth, and institutional change to affect the balance between supply of and demand for water. This Institute is founded on the premise that the necessary expertise to study these problems exists within physical scientists, social scientists and policymakers from the Global South. Our role at BIARI is as facilitators. We provide not training in tools like Geographic Information Systems or Climate Models, but instead training in pursuing interdisciplinary comparative research and facilitation to develop collaborations among participants. We therefore expect participants to apply with a current project that they can present as an example of their work, and with openness to starting new interdisciplinary collaborative projects.

 

Faculty from Brown and around the world will present cutting edge research and ideas for future research directions, but the Institute will balance these lectures presented by faculty experts with discussions of their work and the work of participants. We will organize discussions around how we can think in an interdisciplinary way, grounded in a specific cultural, political and economic reality, about future changes to the supply of and demand for water, and the consequences of the changing balance between supply and demand. We expect major themes to include regional changes to precipitation and the hydrologic cycle; institutional structures governing water; changes in human demography and health related to changing water supply and demand; current and potential agricultural land use and productivity; and feedbacks between clean energy policies and water supply. These will be explored through the presentation of case studies and detailed research on specific regions of the world. Case studies allow us to look past our own experiences to see how the changing nature of agriculture may be the largest phenomenon in one part of the world while increases in vector-borne diseases may be the largest in another and potable water scarcity may be the largest in a third. Participants are expected to complement the presentations of faculty with their own expertise, and are encouraged to use Brown's extensive library facilities to explore topics of interest before returning to their home institutions.

 

BIARI provides the future opportunity to apply for funding as networks of BIARI alumni. In addition, this Institute will provide a small seed grant of $5,000 at the end of the Institute to the team of participants presenting the best proposal for developing an interdisciplinary research activity.

George Melendez Wright Climate Change Fellowship Program


On behalf of the National Park Service, the University of Washington College of the Environment is accepting applications for the 2011 George Melendez Wright Climate Change Fellowship Program.

The goals of this student fellowship program are to support new and innovative research on climate change impacts to protected areas and to increase the use of scientific knowledge to further resource management in parks. Awards will be made in the range of $5,000 to $20,000 per fellowship for research to be undertaken in calendar years 2011-12. Projects may consist of exploratory research that could lead to a larger project funded by other sources but must result in tangible outcomes that are aimed at informing resource decisions. Applications are encouraged for research in any area relevant to the natural and cultural resources of units of the National Park System. Examples include projects addressing vulnerability and risk assessment; adaptation strategies; public perceptions and values; and impacts to natural resources, cultural landscapes, and ethnographic resources.

Eligibility: An individual graduate student or a team of graduate students who are currently enrolled, or will be enrolled in a U.S. accredited college or university may apply. Both U.S. citizens and non-citizens are eligible. NPS employees are not eligible to apply.

Requirements: Proposed research should be conducted on or around National Park lands and must be relevant to NPS resource management needs. Upon completion of the fellowship, students are required to provide a summary report of their results and one or more educational products or publications to help facilitate information transfer beyond the scientific audience. Deliverables may include a presentation to the site manager, public seminar, or non-technical article. Housing may be available within the park where research will be conducted. Requests for housing will be made as part of the application process and must be arranged through the park after the fellowship has been awarded and well in advance of the project start date.

The deadline for submission is February 4, 2011. All applicants will be notified of selection decisions by April 22, 2011. Proposals will be selected based on the following criteria: relevance and technical soundness of the proposed research; feasibility of the proposed study; qualifications of the student; and the clarity and completeness of the proposal. Research projects are to begin in the summer of 2011 and may be completed in one or two field seasons (summers of 2011 and 2012). Awardees will submit either a progress report or a final report by September 2011. Final reports for projects conducted over two field seasons will be due by September 30, 2012.

Questions? Please see the Frequently Asked Questions page. If your question is not answered, please contact us at gmwccfp@uw.edu

Sunday, January 23, 2011

2nd PAGES Varves Workshop (17-19 March 2011, Corpus Christi, Texas, USA)


The PAGES Varves Working Group (http://www.pages-igbp.org/science/varves/) will hold its Second Workshop in Corpus Christi, Texas (USA) in March 2011.  The workshop, entitled "Learning from Other Communities", will focus on the development of robust varve chronologies based on what can be learned from other paleo communities that use non-sedimentary, annually resolved climate archives.  

Keynote addresses will be delivered by experts from the tree ring, ice core, coral, and speleothem communities to learn about their tools and methodologies, and how “best-practice” techniques in these adjacent fields can be applied and adapted to varved sediments.  This follows a successful first workshop held in Estonia in April 2010 that focused on recent methodological advances in exploiting varved paleoclimate records.

The workshop is timed to immediately precede the AGU Chapman Conference on Climates, Past Landscapes, and Civilizations to be held in Santa Fe, NM to allow participation in both conferences on a single trip.

Participation information

Participation in this workshop will be by invitation, and will be limited to 50 people in order to enable an effective, interactive environment. Invitations will be extended based on the workshop organizing committee’s review of short, two page applications.

Applications from early career scientists (new faculty/researchers, post-docs, and graduate students) and under-represented groups (minorities, women, and persons with disabilities) are strongly encouraged.  We expect that travel support to help encourage participation by these groups will be available.

Completed applications should be submitted by 1 February 2011. Given the limit on attendance, applications to attend and receive support may not be able to be considered if received after that date.

The detailed workshop circular as well as the short, two page application are now available:



For any further queries, please contact:

Mark Besonen (Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi)
Tel:  +1.361.825.2043

or

Pierre Francus (Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique)
Tel:  +1.418.654.3780

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Call for Contributions: Youth Corner on Climate Change Adaptation

Call for Contributions: Youth Corner on Climate Change Adaptation

Background:
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is a regional knowledge development and learning centre serving the eight regional member countries of the Hindu Kush-Himalayas – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan – and based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Globalisation and climate change have an increasing influence on the stability of fragile mountain ecosystems and the livelihoods of mountain people. ICIMOD aims to assist mountain people to understand these changes, adapt to them, and make the most of new opportunities, while addressing upstream-downstream issues.

The Asia-Pacific Mountain Network (APMN) is a knowledge sharing platform connecting mountain regions and communities through dialogue and networking. Managed ICIMOD, APMN captures, enriches, and disseminates information on mountain development issues in and for the Asia-Pacific region. Apart from operating as the Asia Pacific office of key international networks (Mountain Forum and Mountain Partnership), APMN, in recent years, has developed new initiatives to bring closer all stakeholders, including youth, media and civil society, who are advocating for Mountain Agenda (MA) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), from local to global level, aiming to make visible the mountain issues, and heard the voices of mountain people during international processes, including UN climate change negotiations, UNCSD meetings and Rio+20 meeting among others.

Since climate change is affecting almost every sector of society, it is not wise to rely on existing mechanisms to address all these problems. In this context, youth can be an ice-breaker by improving community awareness; advocating climate action at local, national, and international levels; promoting research and climate resilient development; enhancing institutional mechanisms; putting pressure on national governments and international communities to make them give proper attention to climate change; and, most importantly, identifying missing links and communities that are still excluded from discussions on climate change in order to reach and enable them. Started in August 2009, the Youth for Sustainable Mountain Development (Y4SMD)  initiative aims to address some of these areas, nationally, regionally and globally.

Call for contributions:
As one of the means to understand youth views on climate change adaptation, we are pleased to call for contributions on ‘youth and climate change’ theme from Nepalese youth. Your contribution may include posters, stories, videos or any other artworks reflecting ‘how climate change is affecting mountain ecosystems and people?’, ‘how are the communities responding to them?’, and ‘what do you think are the effective responses?’. All the entries should be sent to ICIMOD youth initiatives coordinator at tmahat@icimod.org, latest by 10 February 2011. Winning entries will be notified on or before 15 February 2011.

Participation criteria: This call is open to any participants meeting following three criteria:
·         A Nepalese national or someone who is working in Nepal for last more than six months;
·         Less than 29 years of age, inclusive (reference date: 12 August 2011); and
·         British Council’s International Climate Champion, ICIMOD/APMN’s Youth Forum alumni, APMN community member or member of youth organisations who have working relationship with APMN, and student from the member universities of the Himalayan University Consortium (Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University)

If you are not sure whether you meet the criteria above or not, please write to us.

Prize and opportunities: Top 10 entries will:
·         receive a cash prize equivalent to USD 100 (in local currency);
·         receive a certificate of achievement,
·         automatically become member of ICIMOD/APMN’s Youth Forum network (this opens rooms for participation in future events of APMN),
·         be offered guidance from APMN team to make their work more appealing and presentable (ICIMOD/APMN reserves the rights to change the presentation format, if required), and
·         be invited to exhibit their work on 12 March 2011 (which is mandatory for all the winners) in a special programme organised by ICIMOD at its headquarters to mark ICIMOD Nepal Day. ‘Youth Corner on Climate Change Adaptation: exhibition of works of Nepalese youth’ is planned as part of the ICIMOD Nepal Day event.

Winning entries will also be published in a book form after the event.

Important dates:
Submission deadline:                     10 February 2011
Notification of result:                     15 February 2011
Further improvements:                15-28 February 2011
Exhibition:                                           12 March 2011

For further information:
Tek Jung Mahat, Node Manager – APMN
ICIMOD, GPO Box 3226,  Kathmandu, Nepal.
Tel +977-1-5003222, Direct Line 5003310 Ext 104
Fax +977-1-5003277 

'Climate Change and Development': Short Courses at University of East Anglia, UK

Dates

31 August - 13 September 2011

Places

20

Fee

£3,200 (includes accommodation but no meals)

Language/Skills

To participate effectively, it is necessary to have full workshop level competence in English

Participants

This course is designed for people who want to gain a greater understanding of the implications of climate change for developing countries and of the processes, issues and debates surrounding adaptation and mitigation. It is aimed particularly at building the knowledge base of professional staff from government agencies and NGOs who do not have existing specialism in the field but who may have new responsibility or interest in the integration of climate change management into development planning, projects and policy

Location

International Development UEA, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

 

More at: http://www.uea.ac.uk/dev/co/prodev/ccd

 

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

NUFFIC Fellowships for PhD studies, 2011

The NFP PhD studies is one of the sub-programmes of the NFP. PhD degrees can be pursued at 21 Dutch universities and institutes for international education. You can apply for a PhD fellowship only after your research proposal has been agreed with the Dutch institution.  The PhD must always be pursued according to a 'sandwich' or  'picnic' model, which means that a large portion of the PhD research will take place in your home country.

Deadline: 1 February 2011

 

The fellowship

The maximum NFP budget available for a PhD study is € 85,000. This amount is intended as a contribution towards the cost of living and to cover the costs of visas, travel, insurance and so on, as specified in the NFP booklet 'Rules and regulations for fellowship holders'. PhD students are allowed to seek alternative sources of funding. The maximum duration of a PhD fellowship is four years.

Download the rules and regulations (187 kB)

Download the addendum of the rules and regulations (3 kB)

A candidate applying for an NFP fellowship for a PhD degree programme must:

·         be a mid-career professional with at least three years' work experience;

·         be a national of and working and living in one of the developing countries on the NFP country list valid at the time of application  (See general information Netherlands Fellowship Programmes);

·         be nominated by his or her employer, who pledges to continue paying the candidate's salary and guarantees the candidate will be able to return to an equivalent position after the termination of the fellowship period.

·         submit an admission letter by the Board of Deans or any other decision-making board or committee of the Dutch educational institution stating that the candidate has been unconditionally admitted to a Dutch institution as a PhD student. This means that the applicant must have met all the academic requirements set by the Dutch university or institute;

·         not already have received an NFP PhD fellowship;

·         not be employed by:

- a multinational

- a UN organization

- the World Bank

- the IMF

- a bilateral or multilateral donor organization

- a large, national, commercial organization

·         offer proof that the PhD will be pursued according to a 'sandwich' or 'picnic' model, which means that a large portion of the PhD research will take place in the candidate's home country;

·         have completed and submitted an NFP PhD Study application including all the required documentation before the fellowship application deadline;

·         be employed in an area to which the PhD study will make a relevant contribution;

·         have a clear-cut, functional relationship with a relevant organization and be in a position to introduce the newly acquired skills and knowledge into that organization;

·         be available full–time to pursue the PhD without interruption, and be physically and mentally able to take part in the entire programme;

·         endorse the objective and the aim of the NFP. The aim of the NFP cannot be reached if the fellowship holder does not return to his or her own country. Nuffic would like to urge fellowship holders to return to their home country upon finishing the course or programme to meet the NFP aim in the most effective way;

Below is more information about the application deadlines for PhD fellowships.

 

Academic application deadline

The academic application process for a PhD study is an individual track. If you want to be admitted as a PhD student check with the Dutch institution if it applies an academic application deadline.

 

Fellowship application deadlines

There are two fellowship application deadlines for the PhD sub-programme. Applications for PhD research projects starting in the academic year 2011-2012 must be submitted before the fellowship application deadlines mentioned below:

 

SOL open for online applications: 1 February 2011

Fellowship application deadline: 1 October 2011

Paper application deadline: 1 September 2011

Please note that fellowship applications received after the fellowship application deadline are not considered.

For further details, click here

 

Monday, January 17, 2011

International Training Workshop on Integrated Sustainable Development in Mountain Areas and Non-Timber-Forest-Products (NTFPs) Industrial and Commercial Development, 6 -26 September 2011

The deadline for application to this Workshop is July 31st, 2011.

Background
Mountain areas cover 20% of the world’s land area and are rich in resources, including forests and minerals, and are the source of much of the world’s freshwater. Forests in mountain areas provide essential ecosystem services, protect biodiversity and are essential for the mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change. In many countries, especially in developing countries, mountain areas are home to a disproportionately high percentage of poor people who depend on these resources for their lives and livelihoods. However, in many countries, especially in developing nations, these regions are homes to large populations of relatively poor people, whose lives and livelihoods depend on effective and appropriate management of the natural resources around them. Therefore, developing rural development capacity in mountainous forest areas, and improving rural societies, economies and environments in mountainous forest areas should be one of the top concerns of the international community. -------------
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Workshop Organizers
MOST (Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China) is a central governmental agency under the State Council and it is responsible for the nation's science and technology activities. One of the important missions of MOST is to strengthen international cooperation in science and technology. INBAR (International Network for Bamboo and Rattan) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to reducing poverty, conserving the environment and creating fairer trade using bamboo and rattan. INBAR was established in 1997 and represents a growing number of member countries all over the world. Headquarters are in China and there are regional offices in Ghana, Ethiopia, India and Ecuador. INBAR connects a global network of governmental, non-governmental, corporate and community partners in over 50 countries.-------------
--------------

Objectives
Through carrying out the training workshop, to provide a platform for participating countries to share and exchange the best practices and experiences in mountain sustainable development, as well as experiences in NTFPs industrialization and commercialization.

Programme
Participants will register on September 6, 2011 in Hangzhou (Capital city of Zhejiang Province, China), and departure will be on September 26, 2011, totaling 20 days. Field visit program will be arranged in combination with the indoor courses during the workshop. -------------
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Fees
Tuition of the workshop is USD 350.00 per person. All participants from developing countries can be exempt from the tuition. Expenses for food, accommodation and local transportation are USD 65.00 /person per day for shared room and USD75.00 /person per day for single room. All participants will be responsible for their own travel to and from the workshop as well as health insurance during the Workshop.

Participants
Professionals in mountainous, rural and NTFPs development, natural forest conservation and sustainable development, including officers, researchers, technicians from related departments of governments and NGOs, technicians and engineers from enterprises, supervisors working in grass-root agencies that are interested to the topics of this workshop. Because the Workshop working language will be English, participants must have basic English listening and speaking abilities. Principally, participants of this workshop should at least be graduated from a professional school or have similar education background.

The Workshop will provide an opportunity for each participant to exchange information/ knowledge/ experiences with the other participants, Participants who would like to give a presentation during the workshop are required to send their presentation to us by email before July 20th, 2011 to facilitate editing of training materials.

2011 World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden - Call for Abstracts and Event Proposals

The 2011 World Water Week in Stockholm, August 21-27, is inviting interested individuals or organisations to submit workshop abstracts or proposals to convene a seminar or side event in 2011.

The special theme for the 2011 conference is: “Responding to Global Changes - Water in an Urbanising World".

Abstract Submittal
Proposals for workshop papers and poster presentations for the World Water Week are welcome from experts and actors in different disciplines. Information on the workshop themes and the abstract submittal process is available on http://www.worldwaterweek.org/abstracts. The deadline for abstract submittal is February 15, 2011.

Proposals for Seminars and Side Events
Is there a particular issue you would like to see on the programme for the 2011 World Water Week in Stockholm? Proposals are welcome from organisations who wish to host a seminar or side event. More information is available on http://www.worldwaterweek.org/convenors. The deadline for proposals is 15 February 2011.

About the World Water Week in Stockholm
The World Water Week in Stockholm is the annual meeting place for the planet’s most urgent water-related issues. Organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), it brings together about 2500 experts, practitioners, decision makers and business innovators from around the globe to exchange ideas, foster new thinking and develop solutions. www.worldwaterweek.org

 Deadline 15 February

International Youth Forum (ESD Forum), 11-16 August 2011 In Tokyo, Japan

The ESD Forum™ and international Youth Forum (Forum 2011) is a conference of international students and decision-makers convened by iuventum. This program is planned for August 2011, taking place during the year of 150 years Japan-Germany friendship festivities and supporting the International Year of Youth (including the International Youth Day on 12 August).

The ESD Forum 2011 is a contribution to the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) recognized by the German Commission for UNESCO - Secretariat, UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.

More at:

Scholarships for MSc in Climate Change and Policy, Univerisity of Sussex, UK

The University of Sussex would like to invite applications for the MSc in 'Climate Change and Policy' for entry in 2011. Scholarship information is provided below.

This is unique course that aims to provide state-of-the-art training for the rapidly expanding market in climate change policy professionals within the public, private, consultancy and not-for-profit sectors. The programme addresses the issues from a multidisciplinary perspective and courses cover both the science of climate change and social science dimensions of policy responses. Students will acquire specialist knowledge of the causes and consequences of climate change and the policy issues surrounding mitigation and adaptation. Courses are taught by leading researchers in these fields from the world renowned Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU) and Department of Geography.

Scholarships

Up to ten partial scholarships of £4,500 are available. The scholarships will be awarded to students who possess the highest academic ability and potential (not made on the basis of financial need).

Further information

<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/2011/taught/3331/23689/>

<www.sussex.ac.uk/climatechange>

Tel: +44 (0)1273 877686
Email: climate@sussex.ac.uk

Education and Development Conference 2011 in Bangkok, Thailand

Education and Development Conference 2011: 5th- 7th March 2011, Bangkok, Thailand

‘After bread, education’ - G. J. Danton

Join us for our Sixth Annual Education and Development Conference 2011!

This is an innovative and exciting opportunity for individuals interested in education and development. This conference will provide unlimited resources and opportunities to interact with prominent scholars in the field and greatly expand on your existing global network.

The 2011 Conference will address the following: The importance of education and its strong correlation with economical, political and democratic development, educational systems around the world, and the role of education in achieving MDGs. And much, much more!


More at: http://www.tomorrowpeople.org/education-and-development-conference-2011-5th-7th-march-2011-bangkok-thailand

International Conference on Sustainable Development 2011

The International Conference on Sustainable Development 2011 is jointly presented by the International Centre for InterdisciplinaryResearch in Law (ICIRL), the Centre for Research in Social Justice and Policy (CRSJP) at Laurentian University and the Ontario International Development Agency (OIDA) in Canada, and Graduate School, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, in Malaysia.

Conference location:
Palm Garden, Hotel, IOI Resort, 62502, Putrajaya, Malaysia.

This conference has the following objectives:
         to provide an interdisciplinary forum on global sustainable development for practitioners and academics;
         to foster dialogue among various stakeholders, including senior level policy makers, academics, and practitioners;
         to propose multidisciplinary strategies for economic, sociopolitical, cultural, and institutional changes;
         to allow stakeholders to share their experiences and research results about all aspects of sustainable human and social development;
         to discuss the practical challenges encountered in promoting sustainable development and the solutions adopted; and
         to find global partners for future business or research collaborations.                 

The International Conference on Sustainable Development consists of four main sessions
·         Sustainable Social and Human Development
·         Social Sciences and Humanities
·         Human Rights and Good Governance
·         Sustainable Development.

Important dates
Last day to submit abstract / paper / presentation: October 30, 2011
Last date to issue notification of acceptance: November 05, 2011
Last date to submit final paper and authors' registration: November 15, 2011
Conference dates: December 5-7, 2011