Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

A Glaciological Short Course Series for the IPY - Education and Training for the next Generation(s) of Glaciologists  (GELATI - a Glaciological Teaching Initiative for the IPY)

Outline
Here we propose an IPY-teaching initiative, which will develop an international glaciology/cryospheric science short course series to promote and foster education and training of the next generation(s) of scientists and educators interested in glaciology and cryospheric sciences. The main goals of the short course series are to: a) provide education and training for the next generation of graduate students, science teachers and researchers in glaciology; b provide training for junior faculty; c) integrate research and education; d) create awareness for questions related to the cryosphere in class-rooms and beyond; e) create international partnerships in education and training; f) promote multidisciplinary thinking; g) increase gender diversity in science and teaching; h) encourage minority participation. To achieve these goals we will develop a curriculum of specialized and interdisciplinary courses considering various aspects of science and scientific activities, which study or are concerned with cryospheric processes and their environmental impact in and outside of Polar Regions. Short course developed within this initiative will be linked to and will supplement already existing short courses. Due to the vast dimensions and distribution of the cryosphere across international boundaries as well as the complexity of cryospheric processes in Polar Regions these courses will pool students and instructors from around the world. Pooling of experts and students internationally will not only ensure highest standards but also foster international partnership. To allow the integration of research and teaching and to provide the best possible study environment the courses (up to two to three weeklong) will be held at international field stations or will be incorporated into large research projects. To ensure training of the next generation of internationally recognized faculty junior scientists (recent Ph.D. graduates) are taking the lead in the development and teaching of this short course series. Highest teaching and research standards are ensured through participation of and mentoring from internationally recognized experts. To complement the courses and increase the broader impact of this initiative, the short course series will be accompanied by science teacher majors, multi-media and science writing students and experts. The integration of these students and experts will not only simply transfer knowledge about the importance of Polar Regions in the Earth’s system, but will link this initiative globally to high schools and the general public. This supplemental goal will be achieved by providing online course materials for high school teachers and multi-media documentation of this short course series and the polar environments in general.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Establish a curriculum for a glaciological/cryospheric science short course series, which will foster the next generations of polar researchers as well as the next generation of Polar Regions advocates and will spread interest for Polar Regions to nations and communities traditionally not involved in polar research. Integrating research, education and outreach activity Linking existing cryospheric teaching programs and developing new short course for disciplinary and interdisciplinary short course series.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
This initiative is an international collaborative effort to develop disciplinary and interdisciplinary short course series. Individual courses will be developed by an international group of junior faculty. Courses will be held at international field and research stations with international participation. Involvement of instructors and participants from countries commonly not involved in polar research is anticipated and desired. q2_1_Location : Research and training facilities predominantly in Polar Regions but extendable to any facility suitable to house short courses and to incorporate hands-on experience and integrate teaching and research into the short courses (e.g. alpine regions around the globe, in particular low and mid latitudes)

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Research and training facilities predominantly in Polar Regions but extendable to any facility suitable to house short courses and to incorporate hands-on experience and integrate teaching and research into the short courses (e.g. alpine regions.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 2007      2008      2009
Antarctic: 2007      2008      2009

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Research and training facilities predominantly in Polar Regions but extendable to any facility suitable to house short courses and to incorporate hands-on experience and integrate teaching and research into the short courses (e.g. alpine regions around the globe, in particular low and mid latitudes), Snow vehicles, fixed wing aircraft, helicopter and ships may provide transportation for course participants.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Establish a curriculum for a short course series in glaciology/cryospheric science, which will foster education and training of the next generations of polar researchers as well as the next generation of Polar Regions advocates and will spread interest for Polar Regions to nations and communities traditionally not involved in polar research.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
National agency
Military support
Commercial operator
Own support
Other sources of support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Expression of intent is in the process of being considered by the U.S. National Committee for IPY.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?


Project is an expansion and internationalisation of existing programs and short courses held individually, by linking these programs and short courses to create disciplinary and interdisciplinary short course series with international participation

How will the project be organised and managed?
Individual short courses will be developed by a group of junior scientist who can rely on mentorship from internationally known experts. Detailed project structure and management will be determined during workshops.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Integration of science teacher major, multimedia and science writing students and experts will broaden the impact of this education initiative. Creating an online library for course material produced during this initiative, which can be used by science teachers in their high school classes. Creating multi-media documentaries on the Polar environment and other topics addressed in this short course series

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
It is intended to publish any scientific advances achieved during this teaching initiative in appropriate scientific journals and deposit acquired scientific data in the established data center.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding to cover the cost for the short course series will be sought from national and international funding agencies and other organizations like PAGES, UNESCO etc., which support educational and research activities.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The initiative shall be open to anyone interested in cryospheric processes and their environmental impact in and outside of Polar Regions and who are interested in combining research with education and outreach, in particular junior scientists/faculty from outside the USA. Many more people from several disciplines have currently indicated interest and support for this initiative. More information and a more comprehensive list of people involved in this initiative, which is part of AITI – a multidisciplinary umbrella teaching initiative for the IPY, can be found at: http://bprc.mps.ohio-state.edu/~svogel/IPY/IPY-index.php

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Stefan W Vogel
Byrd Polar Research Center
1090 Carmack Rd., Scott Hall 108
Columbus OH
43210
USA

Tel: US-624-247-8082
Mobile: no
Fax: US-614-292-4697
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation