Inviting Applications for the Symposium: Research Questions That We Should Be Asking
We invite applications for a symposium on “Research Questions That We Should Be Asking”. Presenters will outline their view of an important topic on the evolution and/or ecology of behavior that is being neglected by current research. Do you think a topic is being neglected because it is deemed too risky by the traditional 3-year grant system? Or because we have not yet grasped its importance? This is a chance to bring attention to it.
Each presentation will last 20 min, with another 10 min for questions from the audience. The last session will be a 20-min round table discussion among the presenters, with 10 min for questions from the audience.
Following the symposium, we will conduct a crowd-funding exercise, with audience members voting with dollars for the most interesting idea. The top two ideas will share the funds gathered.
To apply, submit a title and abstract (<250 words) describing the topic that you wish to address at the symposium in an email to [email protected] with the subject heading “unasked”. We will select applications on the basis of interest and insight (not risk), aiming to have 4-6 presenters for the symposium.
The application deadline is March 1, 2018.
FUNDING FOR EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
The Education Committee of the Animal Behavior Society is pleased to announce the creation of ABS Educational Outreach grants. Modeled after the grant program in place for the Society for the Study of Evolution (SSE), the objectives of this program are: 1. To promote local outreach efforts by ABS members; and 2. To document outreach efforts.
Purpose:
We have a responsibility as scientists to engage with the public. Many members of ABS actively engage in outreach activities, but most of our efforts are undocumented. We would like to provide small outreach grants to support exceptional programs of community outreach. Those that receive awards will be required to write a two-page description of the program that we will post on the ABS website. The purpose of this requirement is to highlight quality outreach programs created by ABS members. We will add descriptions each year, building a repository that will serve as an inspiration to fellow ABS members and as a resource of outreach examples to use in publications, grant applications, and other venues. This website will also be searchable, allowing the public to learn about the creative and diverse outreach activities conducted by ABS members.
For 2018, we anticipate awarding three-four grants, each with a maximum award of $500.
Proposal submission and selection criteria:
- Each proposal must be submitted as a single PDF file, by email to the Outreach Grants chair of the ABS Education Committee ([email protected]).
- Applicants must be members of ABS.
- Members of the Education Committee and Outreach Subcommittee are eligible to apply.
- Proposals should include a one-page, single-spaced project description and a detailed budget on a separate page. Any matching funds (while not required) should be described in the budget.
- Proposals are due December 1.
- A panel consisting of four members of the Outreach Subcommittee of the ABS Education Committee will review proposals based on the following criteria:
- Quality and Engagement: We will give priority to programs that have one of the following:
- Clear learning objectives beyond simply exposing students to animal behavior (e.g., an emphasis on the process of science, on teaching data analysis and visualization, or on correcting common misconceptions in science, etc.).
- Engagement with students or citizens in a variety of communities and nations who may not generally have access to the study of animals and natural history in a scientific context.
- Feasibility: Program seems realistic; authors seem prepared; partners, infrastructure, and matching funds are all positive.
- Impact: The program will reach a large number of students or reach a small number in an intensive and effective way.
- Awards will be announced February 1.
- Recipients will be expected to present a poster at ABS within 12 months of completion of the project, and a description of activities for posting on the Education Committee page of the ABS website.
Grants will be awarded with full and equal opportunity to members of all genders, nationalities, races, and religions.
We encourage ABS members to consider applying for an Outreach Grant. Please contact Dale Broder ([email protected]) or Sue Margulis ([email protected]) if you have questions.
FUNDING THROUGH THE CAREGIVER AWARD
The Caregiver Travel Grant award provides financial assistance for active ABS members whose caregiving responsibilities for dependent persons would otherwise limit their ability to attend and present at the annual ABS meeting. Dependents include but are not limited to young children and aging parents. Award values vary according to funds available. Candidates are prioritized according to their need, abstract and CVs. Preference will be given to applicants who are presenting their work. This year, we were able to award four caregiver awards. Each recipient received $500 to put towards the care of those either travelling with them or staying behind. Please email Emily DuVal: [email protected].
FOLLOW ABS ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER
Please visit http://facebook.com/animalbehaviorsociety/ to stay on top of the latest news, events, and announcements about the Animal Behavior Society, its members, and their research. Members are welcome to contribute to the ABS wall and share their ABS-related photos and experiences.