[Aqualist] Fwd: Network for Veg Function - Open Call for Proposals

[Paul Hesse]

>>> Robyn Delves 01/23/06 2:07 pm >>>
ARC-NZ RESEARCH NETWORK FOR VEGETATION FUNCTION
Open call for proposals for working groups

The Network for Vegetation Function operates through working groups. These gather 10 or so researchers together for sessions of a few days, to tackle research questions that need data synthesis or new concepts or theory. 

This is an open call for proposals towards fresh working groups. The potential range of topics is wide, spanning for example molecular genetics and proteomics, evolutionary radiation, ecophysiology, development and architecture, root symbioses, ecosystem processes, functional and comparative ecology, global change, natural resource management, herbivory, pollination, vegetation dynamics, soil processes, nutrient cycles, herbivory, plant diseases, global change, palaeoecology. 

Proposals should be brief (1-2 pages). They should be sent to rdelves at bio.mq.edu.au by Friday 10 March 2006. They need to articulate an idea and to indicate people who would be involved, but do not need to specify budgets or dates. More detailed advice is at: http://www.bio.mq.edu.au/ecology/vegfunction/research/opencall.htm 

Lead applicants need not previously have participated in the Network, nor need they be Australia-based. However, proposals are expected to stimulate research in Australia as well as elsewhere.  

Proposals will be assessed by the Network's Science Advisory Board, within 3 weeks of the 10 March deadline. The Network's convenor will then negotiate with the highest-ranked applicants, suggesting any recommended adjustments and making more detailed arrangements. 

The Science Advisory Board will apply the following main criteria:
*	Is the research question interesting? Does it bring together people in unfamiliar combinations? Can good progress be made through the working group mechanism?
*	Is there a credible plan to generate high-impact research outputs? (Typically  publications in strong journals or multi-institution research proposals, but the Board is open to suggestions about other outcomes.)
*	Are people involved who have the talent, energy and time to ensure that outputs emerge from the working group? 

Please see http://www.bio.mq.edu.au/ecology/vegfunction/index.html for further detail, and also for information about working groups already in progress. You are also welcome to discuss possibilities in advance with the Network's convenor, mwestoby at rna.bio.mq.edu.au.




Robyn Delves
Administrator
ARC-NZ Research Network for Vegetation Function
Department of Biological Sciences
Macquarie University
NSW   2109
Phone: 612 9850 8170
Fax: 612 9850 8228
Website: http://www.bio.mq.edu.au/ecology/vegfunction/