Beyond EVE: Organisations

German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina

Sun, 29 Aug 2021 20:48:33 +0200

The Leopoldina originated in 1652 as a classical scholarly society and now has 1,600 members from almost all branches of science. In 2008, the Leopoldina was appointed as the German National Academy of Sciences and, in this capacity, was invested with two major objectives: representing the German scientific community internationally, and providing policymakers and the public with science-based advice.

The Leopoldina champions the freedom and appreciation of science. It promotes a scientifically enlightened society and the responsible application of scientific insight for the benefit of humankind and the natural world. In its interdisciplinary discourse, the Academy transcends thematic, political, and cultural boundaries. It is also an advocate of human rights.

It is the role of the Leopoldina, in co-operation with other national and international organisations, to identify and analyse scientific issues of social importance. The Leopoldina presents its policy recommendations in a scientifically qualified, independent, transparent, and prospective manner, ever mindful of the standards and consequences of science.

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 21:29:19 +0100

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is a world-wide leading institute of marine research. We investigate chemical, physical, biological and geological processes of the seafloor, oceans and ocean margins and their interactions with the atmosphere. We also bridge the gap between basic and applied science in several areas. With this broad spectrum of research initiatives GEOMAR is globally unique. The GEOMAR is a foundation under public law jointly funded by the German federal (90%) and Schleswig-Holstein state (10%) governments. GEOMAR has a staff of approximately 1,000 (2018) individuals and an annual budget of ~80 Million Euros.

The institutes’ mandate is the interdisciplinary investigation of all relevant aspects of modern marine sciences, from sea floor geology to marine meteorology. Research is conducted worldwide in all oceans and adjacent seas.

The institute has four major research divisions:

GEOMAR cooperates closely with the University of Kiel in the education of future marine scientists. Curricula include “Physics of the Earth System: Meteorology – Oceanography – Geophysics” for the Bachelor’s degree and internationally oriented Master’s courses such as “Climate Physics: Meteorology and Physical Oceanography” and “Biological Oceanography.” The institute also provides additional contributions to other curricula, such as Geology and Geophysics. GEOMAR also has cooperative programmes with other universities around the world, and special programmes for pupils and teachers aim to stimulate interest in the marine sciences at an early stage.

In addition, the institute operates three research vessels, state-of-the-art equipment such as the manned submersible JAGO, the deep-sea robots ROV KIEL6000, PHOCA and ABYSS as well as several major laboratories, access to high-performance computing facilities and an attractive public aquarium.

Since end of 2017, GEOMAR operates a science and logistic station on the Cap Verdean Islands, the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo.

GEOMAR is among the three leading institutions in the field of marine sciences in Europe. Jointly with the National Oceanography Centre in the United Kingdom and Ifremer in France, GEOMAR has established the “G3 group” of national marine research centres.

GEOMAR cooperates with a number of small companies active in marine technology and science, some of which were founded by former staff members of the institute.

In addition, GEOMAR is active in a number of national and international committees and strategic alliances such as the German Alliance for Marine Research (DAM), the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM), the German Climate Consortium (DKK), the European Marine Board and the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO).

Information Technology & Innovation foundation ITIF

Information Technology & Innovation foundation ITIF — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 12:00:15 +0100

As technological innovation transforms the global economy and society, policymakers often lack the specialized knowledge and expert perspective necessary to evaluate and respond to fast-moving issues and circumstances. What should they do to capitalize on new opportunities, overcome challenges, and avoid potential pitfalls? The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) exists to provide answers and point the way forward.

Founded in 2006, ITIF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational institute—a think tank. Its mission is to formulate, evaluate, and promote policy solutions that accelerate innovation and boost productivity to spur growth, opportunity, and progress. ITIF’s goal is to provide policymakers around the world with high-quality information, analysis, and recommendations they can trust. To that end, ITIF adheres to a high standard of research integrity with an internal code of ethics grounded in analytical rigor, policy pragmatism, and independence from external direction or bias.

Focus

ITIF focuses on a host of critical issues at the intersection of technological innovation and public policy—including economic issues related to innovation, competitiveness, trade, and globalization; and technology-related issues in the areas of information technology and data, broadband telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, agricultural biotechnology, and clean energy. (Read more about ITIF’s policy goals and values.)

Ongoing research programs and educational activities include:

Setting the policy agenda on technology, innovation, and global competition issues by producing original research reports and analytical commentary;
Shaping public debate by hosting events, giving speeches and presentations, providing official testimony, publishing op-eds, and serving as expert issue analysts in the news media; and
Advising policymakers through direct interaction in Washington, D.C., and other state, national, and regional capitals around the world.

On the strength and influence of this work, the University of Pennsylvania has ranked ITIF as the world’s leading think tank for science and technology policy, and one of the top 27 U.S. think tanks overall.

Expertise

ITIF is led by its president and founder, Robert D. Atkinson, an internationally recognized policy scholar and widely published author whom The New Republic has named one of the “three most important thinkers about innovation,” Washingtonian Magazine has called a “Tech Titan,” and Government Technology Magazine has judged to be one of the 25 top “Doers, Dreamers and Drivers of Information Technology.” Under Atkinson, ITIF’s team of policy analysts and fellows includes authors and recognized experts in the fields of economics, tax policy, trade, telecommunications, privacy, cybersecurity, and life sciences, among many others.

ITIF is home to the highly regarded Center for Data Innovation, which develops and promotes policy ideas to capitalize on the tremendous economic and social benefits that data-driven innovation can offer. ITIF also launched—and spearheads—the Global Trade and Innovation Policy Alliance, an international network of think tanks that conduct evidence-based research into policies that can foster greater trade liberalization, curb “innovation mercantilism,” and encourage governments to play proactive roles in spurring innovation and productivity.

Senckenberg Society for Nature Research

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 16:13:43 +0100

To understand the natural and anthropogenic dynamic of our planet and its living world and to shape it in view of a sustainable development requires an understanding of the biological and geological processes within the earth system. Concerning - the analysis of biodiversity, its continuous changes, and their role in the earth system, - satisfying the corresponding need for knowledge in science and society, - and the application and development of relevant, top-of-the-line research methods, Senckenberg is among the world leaders. By applying and transferring our research results, and with our scientific collections as “archives of life,” we contribute to finding responsible solutions for global future challenges. The diverse synergies of our institutions create added value for science and society. We consistently continue to develop both our research as well as our transfer and communication concepts. On this basis, as a dialog partner in societal, economic and political decision-making processes we make a fundamental contribution toward shaping a sustainable future for the earth-human system. We provide the biological and geoscientific basis for these processes, thereby creating an awareness of nature’s importance for mankind. We study the breathtaking diversity and the fascinating interconnections in the inanimate and living nature of our planet to gain a deeper understanding of their functions and an awareness of their importance for humanity, allowing us to develop strategies for aiding the reconciliation of human society and nature. The research objects gathered from the natural world are deposited in scientific archives and permanently preserved for future generations. These collections serve both as a research base and a valuable cultural heritage. We communicate our findings to the scientific community as well as society in a variety of ways, e.g., in internationally visible publications, teaching at universities, in research networks, exhibitions in our museums, and in scientific lectures and conferences. We work to ensure that these results find their way into practical applications. Moreover, we are strongly committed to supporting scientific and technical training and advanced education.

UN Climate Change

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 13:21:28 +0100

The UNFCCC secretariat (UN Climate Change) was established in 1992 when countries adopted the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). With the subsequent adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015, Parties to these three agreements have progressively reaffirmed the secretariat’s role as the United Nations entity tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change. Since 1995, the secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany. Around 450 staff are employed at UN Climate Change. Secretariat staff come from over 100 countries and represent a blend of diverse cultures, gender and professional backgrounds. At the head of the secretariat is the Executive Secretary, a position currently held by Patricia Espinosa.

The Sustainability Society

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 14:41:24 +0100

The Sustainability Society is a national network established to foster sustainability across the built environment. The Society provides learning and fosters dialogue on sustainability through workshops, webinars, forums and other projects. It takes a complex systems approach to sustainability, recognising that human and natural systems are increasingly interconnected and interdependent. Formed in 2003 (as NZSSES), The Sustainability Society is a Technical Interest Group within Engineering New Zealand.

Umweltbundesamt

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 10:44:07 +0100

The UBA’s motto, For our environment (“Für Mensch und Umwelt”) sums up our mission pretty well, we feel. As Germany’s main environmental protection agency , our task is to ensure that our fellow citizens have a healthy environment with clean air and water, free of pollutants to the greatest extent possible. Here at the UBA, we concern ourselves with an extremely broad spectrum of issues, including waste avoidance, climate protection, and pesticide approvals. Our work centers around gathering data concerning the state of the environment, investigating the relevant interrelationships and making projections – and then, based on these findings, providing federal bodies such as the Ministry of the Environment with policy advice. We also provide the general public with information and answer your questions on all of the various issues that we address. Apart from these activities, we implement environmental law by making sure that it is applied in areas such as CO2 trading and approval processes for chemicals, pharmaceutical drugs and pesticides. Our activities are set down in the law that established our agency. Our overarching mission is early detection of environmental risks and threats so that we can assess them and find viable solutions for them in a timely manner. We do this by conducting research in our own labs and by outsourcing research to scientific institutions in German and abroad. We are also the German point of contact for numerous international organizations such as WHO.

Lise-Meitner-Gesellschaft e.V.

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:34:34 +0100

Die Lise-Meitner-Gesellschaft ist ein eingetragener Verein, dessen Ziel Chancengleichheit und die Gleichstellung von Frauen* im MINT Bereich inner- und außerhalb der akademischen Laufbahn ist. Noch immer sind Frauen* im MINT Bereich unterrepräsentiert und erfahren oft kaum sichtbar und ungewollt Benachteiligung und Diskriminierung aufgrund unbewusster Voreingenommenheiten. Wir sind eine von jungen Wissenschaftler*innen gegründete Gruppe, die ein breites Bewusstsein für diese Mechanismen, speziell in den Naturwissenschaften und der Mathematik, schaffen will und gleichzeitig Frauen* dazu ermutigen möchte, selbstbewusst ihre Ziele zu definieren und zu verwirklichen.

Kompetenzzentrum Technik-Diversity-Chancengleichheit - komm mach MINT

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:33:40 +0100

**Der Nationale Pakt für Frauen in MINT-Berufen -„Komm, mach MINT.“ ist die einzige bundesweite Netzwerk-Initiative, die Mädchen und Frauen für MINT-Studiengänge und -Berufe begeistert. Sie vernetzt bereits über 260 Partner aus Politik, Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft, Sozialpartnern, Medien und Verbänden und setzt den Dialog zum Thema Frauen und MINT in innovative Maßnahmen um.** Ziel der Initiative ist das Potential von Frauen für naturwissenschaftlich-technische Berufe angesichts des sich abzeichnenden Fachkräftemangels zu nutzen, im einzelnen: - ein realistisches Bild der ingenieur- und naturwissenschaftlichen Berufe zu vermitteln und die Chancen für Frauen in diesen Feldern aufzuzeigen, - junge Frauen für naturwissenschaftlich-technische Studiengänge zu begeistern, - Hochschulabsolventinnen für Karrieren in technischen Unternehmen und Forschungseinrichtungen zu gewinnen. Die Ziele sind in einem Memorandum festgehalten, das von den Partnern unterzeichnet wird. (Der Pakt ist offen für weitere Partner, die sich für die Ziele des Paktes einsetzen und aktiv mitwirken wollen, um mehr Frauen für MINT-Berufe zu gewinnen. Es bestehen für jeden Partner individuelle Optionen, sich am nationalen Pakt zu beteiligen.) Die Zielgruppe sind junge Frauen an den Schnittstellen zwischen Schule und Studium sowie zwischen Hochschule und Beruf. Zum Erreichen dieser Ziele ist ein breites Bündnis aus Bundesregierung, Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Unternehmen, Verbänden, Gewerkschaften, Hochschulen, Forschungs- und Wissenschaftseinrichtungen, Frauen-Technik-Netzen, Medien und öffentlichen Einrichtungen erforderlich. Expertinnen und Experten der Partner sind in die Planung und Ausgestaltung einbezogen. Der Pakt soll für die Partner offen gestaltet werden, d.h. - bestehende Projekte und Initiativen können eingebracht, gebündelt und durch gemeinsame Öffentlichkeitsarbeit sichtbar gemacht werden. - Transfer erfolgreicher Maßnahmen in andere Regionen und Institutionen soll ermöglicht werden. - Neue Aktivitäten der Partner sollen angestoßen werden. Die geplanten Maßnahmen sollen den jungen Frauen u. a. Entscheidungshilfen für den Studieneinstieg geben, frühzeitige Kontakte mit Vorbildfrauen ermöglichen und mehr Selbstvertrauen in die eigene Leistungsfähigkeit für ein technisches Studium bewirken.

I, Scientist

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 11:13:41 +0100

We are delighted to invite you to the I, Scientist conference on gender, career paths and networking, to be held virtually on 16-19 September 2020. Registration is now open via https://year2020.iscientist.de/ and we have early bird tickets for the first 50 registrations. This year's conference highlights include inspiring talks by successful female and queer scientists and various exciting networking events. We will have as well a especial focus on race and academia, as well as the impact of COVID19 on gender equality and leadership. For more details please visit our website I,Scientist. The conference aims to increase the visibility of diverse role models in the natural and empirical sciences, to introduce young researchers to a variety of career options, provide them with networking opportunities, and to raise awareness of gender-based biases. The conference is designed and organized by PhD students and young researchers of natural sciences, mathematics and empirical sciences for their peers. To raise awareness of unconscious gender-based, detect obstacles and find solutions regarding gender imbalance and combining family life and a career, a dialogue between all genders is needed. Therefore, all genders are welcome to attend! We are excited to meet you at I, Scientist 2020!

Gene Editing for the Climate: Biological Solutions for Curbing Greenhouse Emissions

Information Technology & Innovation foundation ITIF — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 12:12:02 +0100

Public investments in research and development that aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions to date have focused heavily on physics and chemistry. It’s time for biology to play a much bigger role. Recent breakthroughs in gene editing are unlocking vast opportunities to mitigate climate change. They range from enhancing the efficiency of photosynthesis to reducing methane emissions from cows to optimizing crops for biofuel production, and much more. A broad, coordinated effort across the U.S. government, in close collaboration with agriculture, industry, international partners, and the public should move these solutions forward.

Join ITIF for a presentation of a new report on gene-edited solutions for climate change and a panel discussion on the implications of these technologies.

Speakers

David M. Hart

Senior Fellow, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Moderator

Val Giddings

Senior Fellow, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Presenter

Robert Rozansky

Former Senior Policy Analyst, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Presenter

Pamela Ronald

Professor, Dept. of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center, UC Davis, Panelist

Scott Knight

Head of Genome Editing and Yield, Disease & Quality Research, Bayer Crop Science, Panelist

GEO BON Open Science Conference

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 22:26:47 +0100

The GEO BON Open Science Conference and All Hands Meeting 2020 will be a milestone event that will bring together all those involved and interested in the development of Biodiversity Observation Networks and Essential Biodiversity Variables, as well as their potential to support global biodiversity monitoring and conservation post 2020 Repeated, long-term observations are crucial to detect and attribute changes in biodiversity and ecosystem services, for identifying policy options and assessing their effectiveness. For the past ten years, GEO BON and its members have been developing the Biodiversity Observation Networks that underlie the acquisition and mobilization of biodiversity observations, as well as Essential Biodiversity Variables that help assess the status and trends of biodiversity across all levels of its organization, from genes to ecosystems. We are now at a pivotal time for global biodiversity conservation. A year after the Global Assessment of IPBES, progress towards the achievement of the Aichi biodiversity targets is being evaluated by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Parties. In parallel, discussions are on-going to design the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. All of these activities fundamentally rely and point to the need for strengthened efforts to monitor and observe the Earth’s biodiversity. With the 2020 GEO BON Open Science Conference and All Hands meeting we invite all members and interested parties to come together and present progress, achievements, and frontiers in BON and EBV development, as well as to plan and shape the future of GEO BON. The conference will also be the occasion to officially launch the outcomes of the “EBV 2020” initiative with the mobilization of EBV data products covering all EBV classes into the GEO BON portal.

For seagrass meadows the impacts could be severe

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 18:43:07 +0100

Two thirds of the earth's surface is covered by water. Oceans play an important role to us humans - they are food sources, heat stores, trade routes and one of the most important stores of carbon dioxide (CO2). In particular, seagrass meadows along the coasts absorb a lot of CO2, but this ecosystem is sensitive to the effects of climate change and could lose much of its storage function. Angela Stevenson, a postdoc in the "Marine Evolutionary Ecology" research unit at GEOMAR in Kiel, is examining the condition of seagrass meadows along the German Baltic Sea coast to find out how they can help to reduce CO2 emissions. What is special about seagrass meadows? Coastal vegetated systems, like seagrass meadows, mangrove forests and salt marshes, play an important role in the global carbon budget due to their exceptional ability to capture and store organic carbon below ground. Burial rates here are 30 to 50 fold greater than that of forests on land. In the Baltic Sea, seagrass meadows are vast. We have a total area of approximately 285 km2 of these habitats. How can one imagine seagrass meadows? Seagrasses are marine plants that live at depths of about 1 to 8 meters in German coastal waters, and slightly deeper elsewhere around the world. They have roots and root stocks, so called rhizomes, below ground, and shoots and leaves above ground. Like other plants, they need light to survive and take up CO2 during photosynthesis. It is the seagrass’ dense canopy that distinguish it from other plants in terms of enhanced carbon storage: the canopy increases particle capture from the water column and reduces water flow along the seafloor, efficiently lowering loosening up of sediments and hence protecting buried carbon. The plant’s intricate below-ground network of roots and rhizomes is not easily displaced, and their muddy sediments enhance low oxygen levels that inhibit microbial activity and thus remineralization of buried organic carbon. This process further increases longterm organic carbon burial efficiency.

Climate Change Conference

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 19:27:28 +0100

The Bonn Climate Change Conference (SB50) will host a wide range of events, meetings, and negotiating sessions that will set the stage for raising ambition to curb greenhouse gas emissions, accelerate resilience-building efforts, and ensure that climate policy is built on a solid foundation of the best available science and knowledge.

21. informatica feminale

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:33:40 +0100

Focus 2018 “Gender politics at engineering workplaces” Courses and talks on topics like gender, equality, technology and ethics are on special focus this year. Companies with gender sensible organizational concepts and successful personal management strategies to promote women engineers to a broad spectrum of leading positions will present their best practices to the participants of Informatica Feminale.