Sessions
Themed Sessions
Life by Numbers
Convener: Akhirta Atikana
Data, big data, very big data, and too much big data. We generate loathsome amounts of data, and then we wonder how to make sense out of those numbers? Next-generation sequencing, statistics, mathematical modelling are often crucial to help us produce answers to questions that are fundamentally physical, biological and social. Did you know that the spiral shapes of sunflowers follow a Fibonacci number sequence? I bet not. So, what story do your numbers tell?
Interactions (A)
Conveners: Carmen Vazquez
Interactions are crucial for all of us, from cells to humans. And everything in between, that includes molecules, proteins, microbes, plants, animals, communities and food chains. What kind of interactions do you study? Do they answer the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything? Take us hitch-hiking to your ‘interactions’.
Note: there are two separate Interaction sessions occurring at different times
Interactions (B)
Conveners: Ying Zheng
Plants, as primary producers, are the backbone of our ecosystems. Their production of biomass and oxygen via photosynthesis make them indispensable to other living organisms as well as our human beings. How do they interact with each other? How do they interact with the surrounding environment, like soil, water, microorganisms, insects, animals, etc.? What’s their role in maintaining balance of our ecosystems?
Note: there are two separate Interaction sessions occurring at different times
3. Earth It
Convener: Keynote speaker Prof. Johan Bouma
The earth has been a tremendous host, especially in comparison to desert-like planets in galaxies far, far away. What do we know about the earth? The winds, water, soil, greens, and environment have been constantly changing and evolving, just like we did. With ecosystem services on the rise, and plenty of discussion on sustainability, environmental research is now huge. Show some kindness to your host- tell us about it.
4. Micro and Below
Conveners: Kay Moisan and Robert Veldman
Not everything falls between Local to Global. Given the new technologies available to work there has been an unprecedented rise in the quality and quantity of molecular research in recent times. If your world revolves around invisible, tiny, fancy molecules and Eppendorf tubes, this is your jam.
5. Diversity in Science
Convener: Wieke Pot
Scientists will have diverse perceptions about what constitutes Diversity. This session will explore diversity as a concept and discuss the added value of the concept for different fields of scientific research. To enrich participants’ perspectives about diversity we will discuss the application and the value of diversity in research about dietary patterns, crops and pig farming systems. This session addresses the value of diversity for both science as well as societal issues such as obesity, animal welfare and optimizing agricultural production.
Pitch 'n' Panel Sessions
Pitch 'n' Panel sessions are designed to provoke discussion and interaction with the audience. It's up the the panel conveners and presenters to decide the final vision for these panels, and don't necessarily have to deal with your research directly - it's all about the discussion! This year's sessions:
1. Science as an opinion: How to retain credibility in post-modern society?
Conveners: Esther Ronner and Renske Hijbeek
Climate change? – I don’t believe in it. Genetic manipulation? – Dangerous! On important global issues, mere facts do not seem to be convincing in popular media. In these cases science has lost its power of authority and is at risk of becoming just another opinion. Why do numbers lose their persuasive power? How to find ‘the truth’ in such situations? And how can we tackle this phenomenon in our own research fields? In this pitch n panel session, we will select a number of contested societal issues together and discuss the dynamics involved in a ‘world café’ setting. Come and join us in this debate on post-modern science!
2. Innovation: Bridging the gap between science and society.
Conveners: Giulia Bongiorno and Julia Assis
Science develops knowledge and tools,that can be used by society. From the other side society demands solutions from science. This pitch and panel session will first discuss how research in Wageningen Graduate Schools is motivated by and delivered to society. Then we want to bring the science-society interface to stage, discussing some examples of active groups from WGS, like the Science Shop. How can science become “closer” to society? Do we, PhD students, have anything to do with it? This could be a first step towards making a difference!
Bring your curiosity and ideas into this discussion!
3. Finding order in chaos: Getting through your PhD.
Conveners: Ying Deng and Francisca Noya Leal
There are many pleasant achievements in a life of a researcher, but certainly pleased is not our daily sensation. Increased number of tasks and responsibilities, also dealing with ambition of publishing, it’s feels often that all duties are actually challenging our motivations, maybe our willingness. There are tools, tips, trainings, etc. All can help but nothing better than fellows! Come and check their stories and advice, let’s share ideas of getting through our PhDs.
Sessions
Go to the schedule!
Go to the schedule!