2nd International Young Scientists' Global Change Conference

The International Young Scientists' Global Change Conference offers a prestigious platform for young scientists to present their research findings to leading scientists in the field. The conference precedes the Earth System Science Partnership's Open Science Conference, Global Environmental Change: Regional Challenges (November 9-12, 2006, Beijing International Conference Center) and it is expected that all the young scientists will participate in the Open Science Conference.

Expressions of Interest
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a preliminary Expression of Interest form by Tuesday, November 15, 2005 to facilitate conference organization, ensure relevancy to the conference topic and receive application instructions.

Information:
Questions should be directed to Ms. Amy Freise via the Conference email (ysc@agu.org).

Call for Papers

Submissions of papers are invited from young scientists (age 35 years or less) on physical, biological and human aspects of global change. Papers utilizing interdisciplinary approaches that address the earth system are encouraged. Selection shall be on the basis of scientific excellence, taking into account the need to achieve a thematic and regional balance. Applicants must be the principal author on the submitted paper. Participants will be notified at time of selection if they have been selected for a paper or poster presentation. Authors will be encouraged to publish their presented material in international journals. All presenters of posters will be given the opportunity to make a 2-minute oral presentation.

Awards will be granted for most outstanding contributions in both paper and poster categories and awardees will be invited to present their research to the Open Science Conference. Distinguished invited keynote speakers will give plenary presentations. Sessions will be chaired by leading members of the global change research community. The conference is endorsed by the Earth System Science Partnership and is being organized by START, the global change SysTem for Analysis, Research and Training.

Global environmental change refers to change occurring in the interactive physical, chemical and biological processes that regulate the earth system, the role of human activities influencing such
change and its societal consequences. Global environmental change includes both (i) environmental changes which impact the functioning of a global system and (ii) localized environmental changes whose cumulative impacts are widespread or which impact a significant fraction of a global resource. The former, termed systematic global change, is exemplified by the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the global climate system and of ozone-depleting substances on the stratosphere. The later, termed cumulative global change, is exemplified by widespread localized problems such as groundwater depletion, deforestation and species extinction that may affect a large portion of the world's groundwater supply, forests or biological diversity.

Applications

Conference applications are due on Wednesday, March 1, 2006. Applications consist of: a) an application form, b) an abstract (not to exceed 300 words) and c) a short curriculum vitae.

Expression of Interest Forms and Application Instructions are available through the START website (www.start.org) or through the Conference organizers at: ysc@agu.org. The language of the conference is English. All inquires and submissions must be made electronically to Conference organizers at: ysc@agu.org.

Notification of acceptance will be received by the end of June 2006. Additional information including details about the conference arrangements, venue and scientific programme will be provided at that time to participants.

All application and conference information will be posted as it becomes available on the START website (www.start.org). Information on the Open Science Conference is available on its website (http://www.essp.org/essp/ESSP2006/).