The recent 'Animal Geography. Status: Endangered?' sessions at the RGS-IBG proved that animal geography is very much alive and well within the IBG, although the sub-discipline still lacks broader recognition within the RGS.
Speakers, observers and others interested in human-animal relations generally agree the sub-discipline will benefit from the formation of an Animal Geography Research Network, as part of the IBG. I say network as opposed to group as it is important to embrace the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, thus encouraging individuals from other academic backgrounds to be involved.
The RGS-IBG sessions present themselves as a strong foundation from which to gain the momentum required by the RGS Research Committee to form a new group. As my call for a grouping of those researching geographies of human-animal relations has been well-received since the conference, I am in the process of developing a Limited Life Working Party proposal (please see below). A Facebook group has also been formed, ‘Animal Geography Research Network’, and a blog will shortly follow. Individuals from the University of Oxford, University of Nottingham and Queen's University Belfast have already offered to host the AGRN's first symposium.
For this network to gain institutional recognition it is important to get an idea of the possible number of future members. If you are interested in being involved please get in touch.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Daniel
[log in to unmask]
www.drdanallen.com
"1.1.2 Limited Life Working Parties/ Groups (requires 20+ members)
1. Limited Life Working Parties and Working Groups exist to undertake specific research activities on themes of contemporary interest. They are created for an initial period of two years, but this may be extended by agreement of the Research Committee for two further years. Once established, the Limited Life Working Party/ Group may submit a proposal to develop a Research Group providing they satisfy the above procedures. While some working groups/ limited life working parties may develop into a Research Group, subject to the approval by Research Committee, this is not always considered appropriate and is in no way guaranteed. The Research Committee may recommend that the proposed activities of the Limited Life Working Group/Party are conducted within the scope of an existing Research Group rather than forming a new group.
Limited Life Working Parties/ Groups undertake some, or all, of the following:
• collaborative research
• host and co-host activities within the RGS-IBG Annual International Conference
• convene workshops, seminars, conferences
• encourage postgraduate participation in their particular sub-discipline
• maintain websites
• publish books, CD-ROMs and journals
• distribute newsletters and/ or bulletins
• promote undergraduate and postgraduate activity through dissertation prizes and grants for young researchers and postgraduates to attend relevant meetings.
They are normally formed by a body of researchers working in a particular sub-discipline/area within geography. Limited Life Working Parties /Groups may also form for a two-year period to establish if there is a need and enthusiasm from the community to form a Research Group with similar interests. This might be especially relevant to Working Parties/ Groups that cross traditional sub-discipline boundaries or have yet to become an established sub discipline."
|