Hi,
This may be of interest to postgrads subscribed to this list. (For those not 
in the UK and who may use a different terminology, by postgrad they mean 
students studying for a doctorate).

Are we intimidating? I hope not.

Gawen (geo-metamorphism listowner)



geo-postgrad

A new Mailbase mailing list for post-graduates in the Geological Sciences.

Aims:

This list aims to act as a discussion vehicle and information point for 
post-graduate researchers in the broad discipline of the Geological Sciences.  
Its primary function is to allow less-experienced researchers to request and 
distribute information in an informal environment, which will promote 
collaboration between departments and across disciplines.  It is envisaged 
that funding and job opportunities, as well as conference advertisements will 
be posted regularly.


Do we need it?

Several well-established, well-subscribed, mailbase lists exist for 
geological researchers of various disciplines (e.g. geo-metamorphism, 
geo-tectonics).  However, the discussions that take place on these lists are 
often between very experienced and respected academics. This has the effect 
of intimidating less-experienced researchers (i.e. post-graduates) and 
dissuading them from taking an active role in discussions.  This list aims to 
allow informal discussion between post-graduate geological researchers at 
various academic departments both in the UK and the rest of the world.  
It is envisaged that list-members will benefit by gaining confidence and 
experience in publicising their research and gain help by discussing 
problems. 
By forging links with researchers in similar disciplines list-members will be 
kept in touch with current cutting-edge research which will also help ensure 
that duplication of research is not taking place.  
Logistical problems, such as how to apply for conference money from NERC, how 
to fill in NERC annual report forms etc., are rife in the post-graduate 
community. This list will act as an excellent forum to discuss these problems 
and receive advice from more experienced post-graduates.
Finally, this list will serve as an excellent resource for publicising 
employment and further research opportunities directly to the post-graduate 
community.

Who should join?

Any post-graduates conducting geological research. This is not intended to 
discourage post-doctoral researchers (or indeed more senior academics) from 
joining the list, but the emphasis of the discussions is intended to be 
towards problem sharing and solving in an informal environment, hence, 
'stupid' questions or 'obvious' statements will not be discouraged but 
positively encouraged. How often do you hear post-graduates say that they're 
scared of asking their supervisors simple questions lest they look dumb? 
In the first instance, the list is open for discussion of all sorts of 
geological research. However, should the discussions become too broad there 
is an opportunity to set up sub-lists, attached to this master list, for more 
specific research areas. The listowners are happy to receive advice and 
comments on the list at any time. We wish to create a list that all members 
are happy with at all times. Due to the transient nature of post-graduate 
study it is obvious that the emphasis of the discussions will vary from year 
to year. The list, therefore, whilst meeting its general aims should also be 
evolutionary in meeting the needs and desires of its membership.
What is Mailbase and how do I join? If you've read this far but do not know 
about Mailbase, then try the webpage at http://www.mailbase.ac.uk. Basically, 
Mailbase is an academic based electronic mailing list system. Listowners set 
up specific lists and Members join the lists that apply to their area of 
research or interest. Members can join lists from the webpage very easily. 
>From then on the discussions are conducted via email. Further 
information/instruction is given when you join a list. So join geo-postgrad 
today and get talking.


For more information http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/geo-postgrad/
Or contact Craig Storey [log in to unmask] or Jon Dale [log in to unmask]

Copy attached Word 6
Dr Gawen RT Jenkin
Lecturer in Applied Geology         direct dial:+44 (0116) 252 3934
Department of Geology            general office:+44 (0116) 252 3933
Leicester University                        fax:+44 (0116) 252 3918
LE1 7RH               Get COOL at http://www.le.ac.uk/geology/grtj1


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