Water Governance Early Career Researcher Workshop 6-8th April 2011 Melbourne

Background

The Water Governance Research Initiative is a theme of the NCCARF Water Resources and Freshwater Biodiversity Adaptation Research Network. Our objectives are to create a community of conversation about water governance in Australia, build collaborative research links, create opportunities for co-researching and information sharing, and provide opportunities for early-career researchers to participate in a national network of researchers and research-users.

The Water Governance Research Initiative has organised a series of workshops over the last two years, involving researchers and policy practitioners, to bring forth a national research agenda on water governace and stimulate the development of active communities of interest and dialogue. Early Career Researchers, including postgraduate students and recent entrants into the water governance research field, have been active participants in these events.

This workshops have been designed specifically for Early Career Researchers, in accordance with the objectives of this initiative, to create opportunities for conversation, collaboration and networking among a new generation of water governance researchers.

Aim

The aim of the workshop is to bring together Early Career Researchers in the field of water governance for training and capacity building. Water governance in this context, includes law, humanities and social sciences, economics, and any disciplinary or cross-disciplinary study of institutions that influence behaviour relating to water.

We hope to attract researchers from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds and organisational settings, so that participants can deepen their appreciation and understanding of different research perspectives and traditions.

Accordingly, it will provide a dedicated space for those who are in the early stages of their research career to learn more about the various theories and methodologies applied to water governance research and to develop their skills and capacity.

Format

• Early Career Reseearcher defined as those currently engaged in or recently completed (<3 years) postgraduate research
• Two-day workshop (Wed 6th - Thu 7th); empahsis on participatory and exploratory sessions with a focus on participants contextualising contributions to thier own research needs and agendas.
• Hear from leading researchers from a varity of disciplinary perspectives,
• Evening Dinner/Debate - sponsored by the Peter Cullen Trust - Thursday night
• One-day workshop (Fri 8th); critical theoretical perspectives for practice; with policy (government, NGO, private sector) practitioners

Anticipated outcomes

In order to continue the development of participants' skills and networking, we will promote and support post-workshops activities, for instance the writing up of workshop outcomes that can be conducted collaboratively in small groups.

Location

University of Melbourne, Law School, Melbourne

Cost

This is free workshops and includes morning and afternoon teas and lunches. Travel and accommodation are to be arranged by participants.

Student Support

Travel grants are available for a limited number of applicants to attend the workshop. These will cover the cost of a return airfare to Melbourne and will be awarded on a competitive basis. For application forms please email phil.wallis@monash.edu.  Applications must be submitted by Monday 7th March 2011 *extended*

Further information