FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Microalgae and Microtechnologies Workshop?
The Microalgae and Microtechnologies Workshop will be run under a study group format. Speakers will present on topics of interest to them with a focus on open problems. We will work on them in groups to see what we come up with. Participants can stick to one problem, change problems or move around; the key thing is that there will be brain storming, exchange of ideas and lots of discussion. On the last day, progress will be presented. The workshop is open to all: people from any relevant discipline at any career stage.
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What are these "open problems"?
Our speakers will be presenting challenges in the area of algae, from an academic and industrial perspective. We think this might include challenges like algae dewatering, maximising production of desired products, extraction methods... if you would like to propose a challenge/open problem please get in touch (h.l.bridle@hw.ac.uk) and we will do our best to incorporate all ideas.
What is the aim?
The main goal is working together; working with other people on a problem is a great way to learn what other people know and how they think. Of course, we also hope that the workshop will lead to long-lasting collaborations. We might also make some interesting progress on the specific open problems suggested by speakers.
This workshop is part of a bigger project being run by the University of Bath and funded through the EPSRC inclusion matters programme. You may be contacted by the postdoc social sciences researcher from Bath to ask some questions about your experiences before, during and after the workshop. Amongst other things they are trying to get an idea of whether the collaborative nature of the workshop has any measurable benefits. You are under no obligation to help them, but it would be great if you could spare a few minutes of your time.
You can find out more information about the wider project here.
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Is it all going to be microalgae or microsystems or…?
The goal of the workshop is to unite researchers, in academia and industry, from different backgrounds, to everyone’s benefit. All of us sometimes find ourselves in need of a fresh perspective or someone with a different toolset. This workshop is a chance to bridge gaps between disciplines and find collaborations for the future.
Who should attend?
Our thoughts are that attendees could include: biologists, chemical engineers etc working with algae; microsystems experts who can provide/develop novel harvesting, analysis and other tools; and potential end users (e.g. algae industry – companies will provide open challenges/problems to be worked upon; architects, environmental researchers etc regarding integration of algae into green buildings/environments, minimising environmental impact of microalgae). However, this is by no means an exhaustive list and if you think you have something to contribute/would benefit from attending the workshop please let us know – either Register directly below or feel free to Contact us if you want to discuss further. We also hope for a good mixture of senior and junior people, PhD students to professors.
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How many places are there?
This is not a conference but a workshop/collaborative incubator so numbers are limited to ensure productive discussions. We are offering financial support for attendance to ensure participants prioritise the event and participate fully; payments limited to 30 places. We may accept a couple more applicants depending on the balance of people and research interests.
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What's in it for me?
Meet some new people!
Learn and apply some new technical approaches!
Work in a team on some interesting problems!
Engage in some blue-sky thinking, the challenges will be quite open-ended!
Have fun, a break or distraction from the normal way of doing science!
Speakers
Paul-Kenneth Amas, MHG-Hombak
Douglas McKenzie, Xanthella
Michele Stanley, SAMS
Schedule and location
Further details to be confirmed with the below approximate schedule:
Three day event:
Tuesday morning – introduction and talks on open problems
Tuesday afternoon – brainstorming session (refining the problems), group formation and initial work
Tuesay evening - optional online social event (e.g. quiz or escape room)
Wednesday – group work
Thursday morning – final group work and summary of work
Thursday afternoon - reporting back, group discussion and looking forward
Times: 10-12 in the morning and 2-4 in the afternoon (some flexibility on group working times)
The incubator will kick off with talks outlining questions from a range of areas related to applications of microalgae. Participants will work together in groups to develop the questions into well-defined problems and discuss ideas for solutions.
The majority of the time will be devoted to discussions within small groups of people interested in a particular topic. You can stick to one group or float between them, as desired.
About the online platform
Further details will be provided shortly. Please let the organisers know if you have any access or other requirements or have any questions.
Who is running the Microalgae and Microtechnologies Workshop?
The Microalgae and Microtechnologies Workshop is being supported by Reimagining Recruitment and the local organizing committee are Dr Helen Bridle and Dr Fatemeh Mosenpour.
You can email Helen h.l.bridle@hw.ac.uk with any queries.
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Code of conduct
We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free workshop experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any conference venue, including talks. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the workshop at the discretion of the organisers.
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Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion.
Sexual images in public spaces
Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
Harassing photography or recording
Sustained disruption of talks or other events
Inappropriate physical contact
Unwelcome sexual attention
Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour
Enforcement
Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.
If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, event organisers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the conference.
Event organisers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants.
We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities. We think people should follow these rules outside event activities too!
Reporting
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it to workshop staff as soon as possible. Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want you to be happy at our event. People like you make our event a better place.
You can make a personal report by contacting a staff member.
When taking a personal report, our staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event staff to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we’ll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we’ll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won’t be asked to confront anyone and we won’t tell anyone who you are.
Our team will be happy to assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.
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