Conference Programme

The 2008 Annual Antarctic Conference has the theme of 'International Polar Year and the Next Generation' and is hosted by the University of Otago and its Polar Environments Research Theme.

This three-day conference will concentrate mainly on oral and poster presentations from science events that Antarctica New Zealand has supported in recent years with some presentations from Antarctica New Zealand's Artist and Media programme participants. In keeping with the conference theme, the main conference is preceded by a half day workshop for students and early-career polar researchers entitled 'Career paths in NZ polar research: from student to PI'.

Conference Schedule can be downloaded HERE

Workshop: 'Career paths in NZ polar research: from student to PI' - This morning workshop is being held for students and early career polar researchers to provide an informal venue for this group to network.  The workshop will take the form of a panel discussion, drawing on the experience of Antarctic scientists at various stages in their careers to talk openly about the challenges and rewards of career paths in polar research.  The focus will be on the transition from student to Principal Investigator (PI) and how this process is supported in New Zealand.  This is a great opportunity to make contacts with other students as well as established polar experts, and to share and form new ideas about how to continue our careers in the Polar Regions. The workshop is supported by: APECS, the Royal Society of New Zealand, and the University of Otago Polar Environments Research Theme. All are welcome to attend. Panel members will be listed shortly. For more information about the workshop, please contact Mélianie Raymond.

Oral and Poster Sessions
Antarctica New Zealand supported events and groups with interests related to Antarctica and Antarctic research are invited to present their work as an oral or poster presentation.  Posters will be available for viewing throughout the conference, and dedicated poster viewing sessions will be preceded by brief introductions to the posters. Registrants will be notified in early June if they have been accepted to present their oral or poster presentations.For submission specifications click HERE.

Social Functions
Icebreaker, Monday 30th June, ISB Link University of Otago - Sponsored by the Antarctic Attraction.
All conference delegates are invited to this function. Costs are covered as part of the conference registration fee.

Conference Drinks and Dinner, 6.30pm, Otago Museum
We invite conference delegates and any others interested, to attend pre-dinner drinks in the Southern Land Southern People Gallery followed by a three-course meal. Tickets for the evening are $50 and can be purchased through the registration process (see below).

Student Travel Grants
The University of Otago Polar Environments Research Theme is generously providing grants to cover travel, accommodation and conference registration for students coming from out of Dunedin who wish to attend and present at the conference. Through the registration process, students will be asked to submit a title and abstract for their presentation, travel and accomodation cost details, their degree and institute and amount requested. Awarded grant amounts will be relayed to the applicants in early June.

Student Registration Fees
The Ministry of Fisheries has generously provided sponsorship to cover the student registration fee for all students who register by May 29th.

Registration Information  - Click HERE

Accommodation
You can book accommodation through the registration process if you wish. Choices are:

Executive Residence, University of  Otago  (On University grounds)	$160.00 (Single) $180.00  (Twin / double)
Quality Hotel Cargills  (678 George Street 5 min walk from the University)	$115.00 (Single) $125.00  (Twin / double)
Living Space  (192 Castle Street 10 min walk to the University)	$89.00 (Hotel Studio) $99.00  (Queen)
Commodore Motel (932 Cumberland Street 2 min walk to the University)	$115.00 (Single) $145.00  (Twin / double)
Quest Dunedin (333 Cumberland Street 5 min walk to the University)	$129.00 (Studio Apartment) $148.00  (1 bedroom Apartment) $220.00  (2 bedroom Apartment)

Many thanks to our Sponsors: