Day: August 10, 2009

Research Fellow: Institute of High Performance Computing, Singapore

/ Matt Artz

ihpcYou will be engaged in research and development in epidemiological analysis and modeling. You will manipulate and analyse large datasets comprising spatial-temporal information relating to infectious disease and to determine their correlations. You will conduct studies of environmental change and the impacts affecting public health; this will include conducting correspondences related to the work, evaluation and interpretation of the findings, and reporting/presentation of study results. You will assist and/or supervise database development and perform statistical analysis on data collected from research studies.

Requirements

  • A PhD in Epidemiology, Statistics, or equivalent
  • Knowledge of a wide variety of statistical procedures applied to public health data would be advantageous including but not limited to multivariate correlation analysis, time series analysis, categorical data analysis, logistic regression, survival analysis, spatial analysis, exploratory, and graphical methods.
  • Experience in statistical procedures, data management and warehousing techniques would be an advantage
  • Possess excellent communication skills and a team player

Contact

Recruitment Officer
Institute of High Performance Computing
1 Fusionopolis Way, #16-16 Connexis
Singapore 138632
Email: recruitment@ihpc.a-star.edu.sg
Web: http://www.ihpc.a-star.edu.sg/

CCIP Call for Participation and FOSS4G Early Registration Deadlines Approach

/ Matt Artz / 1 Comment

fosThe Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. (OGC), the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) are conducting a Climate Challenge Integration Plugfest (CCIP) to be launched at the FOSS4G (Free, Open Source Software for Geomatics) Conference in Sydney, Australia, 20-23 October, 2009 (http://2009.foss4g.org).

CCIP Participants are invited to deploy services that implement OGC standards, or clients for such services, that support the exploration of climate change from a quantitative perspective, with an eye towards a standards framework for collaborative science.

The CCIP is a prime opportunity for vendors, users, and other interested parties to mutually refine services, interfaces and protocols in the context of a hands-on engineering experience expected to shape the future of geospatial and imagery-related Web Services software development and Web publication of scientific geospatial data. Participation is encouraged by commercial entities as well as free and open source projects.

Companies or individuals interested in participating should respond to the CCIP Call for Participation at http://external.opengis.org/twiki_public/bin/view/ClimateChallenge2009/CcipCFP by August 10, 2009.

A comprehensive list of presentations has been announced for the international FOSS4G conference. Early Bird registration closes on 7 August, 2009. See details at http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G_2009_Press_Release_21 .

The OGC (http://www.opengeospatial.org/) is an international consortium of more than 380 companies, government agencies, research organizations, and universities participating in a consensus process to develop publicly available geospatial standards. OpenGIS Standards support interoperable solutions that “geo-enable” the Web, wireless and location-based services, and mainstream IT.

The Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) (http://osgeo.org) has been created to support and build the highest-quality open source geospatial software. The foundation’s goal is to encourage the use and collaborative development of community-led projects, data development and education.

Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc
Sam Bacharach, +1-703-352-3938
Executive Director, Outreach and Community Adoption
sbacharach@opengeospatial.org

GIS Positions at Idaho State University

/ Matt Artz / 1 Comment
isuMasters of Science Graduate Research Assistant – Geographic Information Science, Department of Geosciences, Geospatial Software Lab, Center for Advanced Energy Studies, Idaho State University, Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA

We are seeking an MS-GISci student to work on the MapWindow 6 project, and specifically elements associated with the CUAHSI Hydrologic Information System Desktop Application and the INRA ICEWATER network. You can read more about the HIS Desktop Project here: http://www.mssanz.org.au/modsim09/J4/ames.pdf. A qualified candidate will have expertise in C#, an understanding of GIS, an interest in hydrology or environmental science, and preferably some experience with the MapWindow project (www.mapwindow.org). Candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Geosciences or equivalent. Position will start August 2009 or January 2010 and will include full tuition payment as well as monthly stipend. To begin the application process, please send a complete resume by email to amesdani@isu.edu.Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant – Engineering and Applied Science, Department of Geosciences or Department of Civil Engineering, Geospatial Software Lab, Center for Advanced Energy Studies, Idaho State University, Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA

Idaho State University offers a unique cross disciplinary Ph.D. program in Engineering and Applied Science through the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering. The program can be customized to the needs and interests of each student, and currently several students in this program are pursuing a highly geospatial science focused program. We are seeking a Ph.D. student for this program to begin in August 2009 or January 2010 with expertise and interests in GIS Software Development, LiDAR analysis, and Hydrologic/Terrain Analysis using DEM’s. Expertise in C# or VB.NET programming languages as well as MapWindow, ArcGIS, ENVI and or comparable software is critical. Candidate should have a Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Geosciences or equivalent. Position includes a full tuition payment as well as monthly stipend. To begin the application process, please send a complete resume by email to amesdani@isu.edu.

Post Doctoral Researcher – Geospatial Software Lab, Center for Advanced Energy Studies, Idaho State University, Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA

The Geospatial Software Lab in Idaho Falls, Idaho and the Boise Center Aerospace Laboratory in Boise, Idaho are engaged in a number of exciting research projects at the intersection of GIS, Remote Sensing, and Surface Hydrology/Watershed Analysis and seek a Post Doctoral Researcher to engage in several of these projects over the coming 2-3 years. The available salary is low but adequate and the work is exciting and engaging and is ripe with opportunities for publications, conference participation, and other forms of professional growth. Expertise with IDL, C#, or VB.NET programming languages is critical together with a strong background in MapWindow, ArcGIS, ENVI, and/or equivalent software tools. Position will be based in Idaho Falls, Idaho at the Geospatial Software Lab at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (www.caesenergy.org) and will begin as soon as filled. Candidate should have a Ph.D. degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Geosciences or equivalent. To begin the application process please send a complete resume by email to amesdani@isu.edu.

Peter Cullen Postgraduate Scholarship: Managing Water Resources in Australia

/ Matt Artz

nswThe NSW Government has developed a postgraduate scholarship in honour of the late Professor Peter Cullen AO FTSE. Professor Cullen contributed significantly to a new way of thinking about managing water resources in Australia, and NSW.

“The scholarship will honour the work and achievements of Professor Cullen, supporting those who have been inspired by his leadership and vision for water.”    –Premier of NSW, Nathan Rees

Funds available

A three year scholarship of up to $20,000 p.a. will be awarded each year in February. Funds totalling $60,000 will be available to the successful student over the three year period, but with prior written request the allocated funds could be extended to a fourth year. The scholarship may form part of a stipend and/or support student research. The scholarship can be used to pay for such things as equipment, field expenses and sample processing. These conditions will be further defined in the scholarship agreement between the NSW Government and the University/Research Organisation.

Selection criteria
There are a number of criteria upon which students will be assessed. They must show they:

  • are a first year PhD research student enrolled at an Australian university
  • are an Australian citizen or have permanent residency
  • can demonstrate expertise in one of the following disciplines: bio-physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, information sciences, spatial analysis and modelling. Students with expertise in law, resource management, social sciences, and resource economics are also eligible
  • can demonstrate academic excellence in their chosen field (a copy of their full academic transcript
    must be supplied)
  • can provide written proof of their supervisor’s support, indicating how a scholar may benefit from
    participation in the Peter Cullen Scholarship.

The Proposed Project

The student’s proposed project will be assessed on how well they:

  • Demonstrate how the project will lead to an improvement in our understanding of how rivers, groundwater, wetlands and estuaries function
  • Demonstrate the relevance of the research to water management in NSW
  • Demonstrate how the project improves the linkages between water science and water management in NSW
  • Demonstrate how the project is innovative.

Peter Cullen Postgraduate Scholarship

The following additional conditions apply:

  • Supervisor endorsement will be necessary
  • Employer endorsement will be required
  • Preference will be given to full-time students
  • The top up of existing scholarships may be considered.

Assessment of applications

A selection panel will be convened by the Department with industry partners. The selection panel will undertake an initial assessment of applications and generate a short list of eligible applicants. The short listed applicants will be required to attend an interview and/or make a formal presentation of the proposed research to the selection panel. The selection panel will make a recommendation to the Minister.

Reporting


The successful applicants will be required to submit an annual progress report to remain eligible for the scholarship. The progress report will include a financial report on expenditure, a list of project activity, and a report of project outcomes.

All communication for the project will be required to acknowledge the scholarship.

Additionally, the successful applicant will be required to give an annual presentation to funding partners and NSW Government scientists.

Important dates
Applications for the 2010 scholarship will open 01 August 2009, and close 28 August 2009.

Application

All application forms and documents should be sent to:
Peter Cullen Scholarships
C/- Human Resources, Department of Water and Energy
PO Box 3720, Parramatta NSW 2124
By email information@dwe.nsw.gov.au

Enquiries

Simon Williams
Scholarship Convenor
Department of Water and Energy
Telephone 02 4224 9687 or 0413 601 500
Email simon.williams@dnr.nsw.gov.au
Source http://www.jason.edu.au/pdf/1248253296.pdf

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward

/ Matt Artz

0309131359…from the Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community, National Research Council…

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community.

The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs.

While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

Essays on Geography and GIS, Vol. 2

/ Matt Artz

essays2ESRI has released a new Best Practices e-book titled “Essays on Geography and GIS, Vol. 2“.   The e-book features the following essays:

  • GIS: Designing Our Future.  By Jack Dangermond.
  • Implementing Geographic Information Technologies Ethically.  By Harlan J. Onsrud.
  • GIScience for Human Rights.  By Doug Richardson.
  • Transport 2.0: Meeting Grand Challenges with GIScience.  By Harvey J. Miller.
  • Geography Education and GIS Professional Development.  By Doug Richardson.
  • Changing the Face of Geography: GIS and the IGU.  By Roger F. Tomlinson.
  • Process Models and Next-Generation Geographic Information Technology.  By Paul M. Torrens.
  • Geographic Literacy in U.S. by 2025.  By Daniel C. Edelson.
  • Geography, GIS, and Mental Health.  By Doug Richardson.
  • The National Geospatial Advisory Committee: An Action Agenda.  By Anne Hale Miglarese.
  • Global Dialogues: GIScience and Sustainable Development in Africa.  By Doug Richardson.
  • Get Involved with Geo-Education Reform.  By Daniel C. Edelson.

This e-book is a followup to the popular “Essays on Geography and GIS“, which has been viewed by more than 30,000 people since it was first made available in September 2008.

Entry Deadline Approaching for International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge

/ Matt Artz

nsflogoSome of science’s most powerful statements are not made in words. From the diagrams of DaVinci to Rosalind Franklin’s x-rays, visualization of research has a long and literally illustrious history. To illustrate is to enlighten.

How many people would have heard of fractal geometry or the double helix or solar flares if they had been described solely in words? In a world where science literacy is dismayingly rare, illustrations provide the most immediate and influential connection between scientists and other citizens, and the best hope for nurturing popular interest. Indeed, they are now a necessity for public understanding of research developments.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) and Science created the International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge to celebrate that grand tradition–and to encourage its continued growth. The spirit of the competition is for communicating science, engineering and technology for education and journalistic purposes.

Judges appointed by the National Science Foundation and the journal Science will select winners in each of five categories: photographs, illustrations, informational graphics, interactive media and non-interactive media. The winners will be published in a special section of the journal Science and Science Online and on the NSF Web site. One of the winning entries will be on the front cover of Science. In addition, each winner will receive a free, one-year print and on-line subscription to the journal Science and a certificate of appreciation.

We urge you and your colleagues to contribute to the next competition. Find out more about guidelines for submissions including entry forms.

Science is Being Transformed by Analytics

/ Matt Artz

right_mayThe Q3 2009 issue of sascom magazine features an article by futurist Thorton May titled “Top 8 Things Transformed by Analytics in 2009.”  One of the top eight is science.  Here’s an excerpt:

“In 2005, Microsoft assembled 30 of the world’s greatest scientists from 12 nationalities to examine the challenges facing scientists in the future, paying particular attention to the impact of computer science on the sciences. The study, called 2020 Science, concluded, “We are starting to give birth to ‘new kinds’ of science and possibly a new economic era of ‘science-based innovation’ that could create new kinds of high-tech sectors that we can barely imagine today, just as we could hardly have imagined today’s rapidly growing ‘genomics’ sector happening two decades ago.”

“Today, science may be giving way to ‘open science.’ While openness has always been an integral part of science, with findings presented in journals and conferences, the open-science movement encourages scientists to share work-in-process long before they present results. This concept has the potential to speed discoveries, increase collaboration and transform the field in unforeseen ways.”

Read the article