Call for Lightning Student Symposium

 We invite students to submit proposals for an engaging session consisting of four 5-minute talks and a concluding 10-minute discussion. The successful student organizer will select the speakers for these concise, impactful presentations, and lead a synthesized discussion, intertwining the insights gained from the talks.

 

Symposium Format:

Four student-led presentations, each running for 5 minutes.

A concluding 10-minute discussion led by the student organizer, synthesizing the insights gained from the presentations and facilitating a discourse among the attendees.

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Eligibility:

All students currently enrolled in an academic institution are eligible to apply.
Proposals should align with the conference's central theme of conservation leadership in the Caribbean and beyond. 

 

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals for the Lightning Student Symposium will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Audience appeal: The proposed symposium should have the potential to engage a wide audience, from students to conservation professionals, and be of interest to those from varied fields related to Caribbean conservation and leadership.

• Scientific rigor, structure, and organization: The symposium should display solid grounding in conservation science. The structure should be logically organized, seamlessly connecting the individual talks and the overarching theme of conservation leadership.

• Speaker confirmation: Proposals should ideally include a high proportion of confirmed speakers, demonstrating strong commitment and readiness to participate in the event.

• Relevance to Caribbean region: The proposed symposium should cover a range of topics under the broad umbrella of Caribbean conservation and leadership. Moreover, the symposium should highlight local Caribbean issues while also acknowledging global perspectives.

Each proposal will be carefully reviewed against these criteria to ensure the Lightning Student Symposium offers a robust, diverse, and significant contribution to the FCAL Conference. 

 

Submission Instructions:

Your proposals should include the following elements:

• Title: A concise, engaging title for your proposed symposium.

• Organizer information: The name, academic institution, email, and title of the student organizer who will act as the point of contact and be responsible for communicating with the speakers.

• Session description and justification: A detailed description of the session (< 1,500 characters), addressing its potential to appeal to a broad audience and the inclusion of diverse perspectives and voices in relation to Caribbean conservation and leadership. Justify the relevance and importance of the proposed topics and speakers.

• Session summary: A one-sentence summary of the session (< 300 characters) encapsulating the central theme and purpose.

• Presenter information: The name, academic affiliation, email, and tentative presentation title for each proposed speaker. Confirm their agreement to participate to the best of your ability. 

All proposals must be submitted as a single pdf document to mwc.sgu@gmail.com by [INSERT DATE].

Benefits for the Student Organizer:

Taking on the role of student organizer for the Lightning Student Symposium will provide a significant addition to your academic CV, demonstrating your leadership skills, initiative, and capacity to manage a project from conception to fruition. Additionally, leading such an event offers a unique opportunity for networking with conservation leaders, potentially opening doors for future research collaborations, internships, or employment opportunities. This position will also enhance your public speaking and facilitation skills, setting a strong foundation for your future career in the field.

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Important Dates:

Proposal submission deadline: [INSERT DATE]
Notification of acceptance: [INSERT DATE]
3rd Annual Fellows in Caribbean Academic Leadership Conference: [INSERT DATE]

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This initiative offers an incredible opportunity for students to actively participate in the discourse on conservation leadership. We are eager to see your creative, engaging proposals. Your voices and ideas will shape the future of Caribbean conservation efforts!