Are you interested in creating better access to research and educational materials? Do you want to help make that a reality on the UT Austin campus? If so, please consider applying for a travel scholarship to attend OpenCon 2015. OpenCon is an academic conference for students and early career researchers about open access, open education, and open data. It takes place November 14th-16th in Brussels, Belgium.
The chosen applicant will receive a $2500 scholarship to attend the conference. Conference planners have designed the conference so that $2500 will cover all expenses. This conference is an excellent opportunity to learn more about open access, open education, and open data, and to learn how to advocate for these issues. The program includes keynote talks, panel discussions, workshops, and hackathons. Last year there was an opportunity to lobby at the US Congress and conference planners are trying to plan something similar this year with the international organizations in Brussels. It truly is an international conference – last year’s conference included attendees from 5 continents!
The UT Austin applicant chosen to attend OpenCon 2015 will be expected to share what they’ve learned once they return to Austin. The attendee may choose to host a presentation and/or panel discussion in either fall 2015 or in spring 2016. Library staff will be available to help coordinate the event, but the attendee is expected to do most of the content planning. The attendee will also be expected to give reports on the conference to both Student Government and to Graduate Student Assembly.
Requirements:
UT Austin graduate student or postdoc. Attendee must be able to travel internationally. Attendee agrees to coordinate a presentation and updates to undergraduate and graduate student government upon their return.
To apply:
Please send a 500 word essay detailing why you would be a good candidate to attend OpenCon2015. You may include any experience you have with open access, open education, or open data, and any ideas you might have for an event upon your return. Submit your essay and resume/CV to c.lyon@austin.utexas.edu by August 15th, 2015. Applicants will be notified with a decision by Monday, August 31st. If you have questions about the conference or about the application process, please contact Colleen Lyon, 512-495-4244, or c.lyon@austin.utexas.edu.