2 posts tagged “u of t”

I was unable to attend on Sunday, so this recollection is only of the first full day of SciBarCamp numero uno, Saturday.

Although I intended to park in my dedicated spot at work only blocks away, I was late and made a bee-line for Hart House, delighted to see that parking was only $7 for the full day right in front of the building. Nice! Karl Schroeder opened up the day in the Music Room to a small crowd of drowsy attendees. More people arrived as the morning progressed. What's with all these people? Guess they don't have kids that wake them early. I decided to record each session as it started via Twitter, which I'm using now to compile these words.

Sessions of the day started with a presentation of Science 2.0 and of JOVE, Connotea and the Nature Network in particular to disseminate scientific research as it occurs. Privacy and intellectual property rights were issues taken heartily. We then heard about how to teach quantum mechanics simply such that a 10 year old would understand it. Next came the use of social media as a general communication tool moreso than being used explicitly for science. Bioengineering and synthetic biology came next with a quick pro-con presentation that yielded fascinating insights.

A Japanese gentleman braved his English and spoke about how the MIMA search works to relate subdisciplines of science under a collective umbrella. After lunch, musician Rick Sacks then treated us to an interesting display of keyboard and drums with prerecorded samples of speech and sound effects. His drum performance was really cool and can't be described here. A later group discussion focussed on whether technology actually makes us happier. There was a battle between the elder luddites and the younger adoptees that suggests the future of science will be online and connected as the older generation retires and dies off.

After the last session I attended in the Music Room, I ventured into the hallway where I found a freelance barrista! Of course I bought a cuppacino for a friend and myself and we ventured to the next session, sci-fi versus sci-fact, in the hallway before being marched in to a nearby room and being transmuted into a session on the internet emerging with a self-aware consciousness in a futuristic scenario. Much lively discussion was had, not all on topic. The sci-fi vesus sci-fact was then reopened for a short time. Then I moved to another room for a panel discussion on time and space. I wish I'd caught the start of that one and got lost in the middle of the conversation. That was the end of my official time at SciBarCamp!

SO...

My thoughts? Well, Robert J. Sawyer blogged about the scheduling of the event and how it could've been much improved. I like the method used at PodCamp Toronto, whereby the sessions were proposed in advance on the public-access wiki, and the schedule determined a short time in advance. That would also allow attendees to combine similar topics themselves without relying on the organizers to do it for them. The facility was incredible with striking architecture and the real feel for being in the halls of academia. The calibre of attendee was also notable, with several people representing the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Ontario and various universities. I also like the number of sci-fi and sci-fact authors present, since they tend to see where trends will lead us in the future. All in all, I had a great time and was thrilled at what I got in a day and a half, including parking fees, for less than the price of going to the movies!

I eagerly await the sequel.

Friday evening saw the opening of the world's inaugural SciBarCamp. Upon arrival, drinks were found at the bar and former strangers easily socialized. This was due in no small part because each person was encouraged to write their own nametag that also outlined what they do and what they're interested in. Those with wireless devices like laptops and PDAs were given instructions on synching up with the free onsite wifi.

The organizers soon opened the event by explaining the process to propose a session and how to express interest in the twenty or more that appeared. We were asked to stand in a really wierd oval that filled the room and introduce ourselves. This took some time with some 120 attendees. After that task we signed up for sessions and mingled. Before people disbursed for the night, some to the pub, some for home.