News & Events: Events, Conferences and Workshops
2nd Oxford Interdisciplinary Desert Conference
Progress and integration in desert research
29-30 March 2012
School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford
- Introduction
- First Call for Papers
- Registration
- Payment
- Abstract Submission
- Conference Dinner
- T E Lawrence's Oxford
- Accommodation
- How to find us
- 2010 Conference
Introduction
Welcome to the 2nd Oxford interdisciplinary desert conference bringing together UK and international researchers interested in dryland people and environments. The goal is to stimulate debate and collaboration across academic departments, share knowledge and expand desert paradigms. With the theme of 'Progress and integration in desert research' we look forward to papers and discussion that bring together the different approaches and perspectives applied to desert research. The conference takes place 29-30 March 2012 with a field trip on 'T.E. Lawrence's Oxford' on the afternoon of the 28th.
Following the successful 1st Oxford Desert conference in 2010, the 2012 event aims to expand on the issues and themes discussed. These have been brought together in the forthcoming volume Changing Deserts (White Horse Press) which will be launched in March 2012. The program and podcasts of this conference are available online. The diverse range of topics reflects the intricacies and multidisciplinary facets of deserts research and we anticipate that this volume will be a stepping stone for further desert conference publications.
This meeting highlights the multiple disciplines that work in desert environments and presents original research combinations through including social and natural scientists working in shared topics or environments in different dimensions and timescales. We look forward to session presentations in fields from the social and physical sciences; these include Archaeology, Geography, Earth Sciences, and International Relations through History, Anthropology, Development and Zoology. We also encourage desert perspectives beyond academia to present the NGO / business / government view that makes use of, and funds, academic study and can have major dryland impacts.
This event provides an excellent opportunity to visit Oxford, enjoy the vibrant surroundings and learn more about desert research. Your participation will contribute to the conference and promote desert research and knowledge. It is hosted at the School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford University - we look forward to welcoming you in March, 2012.
First Call for Papers
Information forthcoming.
Registration
Registration to attend or present at the conference is available by downloading the registration form and either emailing it to the organizers (deserts@ouce.ox.ac.uk) or sending a hardcopy to: Dr Troy Sternberg, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY.
Download the Registration Form:
Registration Fees
Early registration fees (until 15 December 2011) are set at:
- Conference Fee (£70)
- Conference Fee for Students and OAPs * (£40)
- Conference Dinner (£25)
* Please include a copy of your valid student card / other formal identification and make sure you have this identification with you on registration day.
Payment
Please send payment either by cheque (made payable to 'University of Oxford') with your completed Registration Form, or use the University's Online Store. Please visit the Online Store and follow the online instructions.
Please make sure that you have submitted your Registration Form before paying online. Please indicate on the form that you are paying via the Online Store.
Abstract Submission
Abstracts should not be more than 250 words and can be submitted via email (deserts@ouce.ox.ac.uk) or hardcopy (Dr Troy Sternberg, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY). Please be aware that we cannot accept abstracts until at least one of the authors has registered for the conference.
Please be aware that we cannot accept abstracts until at least one of the authors has registered for the conference.
Download the Abstract Submission Form:
Conference Dinner
To be confirmed.
T E Lawrence's Oxford
We will be organizing a pre-conference afternoon field trip on 28 March 2012 around "T E Lawrence's Oxford". The program will include viewing the original manuscript of 7 Pillars of Wisdom in the Bodleian Library and a guided tour at the Ashmolean Museum of Lawrence artefacts that are on display and in the Special Collection. There are a limited number of slots; early sign up for the afternoon events is advised.
Accommodation
There are various accommodation options within Oxford. The university offers out-of-term accommodation at a conference rate. For online booking and availability check Oxford Rooms. All colleges are within walking distance (max. 20 mins) of the School.
Aside from university accommodation there is an array of bed and breakfasts and hotels in Oxford. Please see the Visit Oxford and Oxfordshire website which offers a search engine for bed and breakfasts and hotels.
How to find us
The School of Geography and the Environment is located in the University Science Area, South Parks Road, Oxford. For directions, please see the School's contact information.
For further queries please contact the Conference Team:
Dr Troy Sternberg or Dr Lisa Mol
Oxford Interdisciplinary Desert Conference
School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford
South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1865 285070
Email: deserts@ouce.ox.ac.uk
Collection Notice 
Information collected in the forms above will only be used for the purpose of registering for the Oxford Interdisciplinary Desert Conference at the School of Geography and the Environment (SoGE), University of Oxford, and will not be made available to third-parties. Information provided will only be kept for as long as is necessary to fulfil this purpose. Information is handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. By supplying this information you are consenting to the SoGE holding and using it for the purposes for which it was provided. For more information, please see the SoGE's Privacy Policy.