Understanding our changing world

A few lucky GSN members will get the opportunity to take an all-expenses-paid trip to the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve in Howick, to attend the student networking meeting “GSN Indibano” from 26 - 29 August. All travel and accommodation expenses will be paid by SAEON.

The theme of this year’s Indibano is: Understanding our changing world.

valuable skills for students’ future

The Indibano is a meeting for GSN members that takes place once a year. Students get to network amongst themselves and researchers, and will participate in a workshop aimed to obtain valuable skills for their future.

• Students present their own work in a conference-style presentation.
• At workshops, they can learn valuable skills for their studies.
• There will be plenary talks and interaction times with leading researchers in a wide diversity of fields.
• A number of exciting outings to see beautiful natural sites, including a visit to a wetland rehabilitation site Endandale, Pietermaritzburg organised by SAEON grasslands, forests and wetlands node.

The Indibano will be held in WESSA’s Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve in Howick, Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, a gorgeous reserve inhabited by giraffe, zebra, a variety of antelopes and a multitude of bird species. Accommodation and meals are provided at a lovely venue situated in the magnificent gorge below the famous Howick falls.

only GSN members can apply

There are a limited number of places at the Indibano and attendance is secured through selection of submitted abstracts by SAEON. Those members whose abstracts are selected will get to attend, with all transport and accommodation expenses covered.

Please note: SAEON can only fund travel within South Africa. International travel cannot be covered.

Entry of abstracts is only open to registered post-graduate students who are members of the GSN (for info on how to become a member, click here).

To enter you need to send your abstract (in the format below) to the GSN before 25 July 2012, together with your contact details.

Abstract instructions

Abstracts must be based on original research already done or being done by the GSN member during the course of their postgraduate degree.

The research should be in line with SAEON’s and the GSN’s main research focus, which is Long Term Environmental Observation Research. Your research should fit within this theme, and remember to keep your abstract focused and concise.

Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words. Author names should be given at the top along with full contact details and affiliations.

For more info go to their official website.