UNIVERSITAS 21
EARLY CAREER RESEARCHER WORKSHOP:
ECOLOGICAL URBAN DESIGN
Merging Theory into Practice: Ecological Urban Design
Wednesday 5th to Thursday 6th December 2012
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
Deadline for applications extended to 4pm Monday 27 August 2012
1. Workshop Theme - ‘Merging Theory into Practice: Ecological Urban Design’
Summary
This event is a cross-disciplinary workshop to allow for open discussions between
early career academics from diverse and complementary research backgrounds (the
majority of participants would be expected to come from humanities and design
background), to contribute to the definition of ecological civilization and apply it to
real-life design projects.
The workshop is for Early Career Researchers who have received their PhD
qualification in the past 8 years. Please see the eligibility criteria for full details.
Workshop theme - overview
The survival and development of humankind have been increasingly threatened by
ecological crises triggered by environmental pollution, global warming, ecological
deterioration and resource exhaustion. To tackle the severe challenges faced by
humanity and to remedy all the ills and defects brought about by industrial civilization,
a new concept, namely ecological civilization has come into being.
How to define ecological civilization and how to do research in this area has become
an urgent issue for scholars in various academic fields worldwide. At present, several
early career researchers from the School of Humanities at Shanghai Jiao Tong
University are collecting relevant data and work on the topic looking at its definition,
origin, evolution, values, political systems, practices and evaluation system. The U21
2012 ECR workshop will provide a global platform for early career academics with
different professional backgrounds to exchange views and present their research
achievements in this area.
Since people have different understandings of the concepts of ecology and
civilization, they tend to have different definitions of ecological civilization. Some
define it as the goal of creating a balanced eco-system (human beings included);
some define it from the perspective of sustainable development; others deem that
ecological civilization is not just about a better relation between human beings and
nature, but that it also entails work to improve our connection with society. Many see
ecological civilization as not merely a local socio-economic phenomenon, but rather a
socio-economic formation, a new form of human civilization above agricultural and
industrial civilizations. Ecological civilization refers to the virtuous cycle of economy,
society and ecology and is an important benchmark of the overall development of the
human society.
2. Workshop structure
The workshop will be a mix of presentations, discussion sessions and group design
exercises - and will draw on case studies and local information wherever possible to
ensure the relevance of ecological civilization theory and practice. Cross-disciplinary
discussions and group work emphasize the interactive nature of urban design
practice and thinking. It is not aimed at producing 'trained' urban designers but it
encourages cross-disciplinary discussions and augments the skills of ECRs from a
range of disciplines and cultures, so that they will be better prepared to assess the
design proposals and consider the implications of design decisions from an
ecological perspective.
In the two-day workshop, there will also be ECR skills training session and a poster
session for ECRs to present their ideas on ecological civilization reflecting their own
research.
3. Eligibility
Early career academics employed at University of Glasgow in all disciplines are
welcome to apply, especially those in Humanities, Geography, Environment,
Architecture, Urban Planning and Civil Engineering, and have been awarded their
PhD within the last 8 years or if you have followed an atypical career path, including
those who have:
1. started the research-intensive component of their career later
2. had career breaks
3. spent time in industry
Candidates can be employed full or part-time at University of Glasgow to apply.
4. Funding
University of Glasgow will fund £1,500 travel and accommodation costs for each nominee and
reserve nominee who secures a place. SJTU will provide all materials required, refreshments, and
lunch on 5 and 6 December, as well as a welcome dinner on 5 December.
5. How To Register
Registration for this event is by nomination from your institution.
Each university may nominate five early career researchers: two guaranteed
nominees and three reserve nominees. The top two ECRs on each University’s list
of nominees are guaranteed a place. Depending on availability, further places may
be offered to the reserve nominees. Each university must agree to cover travel and
accommodation costs for all five nominees.
6. Application process (deadline extended to 4pm Monday 27 August 2012)
Please submit a statement of interest (2 sides of A4 maximum) indicating:
 How your research is relevant to the workshop themes and what contribution
you can make to the workshop.
 What you hope to gain from the experience.
 How you plan to disseminate your experience on your return to Glasgow, and
to whom.
Your application will be scored on all three of the areas above.
Statements of Interest must be received Sarah Ward at Recruitment and
International Office by 4pm on 13 August. Applications should be written in Arial 10pt
and not exceed the maximum length, and must be submitted electronically. Please
email to Sarah.Ward@glasgow.ac.uk.For further information please see U21 website
link.
Successful applicants will be notified in early September.