GeoConnection Webinar: Geosciences: Towards a Smarter Economy

GeoConnection Webinar: Geosciences: Towards a Smarter Economy
18 August 2010: 10:00-11:00am (US EDT)  (15:00-16:00 BST)
 
Join us to listen to the following speakers discuss this recently released report published by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI), and the Royal Irish Academy (RIA). The report details how geoscience can be oriented toward a smart economy, and describes how the geoscience sector can contribute to economic recovery. The report also provides a clear vision of the sector in 2020 and its implications for the geosciences within Ireland. To download the report, visit: http://www.gsi.ie/Geoscience+Initiatives/Geoscience+and+a+Smarter+Economy.htm

Speakers:
Dr. Peadar McArdle, Geological Survey of Ireland
Garth Earls, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland
Prof. Pat Shannon, University College Dublin
Dr. Deirdre Lewis, Institute of Geologists of Ireland / SLR Consulting

This webinar is co-sponsored the Geological Survey of Ireland, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, Royal Irish Academy, and the Institute of Geologists of Ireland.

Participation in this webinar is free.
To register for this webinar, visit AGI's GeoWebinar website: http://www.agiweb.org/workforce/webinars.html


Background Information:
In 2008, a report entitled "Geoscience - Gaining Ground" was published outlining the contribution made by geoscience to the Irish economy and society in terms of employment, research, spatial development etc. The report identified that core geoscience activities were estimated at €1.4 billion and non-core activities amount to €1.9 billion. Total direct value was estimated at 2.24% of GNP in 2006, but because of the relatively low import content, the significance of this activity is greater than the figure itself suggests: the geoscience contribution comes to 3% GNP when indirect value is added.

The report concluded that if Ireland was serious about moving up the value chain in alignment with its knowledge-based economy aspirations, it would have to lay down stronger foundations in the geoscience sector, particularly in areas of research and public service.

On foot of the report, the Royal Irish Academy, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and Geological Survey of Ireland commenced work on the “Geoscience - Towards a Smarter Economy” report.

“Life in the Field” Video and Photo Contest

Do you have video footage or photos from Field Camp or Geoscience Field Trips?
Submit your video or photo to the American Geological Institute's (AGI's) 2010 LIFE IN THE FIELD Contest!

AGI is looking for footage and pictures to use in an upcoming student outreach video on the importance of field work to your geoscience training. Materials should show:

1. Field camp and field trips
2. “A Day in the Life” of a field geoscientist
3. Why do you like working in the field?

Deadline: August 1, 2010
Submit materials or questions to: fieldfootage@agiweb.org
Download entry submission form and contest rules at http://www.agiweb.org/workforce/contest

Prizes: First place will win the Glossary of Geology, valued at $99, the Faces of Earth DVD Box Set, and the glory of being featured in an AGI video about field work as part of our video series for geoscience students.

Get inspired to participate! http://www.youtube.com/geoconnect#p/u/0/p8p069nnjOQ