Welcome to the GECAFS Forum!

What is the GECAFS Forum?

The GECAFS Forum is a web-based, world-wide platform for dialogue, information exchange, learning and promoting funding opportunities. It is not restricted to geographic regions where GECAFS is currently working. Forum membership does not mean a project or person is endorsed by GECAFS, nor does it provide any formal affiliation with GECAFS.

The first objective of the Forum is to develop a directory of people who have an interest in, or a desire to be associated with, research on global environmental change and food systems and the agenda of the GECAFS project (www.gecafs.org). The directory will be organized by research location, region(s) of interest, and research foci.

The second objective of the Forum is to stimulate dialogue on important topics and issues relating to global environmental change and food systems, particularly in the area of vulnerability, adaptation, decision support and scenario development. There will be two types of interest groups.

Interest Groups moderated by GECAFS Science Officers

These are Interest Groups that convene around topics that are central to the GECAFS agenda and which warrant broad discussion and intellectual contributions. They will be moderated by the relevant GECAFS Science Officer and will be strongly supported intellectually and technically by the GECAFS IPO and webmaster.

Self-organised Discussion Groups

These Discussion Groups will convene around topics suggested by a Forum member(s) that are relevant to GECAFS, but not necessarily central to the current GECAFS agenda. If GECAFS support is sought, Forum member(s) need to discuss topics with the relevant Science Officer. Following approval, Discussion Groups will then be established and run by the Forum member(s), overseen by the Science Officer (to ensure maintenance of relevance to GECAFS objectives), and technically supported by the GECAFS webmaster if requested.

Discussion Groups may convene to fulfil a number of roles, e.g. to network people informally for exchange information; or to write joint proposals; or for developing new research projects. Discussion Groups Convenors will be asked to recognise the use of the GECAFS Forum in their activities.

How can I join?

The Forum is administered by the GECAFS IPO. If you are interested in joining the Forum, please complete a registration form. This form asks for information on who you are, how your research interests relate to the GECAFS agenda, and why you want to be involved in the Forum. Applications are screened by the IPO for relevance to GECAFS objectives. Once accepted, Forum members will be able to post comments on the web (protocols for what can be posted will be developed), and they will receive an electronic newsletter (if requested). For more details about GECAFS and its research agenda, please visit the GECAFS website (www.gecafs.org).

See you online!