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The APICS Minute is a bi-weekly message from the Executive Director to the APICS membership, keeping them informed on upcoming events, and the developments within the organization.

If you would like to receive this bi-weekly email, email the Executive Director and let APICS know.





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September 20, 2010 onwards —

Click here for the September 20, 2010 and onwards newsletters



September 7, 2010

Grenfell's New Observatory
Sir Wilfred Grenfell College's new observatory, set to open in 2011, will feature the largest astronomical telescope in Atlantic Canada.

National Organic Science Cluster Announced at NSAC
On September 1, the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canadai at NSAC, in collaboration with the Organic Federation of Canada, launched the National Organic Science Cluster with $6.5M in funding.

ACEnet Institute for Materials Modelling and Simulation (AIMMS) Call for Proposals
AIMMS is accepting ongoing requests for funding to promote or recognize research in materials modelling and simulation.

Watch for the September 20 APICS Minute: Back to School Edition

Deadlines
Sept. 1 and ongoing: NSERC Fall 2010 program deadlines
Sept. 10: MITACS funding applications for workshops, conferences, and similar events in mathematical sciences Sept. 23: Abstract submissions for the 2010 APICS Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science Conference
Oct. 1: Situating Science call for workshop proposals in Humanist and Social Studies of Science

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS conferences and speaker tours at http://apics.dal.ca/upcoming.html.
Sept. 22: 2010 E.W. Guptill Memorial Lecture, "Powering the 21st Century: Sustainable Energy Solutions", Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
Oct. 15-17: APICS Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Conference, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, NS
Oct. 20-22: Canadian Science Policy Conference, Montreal, PQ
Oct. 28-30: 60th Atlantic Universities Geologic Conference (AUGC), Acadia University, Wolfville, NS

APICS conferences will resume in October 2010.



August 3, 2010 — Summer Edition

New Science Communication Degree Program at MSVU
A new B.Sc. in Science Communication will be offered at Mount Saint Vincent University beginning September 2010. Students will take courses in science, communication studies, arts and humanities, and will have the opportunity to work with scientists from other institutions.

First Annual Undergraduate Life Sciences Research Conference
A new national undergraduate conference in life sciences will be held Nov. 20, 2010 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  The event is open to students from across the country performing research under a Principal Investigator whose main focus is life science.  Deadline for abstracts is Aug. 31.

Changes in Council Membership
Malcolm Butler (SMU) accepted the position of Dean of Science at Carleton University on Aug. 1 and has stepped down as Chair of APICS Council. We wish him every success in Ottawa. Steve Smith has been appointed Acting Dean of Science at SMU and will join Council in that capacity.  Rob Raeside (Acadia) will act as Chair of APICS Council until a regular election can be held in November.  Congratulations are extended to Francis Leblanc (UdeM), Brook Taylor (MSVU), and Robert van den Hoogen (St. FX), all appointed as Deans of Science at their respective universities on July 1.

Report:  First Nationwide Survey of Young Canadians' Attitudes Towards Science
CFI has released the Canadian Youth Science Monitor which explores youth (aged 12-18) interest in science, interest in science as a career, science understanding, exposure to science, ability in science, and drivers of interest in science.

Deadlines
Aug. 13: Applications for S&T internship funding through CASC Science Interns Outreach Project
Aug. 31: Abstracts for Undergraduate Life Sciences Research Conference
Sep. 1: Letters of Interest for NSERC's Industrial Research and Development Internship Program
Sep. 10: Funding applications for  workshops, conferences, and similar events in mathematical sciences (from MITACS)
Sep. 15: Funding applications for NSERC's PromoScience

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS conferences and speaker tours at http://apics.dal.ca/upcoming.html.

APICS conferences will resume in October 2010.



May 31, 2010

 ChemCon Student Award Winners Announced
Please extend congratulations to ChemCon 2010’s award winners, including Lana Green (Dal) for the conference’s top prize of the Sepracor Award and Justin Smith (MUN) for the APICS Science Communication Award. A full list of the many deserving recipients can be found here.

 Canadian Undergraduate Physics Conference
Each year, the Canadian Undergraduate Physics Conference (CUPC) brings together over 200 top physics students from around the country. APICS is proud to be a gold sponsor of the 46th Annual CUPC, hosted this year in Atlantic Canada at Dalhousie, October 21-25.

 APICS 50th Anniversary Celebrations
2011-12 is sooner than you think! One rep from each APICS member institution and one from each APICS committee is needed for a steering committee for the celebrations. Please contact Alyre Chiasson or Lois Whitehead for more information. Many hands make light work!


 This is the last “Minute” till Fall. Have a great summer!


 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

APICS conferences will resume in October 2010.

 Other Events of Interest
June 7: Nominations close for NSERC’s Steacie Fellowships (français)
June 14: Deadline for application for undergraduate poster competition Rising Stars of Research
June 19-22: Undergraduate Research as Transformative Practice Weber State University, Utah
July 7-9: A Climate of Action: Science, Technology and Global Sustainability (français) Charlottetown, PEI
July 11-16: Atmospheric Chemistry: Challenging the Future Halifax, NS
July 12: LOI deadline for Grand Challenges Canada’s first round of funding: Point-of-Care Diagnostics





May 17, 2010

 Psychology Student Award Winners
Please extend congratulations to undergraduate students Tanya Bilsbury (Dal), Joey Dignam (St. FX), Mallory Peacock (MUN), Nicole White (Dal), and Joyce Yu (Dal), 2010’s APICS Psychology award winners.

 Applications Open: Rising Stars of Research
This is the third year for the undergraduate poster competition, Rising Stars of Research, to be hosted by University of British Columbia August 18-21. Travel support is available. Application deadline is June 14.

 Launch of Grand Challenges Canada/Grands Défis Canada
Grand Challenges Canada is a new, independent, not-for-profit organization bringing together Canadian scientists, developing world scientific researchers, and the private sector to solve some of the most persistent health challenges facing poor countries. Deadline for Letters of Intent for Grand Challenge 1: Point-of-Care Diagnostics, is July 12.

 Welcome to New Council Member
Amitabh Jha (Acadia) has accepted the position of Chair of APICS Chemistry Committee. Thanks are extended to outgoing Chair, Chris Flinn (MUN).

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

APICS conferences will resume in October 2010.

 Other Events of Interest
May 31: Nominations close for the 2010 Nova Scotia Discovery Awards
June 7: Nominations close for NSERC’s Steacie Fellowships (français)
June 14: Deadline for application for undergraduate poster competition Rising Stars of Research
June 19-22: Undergraduate Research as Transformative Practice Weber State University, Utah
July 7-9: A Climate of Action: Science, Technology and Global Sustainability (français) Charlottetown, PEI
July 11-16: Atmospheric Chemistry: Challenging the Future Halifax, NS
July 12: LOI deadline for Grand Challenges Canada’s first round of funding: Point-of-Care Diagnostics





May 3, 2010

 ACASE 2010 Conference
The Atlantic Canada Association of Science Educators (ACASE) will be hosting its annual conference July 7-9 at UPEI. A Climate of Action: Science, Technology and Global Sustainability (français) is open to teachers, university and college researchers, instructors, and professors, scientists and engineers, provincial and school district level consultants and learning specialists, informal science educators, non-government organizations, and university and college students.

 Resource: World Ocean Observatory
World Ocean Observatory provides links to thousands of ocean-related programs and organizations around the world, striving to become the on-line place of exchange of ocean information and educational services. The site provides web connections, resources, newsletters, events, radio features, subscription services, forums, and educational networks.

 Results from the Fall 2009 Activities and Values Survey
Highlights of the 2009 APICS member survey are now available in PowerPoint form. For a more detailed analysis, please contact Neil Ross, Chair of the Membership Development and Communications Committee.

 Welcome to New Council Member
Alyre Chiasson (Biology, Université de Moncton) has accepted a position as Member-at-Large on the APICS Executive. Thanks are extended to outgoing member, Keith Taylor (Associate Vice-President Academic, Dalhousie).

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

May 5-6: APICS Psychology Conference, Antigonish, NS
May 13-15: APICS-CIC ChemCon Halifax, NS

 Other Events of Interest
May 5-7: Canadian Association of Science Centres Conference Montreal, QC (français)
May 12-14: Symposium: Public Science in Canada: Strengthening Science and Policy to Protect Canadians Gatineau, QC (English) (français)
May 17: Nominations close for NSERC’s Innovation Challenge Awards (English) (français)
May 31: Nominations close for the 2010 Nova Scotia Discovery Awards
June 7: Nominations close for NSERC’s Steacie Fellowships (français)
July 7-9: A Climate of Action: Science, Technology and Global Sustainability (français) Charlottetown, PEI





April 19, 2010

 National Volunteer Week April 19-25
This week is National Volunteer Week. With that in mind, a big “thank you” is in order to the hundreds of students, faculty and administrators who organize and support APICS conferences, speaker tours, and other activities. APICS wouldn’t exist without your efforts!

 Environmental Sciences Student Award Winners
Congratulations to Jennifer Bonnell (MUN), Kelsey O’Brien (St. FX), Felicia Pickard (MUN), and Jake Russell-Mercier (SWGC), undergraduate and graduate award winners at the March 5-6 APICS Environmental Sciences conference.

 APICS’ Future Focus: Preliminary Results
Close to 30 faculty and administrators from across the region met this weekend to assess and affirm APICS’ activities as well as discuss future projects. Details will be available in the coming weeks.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

May 5-6: APICS Psychology Conference, Antigonish, NS
May 13-15: APICS-CIC ChemCon Halifax, NS

 Other Events of Interest
May 3: Nomination deadline for Synergy Awards for Innovation (English) (français)
May 5-7: Canadian Association of Science Centres Conference Montreal, QC (français)
May 12-14: Symposium: Public Science in Canada: Strengthening Science and Policy to Protect Canadians Gatineau, QC (English) (français)
May 17: Nominations close for NSERC’s Innovation Challenge Awards (English) (français)





April 5, 2010

 APICS Future Focus: Schedule
Come brainstorm in a casual atmosphere about what APICS can be for you and others involved in science in Atlantic Canada. Please RSVP to Lois by April 9.

Friday, April 16 (Facilitator: Jodi Asbell-Clarke)
7:00 pm Welcome and Background
Report on results of the APICS Activities and Values Survey
7:30 pm Impact Assessment: How does APICS serve its stakeholders?
9:00 pm Reception

Saturday, April 17
10:30 am Moving Forward with APICS
11:30 am Setting Priorities
12:15 pm Lunch with break-out groups

Location and other details are on the web.

 50th Anniversary Planning meeting, April 16
APICS is turning 50! Click here for your invitation to help plan anniversary celebrations for 2011-12.

 Spring Reports of the APICS Science Committees
Updates on the activities of our 10 science committees are available here.

 APICS Spring Business Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held April 17 at 9:00 am: agenda.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

Apr. 16-17: APICS Future Focus Session and Annual General Meeting, Halifax, NS
May 5-6: APICS Psychology Conference, Antigonish, NS
May 13-15: APICS-CIC ChemCon Halifax, NS

 Other Events of Interest
Apr. 17-18: Regional NURDS Symposium University of New England, Biddeford, ME
May 3: Nomination deadline for Synergy Awards for Innovation (English) (français)
May 5-7: Canadian Association of Science Centres Conference Montreal, QC (français)
May 12-14: Symposium: Public Science in Canada: Strengthening Science and Policy to Protect Canadians Gatineau, QC (français)
May 13-15: Conference of the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology (CCWESTT) Winnipeg, MN



March 22, 2010

 APICS’ Future Focus: What’s Next?
As APICS approaches its 50th anniversary, you are invited to take part in a facilitated discussion of the future of the organization on April 16-17 at Saint Mary’s University. Please contact Lois Whitehead by April 8 if you would like to participate. Further details will be provided in the April 5 edition of The APICS Minute.

 Student Conference Award Winners
13 students from eight Atlantic universities have been recognized for their outstanding presentations at the 40th APICS Undergraduate Biology Conference and the 20th APICS Aquaculture & Fisheries Conference, held jointly at UNB (Fredericton) on March 5-7. Photos and a list of this year’s Aquaculture & Fisheries winners and Biology winners on the APICS website.

 Welcome to New APICS Committee Chairs
… Bob Hooper (MUN) has taken over the Chair of the APICS Biology Committee from Kevin Teather (UPEI).
… Van Lantz (UNB-F) replaces Dave Risk (St.FX) as the APICS Environmental Studies Committee Chair. Dave will remain on Council as a member of the Executive.

 Symposium: Public Science in Canada: Strengthening Science and Policy to Protect Canadians
On May 12-14, national and international government, industry and academic scientists, researchers and science policy analysts will gather in Gatineau, Quebec for the second PIPSC science policy symposium. Early bird registration ends March 31.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

Apr. 16-17: APICS Future Focus Session and Annual General Meeting, Halifax, NS
May 5-6: APICS Psychology Conference, Antigonish, NS
May 13-15: APICS-CIC ChemCon Halifax, NS

 Other Events of Interest
Mar. 25: Dalhousie Sustainability and Environmental Research Symposium Halifax, NS
Apr. 1: Nomination deadline for two NSERC award programs: Gerhard Herzberg Medal and Brockhouse Canada Prize
Apr. 17-18: Regional NURDS Symposium University of New England, Biddeford, ME
May 5-7: Canadian Association of Science Centres Conference Montreal, QC
May 12-14: Symposium: Public Science in Canada: Strengthening Science and Policy to Protect Canadians Gatineau, QC




March 8, 2010 - International Women’s Day Edition

 NSERC Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE)
The goal of CWSE, which hosts five regional chairs across the country, is to increase the participation of women in science and engineering. The current Atlantic Chair is Dr. Cecilia Maloney.

 Canadian Women in Science
Library and Archives Canada hosts a compilation of biographies online, highlighting and celebrating the achievements of Canadian women in the sciences.

 Women in Science and Engineering Newfoundland and Labrador (WISE NL)
WISE NL encourages young women throughout the province to consider the broad range of career choices in science and engineering.

 Techsploration
Techsploration provides young Nova Scotian women in grades 9-12 with opportunities to explore science, trades, and technology occupations.

 APICS News: Spring Council Sessions
The Annual General Meeting and Spring Council Sessions, to be hosted at Saint Mary’s University, have been rescheduled to April 16-17. Council members will receive details in the coming weeks.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

Mar. 13, 2010: APICS Animal Care meeting: Please contact Steve Turnbull for information

Apr. 16-17 (*note the new date): APICS Annual General Meeting and
      Spring Council Sessions, Halifax, NS
May 5-6: APICS Psychology Conference, Antigonish, NS
May 13-15: APICS-CIC ChemCon Halifax, NS

 Other Events of Interest
Mar. 25: Dalhousie Sustainability and Environmental Research Symposium Halifax, NS
Apr. 17-18: Regional NURDS Symposium University of New England, Biddeford, ME



Awards & Winners, February 22, 2010

 AUPAC 2010 Award Winners Announced
Congratulations to the winners at this year’s APICS Undergraduate Physics & Astronomy Conference! First place talk was awarded to Aaron Farrell (St. FX), and first place poster to Nicole Pelot (Dal). You’ll find a list of winners from past APICS-sponsored conferences, as well as a list of awards available, on the APICS Awards page.

 I-3 Competition: Innovation, Idea, Implementation
Dave Risk (St. FX; Chair, APICS Environment Committee) and his team at X-Flux Environmental Technologies recently won second place in their division in InnovaCorp’s 2009 I-3 Technology Start-Up Competition.

 Travel Bursaries for APICS Environment Conference
Travel bursaries are available for student presenters attending the 2010 APICS Environment Conference in St. John’s, NL. Please contact Joe Wroblewski for details. Deadline: now!

 Sepracor Award Renewed
The Sepracor Award in Chemistry, providing the top student at the annual APICS-CIC Chemistry Conference with $1000 to attend the national Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) conference, has been renewed for 2010.

 Iron Science
Discovery Channel’s Iron Science is a celebration of exceptional teachers from across Canada with creative approaches to teaching science and engineering. Five regional finalists will compete for the title and $15,000 prize in a live webcast on March 12, 10:30 am MST.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

Mar. 5-6, 2010: APICS Environmental Studies Conference English français, St. John’s, NL
Mar. 5-7, 2010: AUBC 2010 (APICS Undergraduate Biology Conference) Fredericton, NB
Mar. 5-7, 2010: APICS Aquaculture & Fisheries Conference Fredericton, NB
Mar. 13, 2010: APICS Animal Care meeting: Please contact Steve Turnbull for information

 Other Events of Interest
Mar. 1, 2010: Deadline for John C. Polanyi Award nominations
Mar. 6, 2010: First annual Periodic Puzzle Competition (international)
Apr. 17-18, 2010: Regional NURDS Symposium University of New England, Biddeford, ME





February 8, 2010

 February is Psychology Month
This year’s Psychology Month message is that Psychology is for everyone. The goal of this nationally recognized event is to raise awareness of the role psychology plays in our lives and communities.

 NURDS Registration Now Open
The Northeast Undergraduate Research and Development Symposium is an annual conference for students in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science or other natural science from New England and Atlantic Canadian universities.

 Call for Nominations/Volunteers: APICS Animal Care Committee Chair
This position is up for renewal. The ideal candidate will be a current or past member of the Animal Care Committee or currently active in their institution’s Animal Care program. Please Contact Lois for further details.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

Feb. 5-7, 2010: AUPAC 2010 (APICS Undergraduate Physics and Astronomy Conference)
        Wolfville, NS
Mar. 5-6, 2010: APICS Environmental Studies Conference English français, St. John’s, NL
Mar. 5-7, 2010: AUBC 2010 (APICS Undergraduate Biology Conference) Fredericton, NB
Mar. 5-7, 2010: APICS Aquaculture & Fisheries Conference Fredericton, NB

 Other Events of Interest
Feb. 9, 2010: I-3 Technology Start-Up Competition Awards Reception Halifax, NS
Mar. 1, 2010: Deadline for John C. Polanyi Award nominations
Mar. 6, 2010: First annual Periodic Puzzle Competition (international)




January 11, 2010

Happy New Year!

 Welcome to New Council Member
Please welcome the new Dean of Science at Acadia University, Peter Williams (Physics), who begins his term in January. Former Acting Dean Rob Raeside will continue in APICS as Chair of the Earth Science Committee and Vice-Chair of Council.

 New Student Run Technology Organization
Founded in 2009, EPIC is a student-run not-for-profit organization dedicated to Educating, Promoting, Inspiring, and Connecting students with a passion for technology in a fun and exciting way. EPIC is a platform for collaboration between industry, academia and the student body on topics relating to technology, innovation, ideas and action.

 New Name
Atlantic Baptist University in New Brunswick is being renamed Crandall University to reflect its broader education mandate and geographic coverage. The new name is being phased in over the next year.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

Feb. 5-7, 2010: AUPAC 2010 (APICS Undergraduate Physics and Astronomy Conference)
        Wolfville, NS
Mar. 5-6, 2010: APICS Environmental Studies Conference, St. John’s, NL
Mar. 5-7, 2010: AUBC 2010 (APICS Undergraduate Biology Conference) Fredericton, NB
Mar. 5-7, 2010: APICS Aquaculture & Fisheries Conference Fredericton, NB

 Other Events of Interest
Jan 15-16, 2010: EpCon in Waterloo ON – inaugural conference organized by EPIC



December 14, 2009

 2009 Discovery Awards
Congratulations are extended to this year’s Discovery Award winners including first year Cape Breton University student, Todd Mercer. The Discovery Awards recognize talented individuals and outstanding companies in Nova Scotia that demonstrate exemplary work in science and technology.

 New Organization: Science Media Centre of Canada
The goal of the newly established SMCC is “public engagement with science issues through media coverage of science that is more informed, more accurate and more incisive.” 2001 APICS Science Communication Award winner, Richard Wassersug, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Dalhousie University, sits on the SMCC’s first Research Advisory Panel.

 Plan now for APICS Environmental Studies Conference in St. John’s
Please encourage your students and faculty to attend the first APICS Environmental Studies Conference to be hosted in Newfoundland. Travel assistance for students is being planned.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

Mar. 5-6, 2010: APICS Environmental Studies Conference, St. John’s, NL

Merry Christmas!



November 30, 2009

 Student Award Winners Announced
The winners at the Atlantic Universities Geologic Conference (AUGC) and the APICS Math, Stats and Computer Science (MSCS) Competitions and Conferences are now on the website. Please congratulate the winners:
  AUGC award winners, October 22-24, 2009
  APICS MSCS award winners, October 23-25, 2009

 CEMPURS Presentation now Available for Download
At the last Council meeting, Sheldon Opps (UPEI) presented on the annual Computer Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics Undergraduate Research Symposium (CEMPURS) which is held virtually between UPEI, University of Fraser Valley and Ryerson University. You can see his slides and the most recent program booklet here:
  Enriching the Undergraduate Research Experience (.ppt)
  CEMPURS 2009 Program Booklet (.pdf)

 Resource: Science Canada Blog
The goal of the Science Canada blog is to highlight science policy issues in Canada's political arena and media. From the site: “Science policy is the discipline that lies at the interface of the scientific enterprise and public administration.”

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

Conferences and speaker tours will continue in February 2010.



November 16, 2009

 Update on APICS Activities and Values Survey
Over 260 people responded to our survey. Thank you! The Membership Committee is reviewing the results, and will provide recommendations in the new year.

 Welcome to New Executive Members
At the Fall Council meetings, Nov. 13-14, Rob Raeside (Acadia) was elected Vice-Chair of APICS Council, and Christian Lacroix (UPEI) moved from Vice-Chair to Treasurer. Our appreciation is extended to outgoing Treasurer, Steve Turnbull (UNB SJ).

 New Publication: Journal of Undergraduate Science Today
JUST@Dal is a new, student-run, academic print journal showcasing undergraduate research in Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science. Modeled on the successful McGill Science Undergraduate Research Journal (mSURJ), JUST@Dal’s inaugural issue will be launched on Nov. 18.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

Fall-Winter 2009-2010: APICS-AGS Earth Science Speaker Tour
     Nov. 23: Acadia University; Future Locations/Dates TBA

 Other Noteworthy Events:
November 18: JUST@Dal Journal Launch, Halifax, NS
November 26: 7th Annual Discovery Awards for Science and Technology, Halifax, NS




November 2, 2009

 Canadian Science Policy Conference
Last week, approximately 400 delegates from academia, industry and government met in Toronto to discuss science policy issues. Comprehensive coverage of the conference was captured by The Mark News, and a discussion forum is continuing online.

 Volunteers for International Environmental Data Rescue Organization
IEDRO is seeking meteorologists, hydrologists, oceanographers, climatologists and earth scientists to visit developing countries to help establish a data rescue activity. Air fare and per diem costs are covered. For details, please email Rick Crouthamel.

 Member Resource: Organizing Conferences – Donations, Sponsorships, Receipts
This letter for conference coordinators, donors and sponsors explains the difference between donations and sponsorships, and what qualifies for a charitable donations receipt.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

November 6-7: Nov. 6-7: Biology Committee Fall Workshop Fredericton, NB

November 13-14: Fall Council Sessions UPEI, Charlottetown

 Other Noteworthy Events:
November 26: 7th Annual Discovery Awards for Science and Technology, Halifax




Member Information, October 19, 2009

 Member Resources
For the next few weeks, The APICS Minute will highlight useful items from the website.

 APICS Door Poster
Please download and personalize this member poster (MSWord format; French version to come). Let your colleagues and students know of your participation in APICS, and announce the annual conference for your discipline.

 Membership Lists
This morning, all APICS members should have received a list of the members at their institution. Please review and forward any changes to me at apics@dal.ca. If you did not receive a copy and should be on your institution’s list, please let me know.

 Reminder: Please complete the APICS Survey before October 23
We are happy to see that so many people have completed the survey to date (over 200 so far!), but there’s still time for others interested in science education and research to participate.
     English: APICS Activities and Values Survey
     Francais: Enquête sur les activités et l’importance du CIPAS

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

October 22-24: Atlantic Undergraduate Geologic Conference (AUGC)
                              Saint Mary’s University, Halifax
October 23-25: APICS Mathematics & Statistics Conference
                              Dalhousie University, Halifax
Oct. 23-24: ACM Programming Contest and APICS Computer Science Conference
                              Dalhousie University, Halifax
November 13-14: Fall Council Sessions UPEI, Charlottetown

 Other Noteworthy Events:
October 28-30: First National Science Policy Conference, Toronto
October 28: Faculty of Science Awards Evening, 7:00pm in the Ball Room of the Crown
                              Plaza Fredericton Lord Beaverbrook Hotel. For more information
                              contact Angela Regier, aregier@unb.ca
November 26: 7th Annual Discovery Awards for Science and Technology, Halifax




People Edition, October 5, 2009

 Welcome to New Council Members
… Chris Moore, Dean of Science at Dalhousie
… Robert van den Hoogen, Interim Dean of Science at St. FX

 Welcome (back) to New and Returning Committee Members
Our committee member lists have been updated, with a few vacancies that I am working with the Institutional Reps to fill. The next edition of The APICS Minute will include useful information for committee Chairs, conference coordinators, and committee members.

 Congratulations to …
… Keith De’Bell, Past Chair of APICS, appointed as St. FX’s first Associate Vice-President Research
… Katherine Darvish, APICS Chemistry, appointed Acting Associate Vice-President Academic at MSVU

 Watch for the APICS Activities and Values Survey
People are the heart of APICS. When you receive your invitation this week to voice your opinion on future directions for APICS, please complete the five minute online survey and forward the invitation to your colleagues, both in and outside the academic sector.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

October 22-24: Atlantic Undergraduate Geologic Conference (AUGC)
                              Saint Mary’s University, Halifax
October 23-25: APICS Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science Conference
                              Dalhousie University, Halifax
November 13-14: Fall Council Sessions UPEI, Charlottetown

 Other Noteworthy Events:
October 9: Early bird registration deadline for STAN Conference Nov. 9-10 in Ottawa.
                              (Science & Technology Awareness Network)
October 16-25: National Science & Technology Week
October 28-30: First National Science Policy Conference Toronto




Back to School, September 2009

 Welcome to the “Minute”!
This biweekly, one minute newsletter began for Council members last year. We are now expanding distribution to all APICS Committee members and others who request it. If you have any topics or comments, please send them in!

 Message from the Chair
“The academic year has begun and we look forward to an exciting year for APICS. The undergraduate conferences continue to be a great success, showcasing our students' work and providing them with experiences that cannot be matched … ” (click here to continue)

 Fall Council Sessions
The Fall Council sessions will be hosted at UPEI on November 13-14 (in conjunction with the Atlantic Deans of Arts & Science meeting). Tentative itinerary and hotel information is on the meeting web page which will be updated regularly. If you have any agenda items, please let me know.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

October 16-25: National Science & Technology Week
October 22-24: Atlantic Undergraduate Geologic Conference (AUGC)
                              Saint Mary’s University, Halifax
October 23-25: APICS Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science Conference
                              Dalhousie University, Halifax




Summer 2009 Edition

 New Committee Web Pages
Aquaculture & Fisheries | Chemistry | Earth Science
Physics & Astronomy | Environment | Psychology

Each mini-site includes current and past conference information, student awards, and member lists, as well as items like Tips for Presenting at a Student Conference (Psychology), Thinking Green (environmental programs and careers), and APICS speaker tour details (Chemistry and Physics & Astronomy).

 Call for Abstracts
The 2nd International Public Science Symposium: Strengthening Science and Policy to Protect Canadians, May 2010, is seeking presenters. Click here for more information.

 Office Update
The APICS office has moved to its new space. Address, phone number and email remain the same. The move is a work in progress, so if response is a little slower than usual, please resend your email or call me on my cell phone at (902) 489-8442.

 Upcoming Events
You can always find a full list of upcoming APICS Conferences and speaker tours by clicking here.

See you in September!



May 11, 2009

 New Aquaculture & Fisheries Committee Website
The committee’s new website is up, including a page for conference award winners. Also available for download is the proceedings (with student abstracts) of the March 6-8, 2009 Biology and Aquaculture & Fisheries and Biology conferences.

 Changes in Executive
On April 24 we thanked Keith De’Bell for his leadership and welcomed Malcolm Butler as the new Chair. See this write-up and photos for details and a list of new and retiring Executive members.

 April Council Presentations Available Online
Presentations from the AGM are now available for download here. Direct links to the .pdf files are:
 “NSERC in Atlantic Canada: Future Directions”
– Richard Isnor, Manager, NSERC-Atlantic

 "Commercialization of Research and the Challenge of Shaping a New Economy"
- David B. Shindler Ph.D., Executive Director, Springboard

 "Intramural and Extramural Science in Atlantic Canada: Let’s Link Them"
- Dr. Michael Chadwick, Chair, Atlantic Federal Science and Technology Council

 "MDCC Presentation to APICS Council"
- Neil Ross, Chair, APICS Membership Development and Planning Committee




April 13, 2009

 Botany Award
This Canadian Botanical Association/L'association botanique du Canada sponsors a $200 Botany Award at the annual APICS Biology Conference for the best presentation (both oral and poster) in botany. This year’s were Kendra Sauerteig (Dal) in the oral category and Adam McNamara (NSAC) in the poster category.

 New Chemistry Committee website
< Next in our renovations for the website is the Chemistry site. Thanks are extended to retiring member Alan Fraser (UdeM) for many years as the volunteer webmaster for the committee.

 Speakers for April Council Meeting
We have arranged several presentations for the April 24-25 Council meetings in Moncton:
• Springboard Atlantic–Commercialization of Research and the Challenge of Shaping a
   New Economy
• Atlantic Federal Science and Technology Council (AFSTC): Update on Activities
• NSERC-Atlantic’s New Direction

Final agenda and reports will be available for download later this week.
Note: Please book your hotel accommodations if you haven’t already done so!



March 30, 2009

 Student Award Winners Webpage is Up
The award winners webpage is now posted. As you can see on the Biology conference page, photos greatly improve the site, so please take a group picture at your conference and send it to apicsweb@dal.ca.

 Welcome to new Committee Chair, Neil Ross
Neil Ross has accepted the role of Chair for the new Membership Development and Communications Committee (MDCC). The committee will hold its first face-to-face meeting on Saturday, April 25, after the Council meetings in Moncton.

 Rising Stars of Research 2009 now accepting Undergraduate Submissions
This science & engineering research poster competition, held August 19-22 at UBC, provides free room and board for all selected participants and $500 travel awards for outstanding applicants. Please encourage your students to apply.



March 16, 2009

 Please Welcome New Council Member, Jim Duston, NSAC
Jim is the incoming chair of the Aquaculture and Fisheries committee, after having successfully organized the student conference at NSAC last weekend. Thanks are extended to the outgoing chair, Cyr Couturier, who remains on the committee as the MUN representative.

 New Earth Science Committee Website
The first of the new committee websites is up! Take a look at the new design here.

 Notice of Motions for Changes to the APICS Constitution
Please review the notice here. Changes will be voted on at the April 24-25 Council sessions.

 Spring Council Sessions, April 24-25
The spring meetings will be hosted by NSERC-Atlantic at the Ramada Plaza/Crystal Palace in Moncton. Materials and hotel information are posted here. More details to come.



March 2, 2009

 **Judges needed for Regional Science Fairs**
EVERY Fair coordinator in Atlantic Canada has requested an APICS judge. Please contact me ASAP (apics@dal.ca) to be a judge or if you are already a judge and can represent APICS as well. Deans and Institutional Reps, please forward this request to your faculty and researchers, as we have a lot of slots to fill. Grad students might also be interested.

 Nova Scotia:
  • Cape Breton, Grand Lake, March 25
  • South Shore, Bridgewater, March 26-28
  • Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (French Judge), Cheticamp, March 27
  • Strait, Port Hawkesbury, March 30-April 1
  • Chignecto Central West, Truro, March 31-April 1
  • Chignecto East, Pictou, April 1
  • Tri-County, Yarmouth, April 1
  • Halifax Sci-Tech Expo, Halifax, April 2-3
  • Mi’kmaw Schools, Port Hastings, April 8
  • Annapolis, Middleton, April 15-17

 New Brunswick:
  • Expo-Sciences des Districts Francophones du Nouveau Brunswick (French Judge),
     March 27-28
  • Fundy, Saint John, April 17
  • River Valley Regional Science Fair, Fredericton, April 17

 Newfoundland and Labrador:
  • Central Newfoundland, Grand Falls Windsor NL, April 3
  • Eastern Newfoundland, St. John’s, April 8

 AIF Letters of Intent Deadline
Letters of Intent for Round VII of the Atlantic Innovation Fund are due March 31, 2009. See the ACOA website for details.



February 16, 2009

 Judges needed for Regional Science Fairs
Many RSF coordinators have requested APICS judges. Several are in rural areas where finding judges is challenging, so if you can help, it would be appreciated.

  • Annapolis, Middleton NS, April 15-17
  • Cape Breton, Grand Lake NS, March 25
  • Central Newfoundland, Grand Falls Windsor NL, April 3
  • Chignecto Central West, Truro NS, March 31-April 1
  • Chignecto East, Pictou NS, April 1
  • Mi’kmaq, Port Hastings NS, April 8
  • South Shore, Bridgewater NS, March 26-28
  • Strait, Port Hawkesbury NS, March 30-April 1

If you or someone you know can participate on behalf of APICS, please email me ASAP.

 Welcome to new Council Member, Igor Mastikhin
Igor, from UNBF, is the incoming Chair of Physics & Astronomy. Thanks are extended to Adam Sarty for his term as Chair. Adam will remain the SMU rep to the committee.



February 2, 2009

 Student Award Recipient Recognition
As requested by Council members, a new web page will soon list award recipients at APICS-sponsored conferences. The first slate of winners, from the AUPAC conference in February, should be up by the end of the month.

 APICS Animal Care Workshop
CCAC will be on hand to answer questions at a workshop on Friday, March 6, at NSAC. For details, contact Steve Turnbull, Animal Care Committee Chair, turnbull@unbsj.ca.

 Member Spotlight
Dalhousie has launched an online research journal for undergraduate science students: http://just.science.dal.ca.

Thanks for your feedback on last week’s Minute. Most felt that bi-weekly distribution would be sufficient, so the next Minute will be February 16. Please send comments and announcements to me any time.



January 26, 2009

 New on the Website
French versions of first level web pages (see menu at top of webpage). Thank you to Charles Bourque for coordinating the translation.

 Members Needed
APICS judges are needed for upcoming Regional Science Fairs. For details, please email me.

 New Council Member
Please welcome Brook Taylor, Acting Dean of Arts and Science at MSVU.


Please email your comments or suggestions