Invitation

The AWIS 2005 Conference Committee is pleased to invite all women in science and science-related fields to attend the fifth conference of the Association for Women in the Sciences, in Hamilton, New Zealand, from 5 – 8 July 2005.

Historically, AWIS conferences have generated a unique atmosphere for women working in science to network, share experiences, learn – and have a great time.  We intend to continue this tradition, through a series of stimulating addresses from our interesting speakers, professional development workshops, and various social functions.

The theme we have selected is “Science Fever,” and we have an exciting programme of mini-symposia and workshops designed to generate an atmosphere of enthusiasm and excitement that can be associated with scientific endeavours. Our hope is that the conference will

• promote communication between women who contribute to science in different ways
• portray current trends in scientific research and science-related careers
• provide opportunities for professional development, and
• present secondary and tertiary students as well as practitioners with the chance to meet and communicate with other women in a range of science-based professions.

We look forward to seeing you in Hamilton in July.

Conference Committee

Address:

AWIS 2005 Conference Organisers,
PO Box 23 029,
Silverdale,
Hamilton

Email:

AWISConf@awis2005.co.nz

Venue

Hamilton City is located in the heart of the Waikato, intersected by the beautiful Waikato River. The Conference will be held at the University of Waikato, just a short bus ride or taxi trip from the central city.

A university campus map is available @ http://www.waikato.ac.nz/contacts/map.pdf
A map of Hamilton city is available @ http://www.hamiltoncity.co.nz/map/

Poster Session and Submission of Abstracts

The Conference Committee invites you to submit abstracts for the Poster session, to be held on Wednesday 6th July.

Please provide your abstract in the following format, for publication in the Abstract book.

TITLE - in capitals and bold and centred, Arial font, 10 point 
(one  line space)
Authors names and affiliations (presenting author's email only) - bold and centred, Arial font, 10 point
(one line space)
Main body of text - plain and fully justified, Arial font, 10 point.

If you wish to include diagrams, please send them as separate files (do not embed them in the word file), preferably as .eps, .png or .jpg.

Document format - 2.5 cm margins all round, A4
Length of abstract - 350 words

Name your file with your surname and the number of the most relevant theme number e.g., COOKE_4.doc (see list below for themes)

Email your abstract to Penny Cooke ( p.cooke@waikato.ac.nz )

Themes:

1. Earth, wind & fire
2. What’s in those genes?
3. Transforming scientific info for the public
4. Physical science meets biology
5. Business and Science 
6. Emergencies on planet earth

Last date for Abstract Submission Date – 27 May, 2005

AWIS Student Poster Prize

Social Programme

Icebreaker

Pizzas ; Posters

Conference Dinner

Field Trip

Waitomo Caves & region

Date: Friday 8th July 1pm
Venue: Leaving from S block, University of Waikato, Hamilton
The field trip will include a visit to the Waitomo Caves and Glow worms, followed by a guided bush walk. Our guides will be Dr Penelope Cooke (Earth Scientist, University of Waikato) and Karen Denyer (Terrestrial Ecologist, Environment Waikato).
Field Trip cost $50  
This includes entrance to the Waitomo caves, the bus trip to Waitomo, and guided walk

Registration Fees

• Attendance at conference sessions
• Conference pack
• Morning and afternoon teas
• Luncheons
• Ice breaker and Pizza evening
• Goods & Services Tax (12.5%)
• Day registration fees include:
• Attendance at the day’s conference sessions
• Morning and afternoon tea
• Luncheon
• Goods & Services Tax (12.5%)

To register:

AWIS Conference 2005
PO Box 23 029
Hamilton

Crèche Facilities

Please let the conference organisers know if you will be requiring crèche facilities.

Accommodation

Hamilton offers an extensive range of accommodation options suitable for different budgets, and conference attendees are asked to make their own bookings. Details of several motels located close to the university are listed below. Costs are indicative only. A more extensive list of accommodation options can be found on Hamilton’s website: http://hamiltoncity.co.nz/ . 

Manhatten Lodge Motel
218 Grey Street, Hamilton East
Telephone 64 7 856 3785
Studio (one person) $65. Rooms $85 (twin share) + $15extra person

Hamilton Gardens Motel
93 Grey Street, Hamilton
Telephone  07 856 5446
$70 per night (single); $85 twin share.

Rydges Le Grand Hotel
 Cnr Victoria & Collingwood Streets, Hamilton
Web www.ridges_hamilton.com
Telephone 07 839 1994
AWIS conference rate $159.

Aspen Manor Inn, Hamilton East
209 Grey Street, Hamilton East
Telephone 0800 277369
Web www.aspenmanor.co.nz
Studio units (queen bed) $105; $145 for the family unit (sleeps 4).

Cancellations

Should you need to cancel your registration, you may reassign your registration to another person. Please notify the Conference Organisers.

If you are unable to arrange a replacement, a full refund less an administration charge of $50 will be made providing notification is received by 10 June 05. After that date refunds will be at the discretion of the Conference Committee.

Sponsors

We would like to thank the following organisations for their generous assistance: