SummerProgram2009

Sponsored by the Web Science Research Initiative, the Tetherless World Constellation, and the EPSRC Doctoral Training Centre in Web Science

July 21-28, 2009

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY USA

Directors: Dame Wendy Hall, James Hendler and Deborah McGuinness

We invite graduate students and recent PhDs to apply to attend a week-long Web Science Summer Research Program to be held at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, July 21-28, 2009.

What is Web Science?

Despite the huge, society-changing impacts of the Web, we really know surprisingly little about it. Its success is crucial to modern society, yet known principles of its function and effects are few and far between. Web Science is about using our knowledge of fields such as computing, informatics, economics and the social sciences to develop a deeper understanding of the Web itself, and about how we creating new applications for the Web and/or understanding its social impacts. What fields are involved?

Students interested in a wide variety of fields, ranging from information technology, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics, to psychology, economics, sociology, law, and political science are encouraged to apply.

How will the summer program run?

The Summer program will include presentations by well-known Web Science researchers, working sessions and hands-on student activities. Student groups will do projects (case studies and/or demos) relating to both the technical and social aspects of the World Wide Web. A poster session for attending students will also be arranged.

As well as the directors, confirmed speakers include Lora Aroyo, Michael Brodie, Les Carr, Noshir Contractor, David De Roure, Peter Fox, Carl Lagoze, Cathy Pope, Nigel Shadbolt, and Guus Schreiber

Where will it be held?

Rensselaer is a few minutes from Albany NY, about 2.5 hours North of New York up the scenic Hudson Valley. It's about the same distance West of Boston -- To reach RPI one can fly into the Albany airport (ALB), which is very close, or into any of the New York City airports and take the train. From Boston, there is no convenient mass transit link, although renting a car is an option.

How much will it cost?

The program will cost $950 (USD) including room, meals and all other non-discretionary expenses.

How do I apply?

To apply, you will need to provide details about your current doctoral program and your own research interests. Please fill out the form downloadable from http://tw.rpi.edu/SummerProgramForm.doc and email it to info@webscience.org by May 31, 2009.

If you have specific questions, please contact Professor Hendler