Summer schools @ MCPH

CALL FOR APPLICATION

Scientific Objects and Digital Cosmopolitanism Summer School

Co-organized by Manipal Centre for Philosophy and Humanities (Manipal, India) and
the Cosmopolitanism and the Local in Science and Nature project (www.CosmoLocal.org)

July 20-24, 2015
Manipal University, Manipal, India

Applications from post-graduate and doctoral students in the fields of philosophy, philosophy of science and social sciences, history and philosophy of science, science and technology studies, and cognate fields are invited to a five-day summer school in India, made possible by collaborations between institutions and scholars in Canada, India and Southeast Asia. This will be an excellent opportunity for graduate students interested in receiving advanced training in the philosophy of science and science and technology studies, with a focus on scientific objects and their relation to cosmopolitanism.

The paradigm of scientific objects has undergone a major transformation in recent times. Today, scientific objects are not limited to microscopic or major astronomical objects. A new category of objects involves ontological modes of data, grids, simulation, visualization, etc. Such modes of objects are not merely peripheral props or outcomes of scientific endeavour. They actively constitute scientific theorizing, experimentation and instrumentation, and catalyze notions of cosmopolitanism in the digital world. Cosmopolitanism in this context is defined as a model of cultural and political engagement based on multidirectional exchange and contact across borders. A cosmopolitan approach treats science as a contingent, multifaceted and multicultural network of exchange. The summer school will engage with philosophical themes around the nature of new scientific objects and digital cosmopolitanism.

The event is organized by Manipal Centre for Philosophy and Humanities (http://manipal.edu/mcph.html) and by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada-funded "Cosmopolitanism and the Local in Science and Nature"http://www.CosmoLocal.org), a three-year project to establish a research network on cosmopolitanism in science with partners in Canada, India, and Southeast Asia. The project closely examines the actual types of negotiations that go into the making of science and its culture within an increasingly globalized landscape.

Deadline for applications:  Monday 23 March, 2015

Program and Faculty
Each of the days will be split among:
(a) Background sessions led by Arun Bala (NUS, Singapore), Gordon McOuat(University of King's College, Canada) and Sundar Sarukkai (MCPH, India)
(b) Sessions led by other faculty members with recognized expertise in the theme, and
(c) Sessions devoted to student research projects.

There will be plenty of opportunities for interaction and participation. The seminar will be held in English and readings will be circulated in advance. Special events will be organized to complement session content. There also will be opportunities for exploring the incredible richness and diversity of the region.

Selection Criteria
We seek outstanding graduate students from Canada, India and Southeast Asia. We will prioritize applications from graduate students in disciplines or with experience in philosophy, philosophy of science, social studies, the history and philosophy of science, or science and technology studies.

Location and Accommodations
The event will be hosted by Manipal University and its Centre for Philosophy and Humanities in the picturesque ocean-side state of Karnatakain in south-western India. Students will be housed in student residences. The space is wheelchair accessible.

Fees
A registration fee of Rs 1500 for Indian students and $100 CAD for international students will be charged. This fee will include accommodations and some meals.

Financial Coverage
Students from India
Travel for India-based students will be covered by the summer school sponsors.

Students from Canada and Southeast Asia
Pending government funding, travel costs may be defrayed for students from Canada or Southeast Asia. Students should indicate in their applications whether they have access to travel support (confirmed or unconfirmed) from home institutions or funding agencies. This will not affect the selection process. Acceptance letters will include more information on travel support.

Students from outside Canada, India and Southeast Asia
Students from outside Canada, India and Southeast Asia will be expected to provide their own funding.

Students at home institutions of "Cosmopolitanism and the Local in Science and Nature" team members are strongly encouraged to contact the local team member to discuss funding options. Information on the project's partners and team members is available on the project's "About Us" page: http://www.CosmoLocal.org/about-us

Any travel support will be considered as co-sponsorship to this international training event and acknowledged accordingly. Further information on funding will be included with acceptance letters.

Timeline
Deadline for applications: March 23, 2015
Notification of acceptance: Week of April 6, 2015
Deadline for registration forms: May 11, 2015

Procedure
Applications should include the following, preferably sent as PDFs:
1. Description of research interests and their relevance to the school (max. 300 words)
2. Brief Curriculum Vitae / resume highlighting relevant skills, experience and training,
3. One signed letter of recommendation from a supervisor, director of graduate studies, or other faculty member familiar with applicant's research interests.

Applications should be sent to:
MCPH Office, mcphoffice@gmail.com
with a copy to
Varun Bhatta, varunsbhatta@gmail.com

For more information, please contact:
Greta Regan
Project Manager
Cosmopolitanism and the Local
University of King's College