November 5-9

Non-Technical Events

NEW at GEC in 2018!  The co-location of GEC with DPP in 2018 has created the opportunity for an expanded menu of events and opportunities to complement the technical program.  The GEC program committee is working with DPP to develop several exciting jointly sponsored activities. 

  • Women in Plasma Physics Luncheon
    Monday, November 5, 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

This is an opportunity for women working in plasma physics to network and share experiences.  Discussion on issues of interest to women in plasma physics will be encouraged at each table. The Women in Plasma Physics luncheon is open to all conference attendees.  To attend the luncheon, mark the appropriate space on the Registration Form. The lunch tickets are $25 for regular attendees and $10 for graduate and undergraduate students. The lunch cost is partially subsidized by DPP.

This event offers junior scientists the opportunity to hear from more established researchers in a Q&A panel discussion about career choices and trajectories. Topics in the past have included choosing which area to seek employment, making oneself an attractive applicant, achieving healthy work-life balance, managing career transitions, and everything in between.

More details will be made available as plans are confirmed - watch this space

  • Town Hall: The National Academies’ Decadal Assessment of Plasma Science
    Tuesday, November 6, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Oregon Ballroom 204 (Level 2)

    Session I:        Decadal Study Introduction and Directed Q&A
    Session II:       Two-minute “Lightning” Presentations
    Session III:      Open-mic Public Comment

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is conducting a Decadal Assessment of Plasma Science to help federal agencies, policymakers, and academic leadership understand the importance of plasma research and make informed decisions about funding, workforce, and research directions. Community input is critical for the success of this assessment, and we invite members of the plasma science community to attend this town hall to share their input on the future of the field with members of the study committee.

In addition to general discussion during the town hall, we invite members of the community to apply to give short “lightning” presentations (less than 2 minutes, with a single slide) to the committee on their thoughts for the future of plasma science. For instructions on how to apply and submit your slide, please visit our website at: http://nas.edu/plasma-townhall. Members of the plasma community are also strongly encouraged to submit written comments, recommendations, references and images to the Plasma 2020 committee through the study website.

This study is supported by the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and the Office of Naval Research. Learn more about the study on the NAS website at http://nas.edu/plasma.

Please note:  The NSF is seeing comment from the GEC community.  Please see the “Dear Colleague Letter” below from the NSF.
Dear Colleague Letter: Seeking Community Input for Topic Ideas for Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) Program:
https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2018/nsf18105/nsf18105.jsp
Please note that the deadline for topic idea submissions is October 31, 2018.

  • Federal Perspectives on the Future of Plasma Science
    Tuesday, November 6, 8AM to 9:00 pm, Oregon Convention Center A105

This special session will feature representatives from NSF, DOE/FES and AFOSR who will present their perspectives on the future of US plasma science research.