Indibano 2010 jam-packed with learning and networking opportunities

Students and presenters who attended the GSN Indibano. Back row, from left: Victoria Goodall, Jadon Schmidt, Millicent Kekana, Ander Martinez de Lecea, Rachel Cooper and Lukhanyo Makaka. Middle row, from left: Sally Hofmeyr, Sindiso Chamane, Zanne Zeeman, Sindi Nzama, Spokazi Manakele, Werner Conradie, Dirk Snyman and Angela Mead. Front row: Caswell Munyani and Mthuthuzeli Gulekana (Picture: Shannon Hampton) Click to enlarge Ander Martinez de Lecea (left) and Lukhanyo Makaka scooped the prizes for the best presentations at the Indibano (Picture: Shannon Hampton)

The 2010 Indibano of SAEON’s Graduate Student Network (GSN) which was held in Port Elizabeth in March, proved to be an enriching and rewarding experience for all the students who attended.

The decision was made to keep the event small so as to facilitate networking and the forging of meaningful relationships. This worked very well and everyone left the Indibano a couple more friends richer.

Everyone had an opportunity to showcase their research. The standard of postgraduate research in the GSN is very high, as was reflected in the presentations. The topics were diverse, covering both marine and terrestrial environments - from ants to savannah ecosystems, all within the framework of long-term ecosystem monitoring.

Despite the high standard of presentations overall, there is always room for improvement. Consequently, a workshop on presentation techniques successfully run by Bernadette Snow, a consultant in scientific presentation technique, helped hone the participants’ skills for the future.

One of the facets of long-term environmental monitoring is geographic data. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) hosted a workshop on the use of ArcView software in spatial data analysis. Dr Derek du Preez of NMMU’s Botany Department organised a day of speakers at the excellent facilities of NMMU. Mr Gideon Brunsdon of the Geography Department gave an informative lecture on the applications of spatial data. This being a first exposure for many in attendance, the GIS lecture was well received.

Introducing the SAEON data management portal

We are highly indebted to many people who helped make this event a great success. Special mention goes to Nuette Gordon of NMMU for helping to organise the logistics of the day spent at NMMU.

Victoria Goodall of SAEON not only managed to join us for the whole Indibano but provided an excellent workshop on data management. She introduced us to the SAEON data management portal and gave us all helpful hints on managing our data as well as encouraging us to use the SAEON portal - an excellent facility that should be used by all those in long-term environmental research!

Impressive showcase of groundbreaking research

The highlight of the week was attending the SEAON Elwandle Node, ACEP and ACLME launch on 25 March. This proved to be an impressive event which showcased the amazing research that is being done around the country. The GSN was truly honoured to be included in the proceedings.

It is our sincere belief that all the GSN 2010 Indibano participants returned to their respective institutions highly inspired, and that they will spread the good news of the great work being done by SAEON and its GSN.

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