Pre-conference Workshops

All workshops are FREE and in-person only. Click here to register for Preconference Workshop

#1: Editor’s guide to successful publishing

Section Format:  Physical

Organizer (s): PD Dr. Luis Inostroza – Associate Editor - Ecosystem Services

Primary contact: luis.inostroza@mendelu.cz    

Description 

How can you increase your chances to get your manuscript published? Writing a scientific article is complex and demanding. It can be also frustrating. Many times is difficult to find a successful path toward publication. Indeed, the scientific publishing ecosystem is complex and can be overwhelming when you are starting your academic career. The aim of this workshop is to discuss with young scholars about key publishing aspects from the editorial point of view, to help a successful publication process. The workshop will be interactive. Using Mentimeter (www.mentimeter.com), we will induce a structured discussion along the reviewer’s and the editor’s points of view. These two different angles may help to better understand and manage a manuscript to pass the screening of experts. The workshop is designed to be practical, providing guidelines for good practices and effective recommendations, as well as highlighting common errors and misunderstandings in the publishing process to be avoided. 

Goals and objectives of the webinar

• The editorial process: getting along with the gatekeeper 
  • What’s the role of the editor? 

  • The editor’s understanding of a manuscript 

  • The cover letter, does it matter? 

  • Avoiding common mistakes 

• Academic publishing: Actors and Roles

• Desk Rejection? - most common reasons

• The gold conditions to make an editor happy
  • A strong manuscript – 6 golden points 

  • An easy-to-handle submission

  • HANDLING REVISIONS How to revise your paper

Planned output / Deliverables

The workshop will provide guidelines to help in a successful publication process in scientific journals. 

Intended audience: PhD students, Early career researchers, young academics and anyone interested to improve their understanding of the publishing process

Duration:: 2 Hours 

Presentation Tools: Laptop, power point, internet connection (mentimeter)

Requirements of participants:: be connected to the internet 

Participants: 20 to 25 

Date: July 09, 2023 (10:00am -am 12:00pm hours)

Cost: FREE (Contact organizers)

#2: Mentoring and Networking: Building your support network for a successful career in landscape ecology

Section Format:  Physical

Organizer(s): Presenters: The IALE Diversity and Inclusion Committee: Amy Frazier - Arizona State University (USA); Jennifer Costanza (Committee Chair, USA); Dolors Armenteras (Colombia); Monika Egerer (Germany); Sima Fakheran (Iran); Sarah Gergel (Canada); Somayeh Mohammadi Hamidi (Germany); Anita Morzillo (USA); Joy Obando (Kenya); Marketa Santruckova (Czechia); Robert Scheller (USA, IALE President)

Primary contact: Amy.Frazier@asu.edu

Description:

Finding a mentor can be intimidating, especially when you are early in your career. Research has shown that people who are in successful mentoring relationships often experience higher rates of career satisfaction, increased chances for promotion, and even high monetary compensation. People who are involved in mentoring relationships feel more personal connection to the mission, values, and culture of their workplace and often report more certainty and positivity about their future within an organization. Similarly, networking is among the most important skills that is almost never taught in school and is also an important aspect for successful science diplomacy. A strong network can help you succeed across the many different facets of your professional life.

This workshop will explore why mentoring and networking matter, how to find and connect with a mentor, and what the roles, responsibilities, and expectations are for both the mentor and mentee. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to begin building their own mentoring networks, and small group discussions about the challenges of finding and connecting with mentors. At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to: implement strategies to find and connect with a mentor, understand core mentoring skills for mentors and mentees, and recognize and emulate effective allies who are championing a more equal workplace.

Intended audience: students, early and mid-career professionals   
Duration: 2.5 Hours    
Presentation Tools: Laptop, screen, power point, internet connection   
Requirements of participants: No requirements   
Participants: 20 to 25    
Date: July 09, 2023 (2:50-6:00pm 

Cost: FREE (Contact organizers)

#3: Spatial Scaling of Categorical Data

Section Format: Physical

Organizer(s): Daniel Gann -Florida International University, USA

Primary contact:  gannd@fiu.edu

Description:

Land-cover class definitions are scale dependent. Up-scaling of categorical data must account for that scale dependence but applying most scaling algorithms for categorical data (e.g., majority rule, nearest neighbour) assumes the validity of the classification system at the lower resolution regardless of the scale factor and leads to high and uncontrolled loss of information in the scaled dataset.

This workshop will demonstrate why it is important to consider information loss and how to quantify it. Participants will then be introduced to multi-dimensional grid-point (MDGP) scaling (Gann 2019, https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.13301), a new scaling algorithm that accounts for the scale dependence of classification systems as data are spatially aggregated. This algorithm aggregates categorical data while simultaneously controlling for information loss and generating a non‐hierarchical, representative, classification system for the aggregated scale.

The hands-on component of this course introduces a new R package for landscape scaling of categorical data. The algorithm evaluates information retention and class representativeness of scaled classification systems while aggregating spatial data. Applications of the scaling algorithm will be presented with examples in vegetation and ecosystems ecology.

Course Objectives

The participants of the workshop will

• Understand the complexity of spatial aggregation and scaling of categorical data

• Learn how to evaluate the loss of information when scaling categorical data 

• Evaluate tradeoffs of class detail, class representativeness, and detection accuracy of classes from multi-spectral medium-resolution satellite data to optimize parameter selection for multi-dimensional grid point scaling.

Course Outline

Intended audience: Students, Professionals interested in spatial data scaling methods

Duration: 5-6 Hours

Presentation Tools: Laptop, Internet access (to download and install R packages), 

Requirements of participants: Basic knowledge of R scripting and remote sensing; personal laptop with R (> 4.2.0) installed. Required packages and exercise data packages will be installed during the workshop 

No. of Participants: 20

Date: July 09, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Cost: FREE (Contact organizers)

#4: Hierarchical models of species distribution

Section Format: In-Person 

Sub-themes: Drivers of landscape change and sustainability at multiple scales (7); Ecological sustainability in urban landscapes and smart cities (8)

Organizer(s): Tammy L. Wilson (in person) - Assistant Unit Leader, U.S. Geological Survey, Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and wildlife Research Unit at the University of Massachusetts, Alexej Sirén (remote) - Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Vermont

Primary contact: tammywilson@umass.edu   

Description

Hierarchical models flexible tools that are extremely useful for species distribution modelling given presence-absence and count data. The framework we present is an accessible overview of hierarchical modelling types useful for evaluating single-species distribution, multi-species distribution, and models of species abundance. We use simulation to help students fully grasp model structure and fit models with base R and the R package Unmarked. We will first give an overview of monitoring data types and how these data types can be leveraged in the hierarchical framework. We then discuss imperfect detection and explore how and why it might be important to model it explicitly. We then introduce a single species occupancy model and use data simulation to understand how inference could be impacted if imperfect detection were ignored. We extend this basic model to multiple species, and models of abundance using simple count data. This course is aimed at students, practitioners, and early career professionals. Basic working knowledge of R, and familiarity with generalised linear models is assumed, but knowledge of advanced statistics or Bayesian inference is not necessary. The course is divided into four modules:

Module 1 Introduction. In this module we review concepts that are important for applying species distribution models to studies of species distributions.

• Lecture
  • We will discuss how and why considering sampling design is an important step for studies of species distribution and the data types needed for the models we will fit. 

  • We will then review the basic framework of logistic regression which has been a workhorse for fitting species distribution models for decades. 

  • Finally, we introduce the concept of imperfect detection and demonstrate how ignoring it can affect inference from species distribution models.

• Exercise
  • We will simulate our first prediction dataset and fit a standard logistic regression, produce predictions, and run standard goodness of fit tests on a separate evaluation dataset.

  • We will then simulate the imperfect detection, repeating the predictions and goodness of fit tests. Students will have several minutes to “play” with the simulated parameters to see when and how imperfect detection changes inference and diagnostics. 

Break

Module 2: Fitting single-species Occupancy Models. We introduce the single-species occupancy model, the simplest hierarchical model for estimating and predicting species distributions.

• Lecture
  • We will discuss how hierarchical models are built and introduce the concept of observation and process models. 

  • We will introduce occupancy models as a general framework, including background, motivation, and assumptions.

  • We will discuss model evaluation and how to choose amongst competing models based on study objectives.

  • We will show how to generate a predictive species distribution map using covariates from a model (e.g., elevation).

• Exercise
  • We will fit the occupancy model to the dataset we created in the previous exercise and run all diagnostic tests. 

  • We will simulate a more-complex dataset whereby detection depends on observation-dependent covariates.

  • Students will have time to play with the simulation parameters to get a feel for how the model works.

Lunch

Module 3: Extensions of the occupancy model: We discuss more advanced versions of the single species model (space for time substitution and multi-season dynamics)

• Lecture
  • Can you still estimate detection without temporal replicates? The space for time substitution.

  • We will discuss how to conduct monitoring with occupancy, including analyses of trend and dynamics.

• Exercise
  • We will simulate multiple years and fit models for trend, and then relax the closure assumption to model dynamics.

  • Students will play with simulation parameters.

Break

Module 4: N-mixture and models of abundance: In this module, we demonstrate how to jointly account for detection and abundance for count data.

• Lecture
  • Abundance is often a goal for monitoring and management but count data has limited utility unless imperfect detection is explicitly modelled. We will leverage the inherent relationship between abundance and occupancy to fit a class of abundance models called N-mixture models. 

  • We will discuss assumptions and limitations, including when and how the model may be useful for management.

• Exercise
  • We will simulate a dataset and simulate a simple N-mixture model.

  • We will map predicted abundance and conduct standard goodness of fit tests.

  • Students will play with simulation parameters.

Diversity Statement: We recognize that biodiversity conservation cannot be successful without welcoming the creative intelligence of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. We acknowledge the troubled history of science and conservation that comes from colonialism and has caused trauma for people throughout the world. Although we cannot change the past, we can move forward together with both eyes open with a commitment to correct injustices. The workshop instructors are thus committed to promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants. We welcome students and practitioners from diverse backgrounds and cultures. To remove barriers that may limit inclusion, we seek to minimise the cost of the workshop for students and early-career professionals. To make the workshop as accessible as possible, we are using open-source software that is free and available to all. We also propose to offer a synchronous remote option to participants who may not be able to attend in person. Finally, we will provide all workshop materials freely to participants, and other interested parties that may be unable to attend the conference.

Room Setup and AV Requirements: I would like a classroom with tables and chairs (not a lecture hall) with outlets available for participants’ own computers. The room should have a screen and a projector, including HDMI and USB-C cables. A fast internet connection, a camera and microphone system (e.g., owl), will be necessary for streaming content to remote participants.

Intended audience: Graduate Students, Post-docs, Faculty, and Professionals with an interest in species distribution models using presence-absence data (such as obtained with remote cameras). Please bring your laptop!

Duration: 8 hours Beginning at 9:00 AM. Breaks will be given between modules and for lunch.

Presentation Tools: Content will be displayed on screen and through Zoom. Slides, worksheets, code, and other materials will be emailed to participants.

Requirements of participants:  Basic knowledge of R and statistics through generalised linear modelling (e.g., logistic regression).

No. of Participants: 20 to 25 

Date: July 09, 2023 (8:00am -am 4:00pm hours)

Cost: FREE (Contact organizers)

#5: Capacity Building in Emerging Geospatial Technologies for Earth Observation Data Analyses for Climate Change and Ecosystem Resilience in Africa

Section Format: Physical

Organizer (s): 

Jane Bemigisha - ESIPPS International Ltd/Gender, Climate Change and Agriculture in Africa Research Institute, Uganda,   
Henry Bulley - BMCC, City University of New York, USA   
Julius Gichohi - Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development, Nairobi, Kenya   
Elfatih Abdel-Rahman - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya   
Simon Onywere - Dept. of Spatial & Environmental Planning, Kenyatta University   
Meshack Kinyua Ndiritu - GMES & Africa Support Program, & Space, African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 

Primary contact: bemigisha@yahoo.co.uk, bemigishajr@gmail.com 

Description:

The last decade has seen increased focus on integrating Landscape Ecology principles and Geospatial Science techniques to assess landscape change dynamics and resilience of ecosystem services in African Countries.   Landscape ecology principles such as scale and heterogeneity are vital for effective analyses and modelling of land use dynamics, and how these affect the provisioning of ecosystem services.  Current developments in Earth Observation systems have also resulted in rapid increase in the volume of available geospatial data that are often dissimilar, dynamic, and dispersed. This is underscored by the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063 Flagship African Outer Space Programme.  The quest to effectively utilize these disparate multisensor and multiscale data have also led to an increase in synergies between Geospatial computing and Big Data analytics.  In particular, Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) and Machine Learning (ML) have become vital tools for geospatial data management, processing via multi-sensor and multiscale data fusion, analyses, modelling, and visualization to improve environmental planning and decision making.   This workshop is aimed at developing the capacity of scientists from African countries to take advantage of improvements in (GeoAI) and Machine Learning (ML) in their work.  That said, we intend to reserve about 60 percent of participation to African women scientists.

Target participants - African Scientists and Graduate Students (60% will be women). This activity targets African scientists, with particular focus on young and early-career women professionals, and graduate students with interest in the utility of Earth Observation and emerging geospatial technology. Participants are expected to have some skills relevant to GIScience, including Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems, Earth Observation data analysis, and basic computer programming, as well as thematic expertise in areas such as landscape ecology, ecosystems, biodiversity, agriculture, climate, energy, forestry, environment, and natural resources.  

Participants will learn about how to access various EO and geoinformation resources and platforms and platforms that offer free accessible data and information resources thus affording unique opportunities for long term Capacity Building in Emerging Geospatial Technologies for Earth Observation Data Analyses for Climate Change and Ecosystem Resilience.

Complimentary IALE 2023 Symposium. We also plan to host a Symposium on “Emerging Geospatial Technologies for Earth Observation Data Analyses for Climate Change and Ecosystem Resilience” during the IALE 2023 World Congress that will immediately follow the workshop. The symposium will bring together research presentations from different parts of the world and will give the workshop participants who stay during the conference additional insights as well as broader learning opportunities (Sub ID 3).

Workshop & IALE 2023 participation: 

• Pre-conference Training Workshop:    

• IALE 2023 World Congress participation: 10th – 15th, July 2023 

Intended audience: African Scientists and Graduate Students (60% will be women)

Duration: 3-day workshop

Presentation Tools:  Laptop, Internet access 

Requirements of participants: Knowledge of Geospatial analysis software

No. of Participants: up to 30

Date: July 09, 2023 (8:00am -am 4:00pm hours)

Cost: FREE (Contact organizers)

#6: Developing a Strategy for Writing Papers & Research Outputs 

Section Format: Physical

Sub-Theme: Drivers of landscape change and sustainability at multiple scales

Organizer(s):

• Merham Keleg - Ain Shams University, Egypt; Landscape Research Group, United Kingdom

• Maggie Roe - Newcastle University - Landscape Research Group, United Kingdom

• Tim Waterman - University College London - Landscape Research Group, United Kingdom

• Emma Waterton - University of York - Landscape Research Group, United Kingdom

• Vanesa Castan Broto - The University of Sheffield – Landscape Research Group, United Kingdom

Primary contact: merhamkeleg@eng.asu.edu.eg    

Description:

Session Aim: A hands on capacity building workshop for graduate students and early career researchers for ‘writing and submitting articles to scientific journals- Landscape Research Journal as a case study. The workshop session is based around sharing knowledge and understandings of written outputs from research.  The session will examine key issues to overcome and provide opportunities to discuss the development of skills and strategies for improving your writing skills and output strategy.

Each participant should

Be prepared to talk about their work, to discuss their writing & formulate questions about the issues they may be having or those that are being discussed

Bring a short Description based around a piece of writing they are currently working on, or wish to work on.

Expected outcomes: the overall aim of the workshop is to familiarise the graduate students and early career researchers with the publishing process which shall be achieved through discussing these topics

• How to select the ‘right’ journal

• ‘What to do and what not to do’ while publishing your paper

• Tips and tricks for successful article writing/structuring

• Inclusive Practices: Language and Writing guidelines.

• Types of articles in Landscape Research Journal – differences and aims

• Better understanding of: 

• how a high-quality piece of writing is judged

• how to improve individual research-related writing

• Tips and tricks for handling the reviewing process (how to reply to reviewers – how to tackle their reviews)

• How to handle papers’ rejection

• ‘Open access’ restrictions and benefits

• Language copy-editing

• Introducing participants to commissioned papers

Intended audience: Graduate students, Doctoral students and early career researchers?   Others by request

Duration: Half-day workshop

Presentation Tools: Flipcharts, projector, Digital presentation tools, felt pens, stickies

Flat classroom with small tables and chairs (rather than tiered lecture hall) - video conference or possibility of holding some online talks with other workshop organisers who will not be able to make it (screen, internet connection, speakers and microphones)

Requirements of participants:  

Be prepared to work in small groups and discuss their own work. 

1. Be prepared to talk about their work, to discuss their writing & formulate questions about the issues they may be having or those that are being discussed

2. Bring a short Description based around a piece of writing they are currently working on, or wish to work on – a detailed brief for this will be provided once they have registered

No. of Participants: 20 to 25 

Date: Thursday July 13, 2023 (1: - 5:00pm) - @ RCMRD

Cost: FREE (Contact organizers)

#7: Skills, infrastructure and equitability issues for landscape-scale ecological research in developing countries

Section Format: Physical

Sub-Theme:  

Organizer(s):

Martin Wilkes, University of Essex, UK;   
James Jumbe, Joy Obando, Mary Makokha, Francis Kariuki, Anthony Macharia, Anthony Kebira, Fredrick Maloba, Jacinter Amadi, Rebecca Karanja, Thomas Kibutu, and Raphael Kweyu, (Kenyatta University, Kenya).

Primary contact: m.wilkes@essex.ac.uk    
Description:

This workshop will focus on identifying strategies for building capacity in landscape-scale ecological research in developing countries. Participants will assess existing research infrastructure and the research skill base, identify areas that require investment in equipment and training, and discuss the equitability of access to career development opportunities regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, and career stage.

The workshop aims to help participants understand how to build capacity for landscape-scale ecological research by addressing skills, infrastructure, and equitability issues. Through the sharing of knowledge and experiences, participants will enhance their awareness of these issues, enabling them to support sustainable development, social welfare, and the resolution of complex social-ecological challenges.

Intended audience: African scientists and students; participants from, or with experience of working in, low- and middle-income countries.

No. of Participants: 20 to 25 

Date: July 13, 2023 (1: - 5:00pm) - @ Kenyatta University 

Cost: FREE (Contact organizers)