Organizers had so many speakers lining up for the May 4, 2012 mini colloquium being held by Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, Canada) and the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Electron Devices Society (EDS) they added a second day to be held on May 11, 2012.

The times, location, and agenda for the May 4, 2012 event, from the May 2012 issue of the IEEE Vancouver Contact newsletter p. 5,

8:00 – 17:00 IRMACS Theater (Rm10900) and Atrium, Applied Sciences Building, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada (http://www.irmacs.sfu.ca/about/visitors/getting-to-sfu)

Rationale: This [colloquium] attempts to draw experts from multiple areas of interest to EDS (http://eds.ieee.org/field-of-interest.html) to stimulate discussion in how all our areas can work together toward further integration of micro/nanosystems. In addition to individual lectures, a panel discussion at the end of the day will bring together the speakers with the audience to provide insight and lively discussion on the future of integrated micro/nanosystems.

Agenda

8.00 Light breakfast

8:30 MC opening by Prof. Norbert Haunerland, Associate Vice-President, Research

8.45 Distinguished Lecture #1: Juin Liou, “Outlook and Challenges in Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection of Modern and Future Integrated Circuits”

9:45 Invited Lecture #1: Bruce Darling, “High Temperature (0-250 C) On-Chip Temperature Sensors and Voltage References”

10:45 Coffee break

11:00 Distinguished Lecture #2: Meyya Meyyapapan, “Nanotechnology: Development of Practical Systems and Applications”

12:00 Invited Lecture #2: Karl Böhringer, “Heterogeneous Microsystem Integration with Self-Assembly”

13:00 Lunch break co-sponsored by SFU Faculty of Applied Sciences Dean’s Office

14:00 Distinguished Lecturer #3: Durga Misra, “High-K Dielectrics for Nanoscale CMOS Devices”

15:00 Invited Lecture #3: Mu Chiao, “”A Magnetically Controlled MEMS Drug Device”

16:00 Coffee break

16:15 Panel Discussion

16:55 Closing remarks and adjourn

The times, location, and agenda for the May 11, 2012 colloquium, from the May 2012 newsletter p. 11,

10:30 – 15:00 4D LABS, Seminar Room SSB 7172, South Sciences Building,

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada. …

10:30 Coffee and Snacks sponsored by 4-D Labs SFU, IEEE Electron Devices Society (EDS), School of Engineering Science

10:45 Special Talk Series Opening by Prof. John Jones, Director, School of Engineering Science

11:00 Invited Lecture #1: Prof. Vijay K. Varadan: Nano-Sensors. E-Bra. Printable Electronics and Smart Devices for Point Of Healthcare

11:50 Invited Lecture #2: Prof. Anja Boisen: Miniaturized cantilever-like sensors

12:40 Lunch break sponsored by IEEE Electron Devices Society (EDS), 4-D Labs SFU, School of Engineering Science Distinguished

13:30 Lecturer #3: Prof. Peter J. Hesketh: Microcantiliver Sensors Using Metal Organic Framework Films and Ultra-Low Micro-bridge Gas

14:20- 15:00 Discussions, Closing Remarks and Adjourn

The newsletter features more substantive descriptions of the topics and the speakers while the April 30, 2012 SFU news release features some comments from one of the organizers describing the event and who might be interested in attending,

Bonnie Gray, associate professor in SFU’s school of engineering science, says the colloquia will provide very applicable, every day information on nanotechnology’s real-world use.

“I can see all talks being of interest to people who want to know more about what the important considerations in the microchip technology are. [It] forms the basis for our entire electronics industry and the plethora of different sensors used in our everyday lives,” she says.

She adds that while many of the lectures will feature subjects of broad appeal (such as drug delivery and air quality monitoring), the final open panel discussion could have the widest audience appeal.

“I expect the talks to be most interesting to those in science and applied science, and some for health science, but I can see the panel especially being of interest to [those dealing with] technology policy, as well.”

If you do want to attend, I suggest contacting Bonnie Gray at bgray@sfu.ca  as I was not able to access  the event registration page on the Vancouver IEEE website.

Organizers had so many speakers lining up for the May 4, 2012 mini colloquium being held by Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, Canada) and the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Electron Devices Society (EDS) they added a second day to be held on May 11, 2012.

The times, location, and agenda for the May 4, 2012 event, from the May 2012 issue of the IEEE Vancouver Contact newsletter p. 5,

8:00 – 17:00 IRMACS Theater (Rm10900) and Atrium, Applied Sciences Building, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada (http://www.irmacs.sfu.ca/about/visitors/getting-to-sfu)

Rationale: This [colloquium] attempts to draw experts from multiple areas of interest to EDS (http://eds.ieee.org/field-of-interest.html) to stimulate discussion in how all our areas can work together toward further integration of micro/nanosystems. In addition to individual lectures, a panel discussion at the end of the day will bring together the speakers with the audience to provide insight and lively discussion on the future of integrated micro/nanosystems.

Agenda

8.00 Light breakfast

8:30 MC opening by Prof. Norbert Haunerland, Associate Vice-President, Research

8.45 Distinguished Lecture #1: Juin Liou, “Outlook and Challenges in Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection of Modern and Future Integrated Circuits”

9:45 Invited Lecture #1: Bruce Darling, “High Temperature (0-250 C) On-Chip Temperature Sensors and Voltage References”

10:45 Coffee break

11:00 Distinguished Lecture #2: Meyya Meyyapapan, “Nanotechnology: Development of Practical Systems and Applications”

12:00 Invited Lecture #2: Karl Böhringer, “Heterogeneous Microsystem Integration with Self-Assembly”

13:00 Lunch break co-sponsored by SFU Faculty of Applied Sciences Dean’s Office

14:00 Distinguished Lecturer #3: Durga Misra, “High-K Dielectrics for Nanoscale CMOS Devices”

15:00 Invited Lecture #3: Mu Chiao, “”A Magnetically Controlled MEMS Drug Device”

16:00 Coffee break

16:15 Panel Discussion

16:55 Closing remarks and adjourn

The times, location, and agenda for the May 11, 2012 colloquium, from the May 2012 newsletter p. 11,

10:30 – 15:00 4D LABS, Seminar Room SSB 7172, South Sciences Building,

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada. …

10:30 Coffee and Snacks sponsored by 4-D Labs SFU, IEEE Electron Devices Society (EDS), School of Engineering Science

10:45 Special Talk Series Opening by Prof. John Jones, Director, School of Engineering Science

11:00 Invited Lecture #1: Prof. Vijay K. Varadan: Nano-Sensors. E-Bra. Printable Electronics and Smart Devices for Point Of Healthcare

11:50 Invited Lecture #2: Prof. Anja Boisen: Miniaturized cantilever-like sensors

12:40 Lunch break sponsored by IEEE Electron Devices Society (EDS), 4-D Labs SFU, School of Engineering Science Distinguished

13:30 Lecturer #3: Prof. Peter J. Hesketh: Microcantiliver Sensors Using Metal Organic Framework Films and Ultra-Low Micro-bridge Gas

14:20- 15:00 Discussions, Closing Remarks and Adjourn

The newsletter features more substantive descriptions of the topics and the speakers while the April 30, 2012 SFU news release features some comments from one of the organizers describing the event and who might be interested in attending,

Bonnie Gray, associate professor in SFU’s school of engineering science, says the colloquia will provide very applicable, every day information on nanotechnology’s real-world use.

“I can see all talks being of interest to people who want to know more about what the important considerations in the microchip technology are. [It] forms the basis for our entire electronics industry and the plethora of different sensors used in our everyday lives,” she says.

She adds that while many of the lectures will feature subjects of broad appeal (such as drug delivery and air quality monitoring), the final open panel discussion could have the widest audience appeal.

“I expect the talks to be most interesting to those in science and applied science, and some for health science, but I can see the panel especially being of interest to [those dealing with] technology policy, as well.”

If you do want to attend, I suggest contacting Bonnie Gray at bgray@sfu.ca  as I was not able to access  the event registration page on the Vancouver IEEE website.

The Canadian 2012 federal budget was presented today (Mar.29.12) and so a discussion about creativity and economic opportunities seems à propos. I’ll start with Amsterdam (Holland/The Netherlands) and THNK. Neal Ungerleider, in his March 27, 2012 article titled, The THNK Tank: Why Amsterdam Wants Your (Creative) Brains, for Fast Company notes,

Amsterdam is embarking on an ambitious experiment to attract foreign creatives: An invite-only, public/private-funded school and accelerator for international creative minds, leaders, and entrepreneurs. THNK: The Amsterdam School of Creative Leadership opened several weeks ago with an initial class of 30 drawn from across Europe, the United States, China, India, Israel, Mauritius, and South Africa. Classes and mentoring at THNK are held both in Amsterdam–in a home base inside a converted gasworks–and via telecommuting once participants return to their home countries.

…

For Amsterdam, THNK is a slick business development project that simultaneously doubles as soft diplomacy. The thinkers and doers who will be joining in THNK’s activities will be connected with local entrepreneurs, artists, and firms–whom the city is doubtlessly hoping will be back in the future.

The partnership behind this initiative includes the Dutch federal government, the province of Noord-Holland, Stadsregio Amsterdam (a regional conglomeration of 16 municipalities in what is dubbed as the ‘Amsterdam region’, The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, and I amsterdam.

These organizations certainly seem to be modeling leadership. Here’s more about their initiative, from the About THNK page,

Of course the world is changing. That’s what it’s done since time began. Evolution is natural. Sometimes it happens slowly. And sometimes it rocks the world like a fiery volcano, suddenly transforming entire landscapes.

Our world has reached that point now. Social inequality, our love/hate relationship with technology, dwindling resources, climate change, the collapse of financial institutions…

Organizations of all types, shapes and sizes are struggling with this new reality. Some are so involved in daily operations – and keeping their heads above water – they are blind to the future. Others recognize the challenges around them, but lack vision.

THNK believes the answer is passionate, visionary and creative leadership.

Creative leadership according to THNK means: public, social and business worlds coming together to create and realize new and innovative solutions to major issues of societal relevance that will have great meaning and impact – either nationally or internationally.

This isn’t just about generating ideas. It’s also about making it happen.

About Amsterdam

…

Although our focus is international, THNK is firmly rooted in Amsterdam. We’ve made the Westergasfabriek our home. This 19th-century former gas factory has been transformed into one of the city’s most exciting cultural centers, with old industrial buildings now housing trendsetting cafes, cinema, festivals and other events. Not to mention the surrounding city parks – with everything from hidden waterways to bike paths reaching from the countryside to the heart of Amsterdam.

Thanks to its highly diverse culture – with more than 175 nationalities – and an inventive and tolerant mentality, Amsterdam has grown into an important international hub for creative thought and industry. The city’s unique DNA of creativity, tolerance, diversity, collaboration and trade is reflected in THNK’s highly pragmatic and open culture.

It’s not surprising that such diverse influences have brought forth such creativity. Three of our local scientists have been awarded Nobel prizes. Fashion designers Viktor & Rolf have wowed the world. Droog designer Marcel Wanders has changed the way we look at interior design. Architects such as Ben van Berkel are reshaping our skylines.

Amsterdam’s unique DNA of creativity, tolerance, diversity, collaboration and trade will be reflected in THNK’s highly pragmatic and open culture. Reaching beyond its borders, Amsterdam serves as a major gateway into continental Europe. With two major seaports within a 50-kilometer radius, strong international railroad connections and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol close by, you’re always close to anywhere in Europe and the world.

They do invite applications (perhaps the invite-only applications were a feature for the first cohort). You can get more information here or go here to apply immediately. The 18-month program costs  € 39,500 (approx. $52, 520 CAD) and there are periods when you are required to be in Amsterdam, so you may want to include some housing and travel costs as well.

Meanwhile in Vancouver (Canada), Simon Fraser University (SFU) is about to host BCreative 2012 from May 10 – 12, 2012. From the BCreactive 2012 conference/showcase About page,

… designed to bring together government, business, the creative sector, and researchers to stimulate thinking, policy, and action directed at developing a strategy and levering resources to further build the creative economy and to help British Columbia BC become a leader in the creative sector in the twenty-first century.

BCreative 2012 conference/showcase has four specific objectives:

To make the case for the creative economy to have a commanding presence in government economic and cultural policy;
To build bridges between the general business community and this new and dynamic business sector with distinctive infrastructure needs from which all British Columbians can benefit both socially and economically;
To encourage information sharing among the creative sub-sectors and to sensitize the creative sector to the contribution of the creative economy to job creation and overall economic growth;
To bring forward useful information, analysis, training, and research resources that can assist in building BC’s creative economy.

Speakers include the co-author of the two UN Creative Economy reports, Edna dos Santos-Duisenberg, creative cities theorist Charles Landry, Canada Council CEO Robert Sirman, representatives from creative cities: Berlin and Paris. Partners with Simon Fraser University in this enterprise include the BC Business Council and the Vancouver Board of Trade, with Tourism Vancouver helping behind the scenes.

There’s an early bird registration fee until March 31, 2012. You can find a copy of the schedule (presumably a draft) here.  I hope the participants will develop ideas as fresh and innovative as THNK.

BTW, I notice that Amsterdam’s THNK mentions scientists while the BCreative conference does not whether that omission reflects organizational difficulties or a blindspot is a mystery.

After a few fits and starts, the video of my March 15, 2012 presentation to the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars at Simon Fraser University has been uploaded to Vimeo. Unfortunately the original recording was fuzzy (camera issues) so we (camera operator, director, and editor, Sama Shodjai [samashodjai@gmail.com]) and I rerecorded the presentation and this second version is the one we’ve uploaded.

Whose Electric Brain? (Presentation) from Maryse de la Giroday on Vimeo.

I’ve come across a few errors; at one point, I refer to Buckminster Fuller as Buckminster Fullerene and I state that the opening image visualizes a neuron from someone with Parkinson’s disease, I should have said Huntingdon’s disease. Perhaps, you’ll come across more, please do let me know. If this should become a viral sensation (no doubt feeding a pent up demand for grey-haired women talking about memristors and brains), it’s important that corrections be added.

Finally, a big thank you to Mark Dwor who provides my introduction at the beginning, the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars whose grant made the video possible, and Simon Fraser University.

ETA March 29, 2012: This is an updated version of the presentation I was hoping to give at ISEA (International Symposium on Electronic Arts) 2011 in Istanbul. Sadly, I was never able to raise all of the funds I needed for that venture. The funds I raised separately from the CAIS grant are being held until I can find another suitable opportunity to present my work.

Lunchtime poetry readings are being held at Simon Fraser University at its Harbour Centre campus in Vancouver’s downtown core and this one on March 28, 2012 marks the beginning.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

lunch poems @sfu with poets Evelyn Lau and Daniela Elza

Time: Noon-1 pm

Place: The Teck Gallery, Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings

Cost: Free

Lunch poems @sfu is a new series of volunteer-run poetry readings held monthly, featuring well-known and new poets. This inaugural event features Evelyn Lau, current Vancouver Poet Laureate, and Daniela Elza.

Evelyn Lau was born in Vancouver in 1971 and is the author of five volumes of poetry, two works of non-fiction, two short story collections and a novel, with works translated into a dozen languages worldwide. She is at work on her sixth collection of poetry. She has received various awards for her work. Runaway: Diary of a Street Kid, published when she was only 18, was a Canadian bestseller and was made into a movie.

Daniela Elza’s work has been published in more than fifty literary and peer-reviewed publications and to date she has released more than 200 poems into the world. In 2011 Daniela received her doctorate in Philosophy of Education from Simon Fraser University.

Here’s a bit more about Poet Laureates in Vancouver, from  the City of Vancouver’s Poet Laureate page,

The Poet Laureate is an honorary position that was established by City Council in December 2006 to honour and celebrate the contribution of literature and poetry to life in Vancouver. The position is funded by a generous endowment established by Dr. Yosef Wosk, OBC [Order of British Columbia], in 2006.

George McWhirter, Professor Emeritus of UBC’s Creative Writing Program was named Vancouver’s first Poet Laureate on March 8, 2007. In 2009, McWhirter published the anthology A Verse Map of Vancouver with Anvil Press, which included upwards of 100 poets who mapped Vancouver’s verse geography.

Brad Cran, Vancouver’s second Poet Laureate, [completed] his term on October 22, 2011. He organized the Vancouver 125 Poetry Conference (October 19-22, 2011), a national gathering of a generation of poets who published their first book after 1990.

Evelyn Lau is Vancouver’s 3rd Poet Laureate. Here’s more from the City of Vancouver Oct. 14, 2011 news release announcing her appointment,

The City of Vancouver, in partnership with the Vancouver Public Library and the Vancouver International Writers Festival, is proud to announce celebrated local poet and author Evelyn Lau as Vancouver’s third Poet Laureate.

…

Ms. Lau plans to raise the profile of local poets and bring poetry into public spaces and public discourse, continuing the work her predecessor. She will also meet with aspiring poets in the community through a series of poet-in-residence consultations and continue to work on her sixth collection of poetry.

….

Runaway: Diary of a Street Kid, published when she was 18, was a Canadian bestseller and was made into a movie. You Are Not Who You Claim won the Milton Acorn People’s Poetry Award, and Oedipal Dreams was nominated for the Governor-General’s Award for poetry. Her poems have been included in Best American Poetry and Best Canadian Poetry and received a National Magazine Award. Her most recent collection, Living Under Plastic, won the Pat Lowther Award for best book of poetry by a woman in Canada.