A Solvathon is a small workshop-style gathering of academics and decision-makers from industry, government, or NGOs. Solvathon may be oriented towards synthesis of existing scientific knowledge (e.g., a synthesis of current knowledge on biodiversity-ecosystem service relationships or the role of blue and green space in urban human well-being), or towards improving policy and decision-making in a particular arena.
Lead by a team of Bieler jointly appointed faculty (JAF) or Bieler Associate Members, participants will gather in Bieler School of Environment sponsored Solvathon to address a critical and topical environmental issue.
The Bieler School will help Solvathon leaders issue invitations, track acceptances, book hotels and space for the event, organize catering and meals, and help participants organize travel.
Every Bieler School Solvathon must be followed by a public-facing event to share the results and generate further ideas and insights. In many cases, this event will be held immediately following the Solvathon to take advantage of the presence of those who have traveled to attend.
Solvathon leaders are expected to work with the Bieler School Communications Officer to attract attention to the Solvathon and its public-facing event, such as through McGill audience outlets, social media, short videos featuring Solvathon highlights, or Bieler School-led webcasts.
Solvathon leaders must write a short (one-page) report of results that explains the goal of the Solvathon, the attendees and process, and briefly summarizes successes and challenges.
The application must include one or two Bieler JAF as leading partners. Bieler JAF must be “mission critical” to the Solvathon; proposals that are merely an extension of one professor’s existing research are discouraged.
Submit the following materials as a single PDF file:
- A two-page (maximum) proposal that discusses the problem you are trying to solve or issue you want to address and how it fits with one or more of the Bieler School Themes; and that outlines the event you plan to hold, including who will participate and why
- A draft Solvathon agenda
- A list of invitees (name and position) that clearly indicates which invitees are confirmed
- A list of anticipated outcomes and products, including a mandatory public-facing event
- A proposed budget (maximum $50,000).
Solvathon events are to be held within 6 months of receiving notice that the proposal has been funded.
How are proposals reviewed?
Proposals will be reviewed by the Bieler School Committee and evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Led by at least two Bieler JAF, each of whom is essential to the proposed working group.
- Fit with at least one of the Bieler School themes
- Expected success, as indicated by
- an agenda matches the stated Solvathon goals,
- a participant list that matches to Solvathon goals, and the proportion of confirmed participants,
- clear plan for products, including public-facing Bieler School branded products that serve as knowledge mobilization
- reasonable budget within program constraints