FAQs
What is “GeoConvergence”?
The GeoConvergence Workshop hosted by the American Geographical Society is an NSF Convergence Accelerator event. It is intended to “blue sky” the ways in which so many diverse fields of endeavor have been transforming - and will continue to transform - through their absorption of, adaptation to, and innovative contributions to geospatial and location technologies of all kinds. This complex and uncertain process has led to a convergence (or GeoConvergence) of sorts, where space and time (x,y,z&t) have become the key organizing principle across so many academic disciplines, fields of application, professions, and public sector missions. Not that long ago, this GeoConvergence was not imaginable to many, but now we are collectively grappling with this fast approaching future, its many implications, and the barriers to achieving our collective goals through GeoConvergence. This workshop will help our diverse global community better understand the social and ethical implications of the GeoConvergence, while also helping to identify the science, technology, social, and policy investments that need to be made if we are to overcome barriers of collaboration, and fully realize the benefits of the GeoConvergence. The workshop aims to brainstorm the next major innovations and collaborations needed to accelerate the GeoConvergence forward. The success of this workshop may lead to a significant investment from the National Science Foundation for geospatial research and innovation. Past topics have received investments of more than $50M.
What is the agenda and who is speaking?
The workshop will take place May 18 - 20, 2021. The workshop will feature a mix of plenary speakers, panels, lightning talks, and brainstorming sessions. The agenda is still being finalized, so please continue to follow our website for updates. If you would like to speak or want to nominate a “big thinker” to speak, please let us know!
Who should participate?
We welcome all stakeholders in the GeoConvergence including those who work in and around "geo", those who see “geo” playing a role in the transformation of their own field of endeavor, and those who are simply “geo-curious”. We welcome researchers, private sector innovators and practitioners, foundation program officers, non-profit leaders and social entrepreneurs, educators, students, public sector (federal, state, local) and military leaders. We also encourage participants from all fields who would like to join forces to overcome the barriers to accelerating the GeoConvergence.
I’m not sure my work is related to “GeoConvergence,” but I am interested in learning more. Should I register?
Yes. The workshop will benefit from the broadest intersection of perspectives and lived experiences. The GeoConvergence is coming to touch everything and everyone, and your perspectives on potential real-world impacts are of great value to the National Science Foundation. Participants from disciplines and industries outside of geography and geospatial sciences are encouraged to attend to both learn about and to contribute to our understanding about the power and promise of the GeoConvergence - to foster collaboration, and catalyze innovation.
Are there eligibility criteria in terms of past or concurrent NSF funding?
No. There are no eligibility requirements in terms of past or concurrent NSF funding; the focus is on convergence, acceleration, and impact.
Is there a registration fee?
No. The conference is NSF-sponsored and free to attend.
How can I participate?
Please register to attend the workshop here.
May 18: Attend public presentations and plenaries.
May 19: Join interactive workshops (indicate interest using registration link).
May 20: Attend public debrief of workshop content.
We are also offering the opportunity for you to join the program to present a Lightning Talk. Lightning Talks should run no longer than 5 minutes and expected to "blue sky" challenges facing GeoConvergence (lack of collaboration, technical/data limitations, ethical considerations, etc.), emerging solutions that can be used to address these problems (information sharing, innovation networks, community outreach and education), and/or ongoing efforts by researchers, industry, foundations, or government agencies. If you are interested in and willing to participate as a speaker, please share your suggested presentation topic on the registration form.