NOTICE: As part of NASA's response to the federal budget sequester, the Venus Colloquium Series activities have been placed on hold until further notice. Requests for presenters, and applications to be a presenter, will be logged and every attempt will be made to fulfill these requests after the hold is lifted. Questions, and concerns about how this affects your plans, either as a presenter or potential host, may be addressed to the Series administrator, Tommy Thompson at twthompson@jpl.nasa.gov.

Purpose

The Venus Colloquium Series is a program of visits by planetary scientists to university campuses and research institutions, and is designed to raise awareness of current research in solar system science at the college level.

Participation is open to two- and four-year undergraduate colleges, and to research institutions throughout the United States. The Series is specially designed for host institutions that have planetary science research programs and the commitment to make the necessary local arrangements.

Benefits

Venus Colloquium Series events will contribute to the host institution's academic program and intellectual environment in different ways. Presenters are scheduled to give a research colloquium or seminar presentation primarily for the professional / academic science community. They are encouraged to address the needs of the next generation of scientists (graduate students, interns, and undergraduates). They are also encouraged to give an additional, more general presentation that is free and open to the general public.

These presentations are expected to be on a range of topics, including, geology, geophysics, composition, atmospheres, spectroscopy, surface chemistry, volcanism, science instrumentation, and technological advances.

Other interactions that raise awareness about outer solar system science can be conducted as part of the visit. These may include guest teaching a class, interacting informally with students and faculty, visiting local precollege campuses, or other outreach opportunities.

Travel Expenses / Support

This Colloquium Series will cover the presenter's travel expenses only. The host institution does not provide a salary or honorarium for the speaker.

Application

To apply for a Venus Colloquium Series visit, please fill out the online request form. Please be sure to note your preferred presenter and range of dates. Please plan at least three months ahead. You will be notified once the application is received and processed. The schedule of activities is arranged directly by the host institution with the visiting presenter, in collaboration with the Venus Colloquium Series coordinator.