Think tank proposals call

VCCCAR is seeking expressions of interest from Victorian academic institutions to coordinate think tanks in the period from July 2010 to June 2011. The focus of proposals should be on climate change adaptation or the interaction and integration of adaptation and mitigation.

The following regions have been identified VCCCAR’s Implementation Committee as priorities for 2010-11 based on current knowledge of climate impacts and adaptation options: Gippsland, Sunraysia and North and North East Victoria.

The following topic areas have emerged as priorities through discussions with government, the Centre’s inaugural Annual Forum or the Horsham think tank:

• Future landscapes under climate change
• Communicating climate change impacts and adaptation responses
• Approaches to assessing vulnerability to climate change (in ecosystems, communities or industries)
• Building regional capacity for climate change adaptation
• Adaptation opportunities under climate change
• Climate change and public assets (eg. housing, schools, hospitals).

Up to $10,000 is available to support each think tank. If you have a good idea for a think tank that fits with these priorities or other general objectives of the Centre please present a submission.

Please submit your EOI by 2 July 2010 using the attached pro forma. Submissions should be submitted by email to VCCCAR at enquiries-vcccar@unimelb.edu.au. Enquiries can also be directed to this email. Additional Information regarding think tanks and how to complete a submission can be found in the template document. Applicants will be advised out the outcome of the call for submissions by the end of July. The first think tank, organised by the University of Ballarat, was held in Horsham in April 2010. Details of upcoming think tanks on adaptation learning and climate change and health in the regions (both to be held in July) can also be found on the VCCCAR website. A think tank on climate change and infrastructure will be held later in this year.

A copy of the pro forma can be downloading by clicking here or the link at the foot of the page.