We have the following keynote speakers confirmed:
Dr Lucy Hawkes, Senior Lecturer in Ecological Physiology (University of Exeter)
The study of animal migration has evolved since 1979 and now uses a range of approaches, including ‘biologging’ – the use of electronic tracking devices to follow the movements, and to make energetic inferences about, migratory animals. Biologging has provided unparalleled insights into the extraordinary performances of a huge range of animals, and this talk will outline some of the exciting new frontiers for study. This talk will also document how biologging has been used in the study of marine turtles, sharks and birds, to enhance biological understanding and influence conservation policy, but will also outline how an exciting career can be shaped around the use of these technologies. The talk will also highlight some of the pitfalls and highlights of a career in biology today.
Professor Marcus Munafò, Professor of Biological Psychology, University of Bristol
“Scientific ecosystems and research reproducibility”
There is growing interest in the extent to which distortions of scientific best practice increase the likelihood that published research findings are false. A range of systemic problems within science may contribute to this, such as flexibility in the analysis of data, selective reporting of study results, publication bias against null results, influence of vested (e.g., financial) interests, and distorted incentive structures. Several opportunities exist for improving the situation, including adjusting the incentive structures within which scientists operate, improving statistical and methodological training of scientists, encouraging collaboration and independent review of study designs, and promoting open science through the pre-registration of study protocols, open data and sharing of materials. Ultimately, this will serve to maximize the scientific value of research.
Frontiers in Natural Environment Research 