Overview

One of the most transformative moments an early career scientist can experience is their first conference presentation of their research.  The Annual Ontario Biology Day conference is a two-day conference that brings together 4^th year students from across Ontario to present the results of their honours (thesis) research project. Donations will help offset the costs associated with attending as student delegates, ensuring this opportunity is more financially accessible. This conference spans the biological sciences from molecules and cells, to ecology, evolution and animal behaviour. This conference is a showcase of the talent and hard work of the top undergraduate students across Ontario.  Carleton University will host the 37^th annual Ontario Biology Day conference this coming March 22^nd and 23^rd. We are expecting to host between 200 and 250 delegates.  We seek support to make this a rewarding and memorable event for Carleton University, and showcase our excellence to participants from across the province.

The Background

The annual Ontario Biology Day conference was last hosted by Carleton in 2015.  It’s our time to shine again.  Since its inaugural debut, conference attendance has increased each year which is testament to the importance of biological research in our modern world and the enthusiasm and passion undergraduates show.  Students from universities across Ontario are invited.  The quality and diversity of research presented each year is remarkable.

This conference is unique.  Unlike conferences associated with scientific societies and organizations, this conference is intentionally broad in scope.  The conference presenters are all undergraduate students currently completing, or having recently completed their undergraduate thesis (capstone) work at their home university.  The conference, naturally, is not only about students presenting their work.  Equally important are talks presented by influential, established scientists.  These plenary talks are less about experimental detail, and more about inspiring students to further their careers.  These talks often focus on the human side of scientific inquiry.  We’ve had talks from industry leaders, astronauts, science journalists and communicators,  and renowned naturalists, conservationists and educators.

This conference is the first experience many of the students have at presenting their work to a broad audience at a scientific conference.  As such, we endeavour to make their first experience a positive one with constructive feedback and encouragement.

The Rollout

Donations to Ontario Biology Day Support Fund will support undergraduate thesis research.

Of paramount importance to us is keeping the cost of attending as low as possible for undergraduate student delegates.  Donations will greatly reduce their registration fees.

Conferences necessarily incur expenses and monies raised will be used to pay for fees for the conference venue, for food and beverage services at breaks between talks, and for equipment rental.  Donations will also be used to offset the cost of the Saturday evening social event which traditionally has included a modest meal.  Donations will not be used to pay speaker honoraria; Speakers, recognizing the value of this experience to early career scientists, are generous with their time and expertise.

Many of the projects presented will, if not already, be submitted for publications in scientific journals.  Many of the students will also go forward by presenting their work at more formal, specific, conferences.

The Impact

A donation will make a direct impact on student experience and learning.  Scientific conference presentations are moments of peer-to-peer interaction, pride and deserved recognition for hard work and achievement.  This experiential learning opportunity empowers students and fuels enthusiasm.

This opportunity brings the best students from across Ontario to Carleton University, and our city; the nation’s capital and hub for government, science and innovation, at a time when students are considering future graduate studies and scientific opportunities.

Financial support means deserving students with limited financial resources will have opportunities to present their scientific achievements.  These students will be our next leaders and decision makers and will shape the direction of science in Canada via positions in industry, academia and government.

All donations are immensely appreciated as this conference is only possible with financial support.

Donors, at your option, will be listed in the conference program published on the conference web site and in the printed program.