Discussion meetings

We offer a programme of shorter discussion meetings organized on similar lines to the symposia but without an obligate publication. These meetings usually last one day, with much of the time being allocated to unrecorded discussion. They allow new ideas to be debated or controversial issues to be explored in an informal atmosphere without any pressure to publish. The range of subjects is wider than for the symposia and up to c. 20 per year can be included in the calendar. A number of these meetings are organized in collaboration with outside bodies, particularly The Royal Society. Like symposia, discussion meetings can be initiated by proposals from scientists.

The meetings are organized by the Deputy Director, who works in conjunction with the proposer (or The Royal Society, as appropriate) to select the participants. Speakers are invited from the UK or from further afield. They are offered assistance with travelling expenses and, where needed, free accommodation at the Foundation.