This virtual Zoom workshop aims at discussing the transition to a sustainable future in the field of high-energy physics (HEP), in particular, changes in our travel culture, based on some of the crucial lessons we learned during 2020: Online formats can be a viable alternative to traditional in-person meetings and enable broader participation and inclusion of previously underrepresented groups of researchers. At the same time, efficient communication and networking can be challenging in online formats. The workshop will therefore bring together various perspectives to develop a balanced and deliberate approach to our post-pandemic travel culture and its connection to the questions of climate action, sustainability, and social justice. The workshop will take place from 3 to 7 pm CEST on Monday through Wednesday. The program will consist of impulse talks, panel discussions, input and discussion sessions, and asynchronous flash talks accompanied by a discussion forum on Mattermost: mattermost.web.cern.ch/sustainable-hep. All talks will be recorded and made available to the participants for the duration of the workshop, so as to allow for participation from all time zones.
Call for contributions: If you wish to contribute to the workshop, we invite you to submit a Flash Talk (please tick the corresponding box in the registration form and submit an abstract for your talk on the Call for Abstracts page): Flash Talks are pre-recorded, up to 5 minutes long, can be created in teams, will be pre-watched by the participants, and allow you to tell us about: a) your thoughts on "sustainable HEP" in general and b) your experience with online formats in the past in particular. Flash talks will be made available to the participants one week before the workshop. As a flash talk speaker, you will get your own virtual guest office in our Mattermost discussion forum as well as some dedicated space in a virtual conference space, where you can discuss with the other participants.
Update (17 May 2021): The deadline for abstract submission had been extended to 21 May 2021.
Impulse talks:
Mon, 28/6: Kenneth Hiltner (English and Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara)
Tue, 29/6: Ambreena Manji (School of Law and Politics, Cardiff University and All European Academies)
Tue, 29/6: Alice Gathoni (British Institute in Eastern Africa)
Wed, 30/6: Jan Rybizki (MPIA Sustainability Working Group, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy)
Wed, 30/6: Mike Seidel (Accelerator Operation and Development, Paul Scherrer Institute)
Panel 1: Monday, June 28th
The Challenge for Institutions
Panel 2: Tuesday, June 29th
Social-Justice Dimension of Online Formats
Best-Practice Examples:
Sustainability Initiatives: