Speculative lunches are intended to offer a forum for informal discussion, enabling Warwick staff to discuss research ideas at an early stage of formulation, with a view to potentially establishing research collaborations around particular themes. The IAS will host up to two of these ‘blue skies’ events each term around the table of the IAS seminar room in Millburn House. They are open to all members of staff, as well as postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students, across all faculties, departments and research centres. To concentrate discussion, numbers at each meeting will be limited to 10-15, and participants will be asked to register for the lunches in advance. Coordinators are free to structure discussion as they wish and to set their own agenda. The IAS, in addition to offering a venue, will provide lunch at no cost to participants and limited photocopying if requested. ‘Speculative Lunches’ are intended to enable colleagues across a wide range of departments, to learn about each others research and interests. No outcomes are ‘required’, though potentially the lunches will provide the opportunity to explore potential networks around specific themes, to provide a lead in to bids for IAS Incubation Awards, or assist in the identification and development of further funding opportunities. They may also be used as a forum to respond to the specific thematic calls issued by UK Research Councils.

Please contact the IAS Director, Richard Aldrich, with potential ideas for hosting a ‘Speculative Lunch’: R.J.Aldrich@warwick.ac.uk.

Speculative Lunches 2010-11 & 2011-12