Call for Papers  

The G-SEKSI conference will take up four thematic topics relating to the conceptual foundations and practical feasibilities of contractually constructed “commons” and related bottom-up public domain initiatives (joint policy guidelines, common standards, institutional policies, …) that would offer shared access to a variety of research resources, identifying effective models and salient needs and opportunities for effective initiatives across a diverse range of research areas. These themes are:

Theme (1) The economics and legal foundations of contractually constructed research commons ,

Theme (2) Analytical frameworks and case studies of operating arrangements in real-world prototype and functioning arrangements for sharing research resources,

Theme (3) Monitoring, evaluating and improving the performance of contractually constructed scientific resource commons,

Theme (4) Managing arrangements for expanded knowledge-sharing, and information re-use among researchers engaged in “open science” and “propriety research regimes.”

Submission of contributions is encouraged from both junior and senior scholars interested in understanding the foregoing thematic issues that will be explored in the specific contexts of the following four main categories of research resources:

• published research results and working papers
• research tools and software
• databases
• bio-physical materials.

On the second and third (full) days of the conference, the conference will provide for four parallel tracks through the breakout sessions, each devoted to one of the four major categories of “shareable” research resources.

Important dates:

1 March 2009 . Deadline for submission of full paper or extended abstract (minimum 3 pages)

15 March 2009. Opening of registration for participants

31 March 2009 . Notification of acceptance

15 April 2009. End of registration for the conference for both paper presenters and participants.

1 June 2009 . Deadline for submission of full papers

To submit a contribution and for further information contact: brick@carloalberto.org with a copy to Cecile Carbonell at codata@dial.oleane.com

Participation, Travel and accommodation expenses:

Participation to the Conference is free for invited speakers and authors of selected papers. To attend the conference is asked a fee of €100 upon registration.

The participation to the Gala dinner on the night of June 29 th will cost €50.

A contribution to the coverage of travel and accommodation expenses might be offered to a selected number of papers by both junior and senior scholars (one author for each selected paper).