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Host A Speaker

If you are at an institution or non-profit organization interested in hosting a Distinguished Lecturer Series speaker, you can submit your request by completing the online application. Applications will be accepted from all U.S. colleges, universities, and relevant nonprofit organizations (such as aquariums and museums).

A total of 12 host institutions will be selected from applications received by October 1, 2008 to host one of three Distinguished Lecturers for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Apply online to host a Distinguished Lecture Series event

Applying to host a Ridge 2000 Distinguished Lecturer?

Here's what you need to know...

Host Contributions

The Ridge 2000 Program will cover the lecturer's transportation expenses to and from your institution, while the host institution is asked to provide housing, meals, and local transportation.

In addition, the host institution is asked to strategically advertise both the scientific and public lectures to maximize attendance and the inclusion of interdisciplinary and non-traditional audiences.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Ridge office.

DLS Timeline

  • Summer—invitations are sent to potential host institutions
  • Early Fall—applications are due
  • Winter/Spring—DLS speakers conduct lectures at host institutions

Diversity matters

Host institutions are strongly encouraged to engage audiences that are traditionally underrepresented in the ocean and earth sciences to attend the Ridge 2000 Distinguished Lectures**. Please specify how you intend meet this need in your application.

Suggestions include:

  • Partner with a reputable local or regional aquarium, science center or natural history museum to host the public lecture. These venues not only have an established audience, but often have existing access to underrepresented groups.
  • Promote the public lecture to career counselors and environmental programs at local school districts and district- or state-sponsored science and technology education centers that cater to underrepresented students.
  • Contact local organizations with diverse audiences that provide public and extracurricular programs for students and others (YMCA/YWCA, scout troops, environmental organizations, etc.)
  • Coordinate with existing extension/outreach program specialists and public relations coordinators based at your home institution (as well as nearby institutions). These individuals often have knowledge of, and connections to, underrepresented audiences in their geographic regions.
  • Consider connecting to diverse audiences remotely through distance learning technologies.

If you have additional questions as a host site regarding strategies for the inclusion of underrepresented groups, please contact the Ridge 2000 office at 858-534-8588.

** One of the key strategies of the National Science Foundation is to "broaden participation and enhance diversity in NSF programs. At present, several groups, including underrepresented minorities, women, certain types of institutions, and some geographic areas, perceive barriers to their full participation in the science and engineering enterprise. NSF is committed to leading the way to an enterprise that fully captures the strength of America's diversity." (NSF GPRA Strategic Plan 2001-2006).