Natural Sciences Collections Association

The next NatSCA conference and AGM will be in Newcastle in March 2011. The conference will be split into two topics: “Coping with cuts” on the Thursday and “Coping with collections deterioration” on the Friday.

Coping with cuts - Thursday 3^rd March

A day looking at case studies, advice and suggestions in relation to managing budget cuts. This session will provide practical advice and ideas for coping with cuts to staff and funding for natural science collections. From how to apply for grants effectively to innovative money-saving ideas.

Coping with collections
deterioration - Friday 4^th March

Practical and hands-on sessions covering natural science conservation techniques. Topics proposed include how to deal with Bynes disease, fluid preservation problems, mould, verdigris and pyrite decay.

AGM - Thursday 3^rd March

We are looking for some dynamic new committee members in 2011. No experience necessary – just an enthusiasm for natural science collections. If you would like to stand on the NatSCA committee please email clare.brown@leeds.gov.uk for more details.

Call for speakers

If you would like to give a talk at the 2011 conference on either of the above days, please contact Nicola Newton (nicolajnewton@hotmail.com).

Bursaries

NatSCA are offering 5 bursaries of up to £200 to help members cover the costs of the conference. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please contact Jan Freedman (jan.freedman@plymouth.gov.uk).

The NatSCA conference and AGM is slightly earlier in 2011. To accommodate this change the NatSCA committee have promised to, in the future, give members a year’s notice of AGM dates and locations. We hope that this change will not be too inconvenient and hopefully will be helpful in allowing people to plan their expenditure and commitments more efficiently.