AVA Chapters

AVA Chapters exist to encourage greater interaction between Vision Scientists at a regional level and to bring together scientists working on similar sub-topics within Vision. Chapters are only loosely associated with the AVA; there is no financial relationship. There are two types of chapter: Regional Groups and Special Interest Groups. We wish to encourage the formation of new Chapters.

Benefits of Regional Groups.

Regional Groups such as the Midlands Vision Group bring together Vision Scientists across a geographical region of the UK. They provide an informal atmosphere where Scientist at all stages of their career can meet, network and discuss ideas. They bring together people working on different aspects of vision, such as psychophysics, cognition, ergonomics and eye-movements who might not otherwise interact; breaking down the barriers formed by parallel streams and parallel conferences. They represent an ideal opportunity for workshops, discussions and technical briefings and are an ideal place for new researchers to make their first presentation.

Benefits of Special Interest Groups.

Special Interest Groups such as SERVE bring together scientists studying a single aspect of vision or using specific methodologies. They thus allow focused discussions without the need for lengthily introductions. They also foster interactions between those taking very different approaches to study a similar subject matter. Special Interest Groups can be used as think tanks to brew new grant proposals and collaborations, but they can also offer an informal atmosphere were new researchers can flourish.

Benefits of being an AVA Chapter

Regional and Special Interest Groups that become AVA Chapters benefit form:
1.        Advice from committee members on setting up and running groups.
2.        The use of the AVA Website and mailing list to recruit new members and promote the group.
3.        Use of the AVA Website to co-ordinate meetings and avoid clashes with other groups.
4.        Being linked into a recognised UK scientific charity (e.g. to support applications for ‘network’ style funding).

How to affiliate / terms of affiliation.

Groups wishing to affiliate as AVA Chapters should send a brief description of the group to Andrew Schofield together with contract details for a representative of the group. Both the description and the contact details will be posted on the AVA website.

For Regional Groups the description should define the geographical region covered by the group. There is no restriction on region size although we envisage that groups should cover more than two institutions. Groups should not be defined by a proscriptive list of institutions but the geographical area covered can be specified by listing institutions as the corners of a polygon. Membership should be open to all Vision Scientists working within the geographical area or close to its borders. Regional Groups can be nested within larger groups. The description for a regional group can include a list of institutions that are currently involved in the group.

For Special Interest Groups the description should define the topic(s) covered by the group. There is no restriction on the scope of the topic(s) outlined. Membership should be open to all with an interest in the topic. The description of a Special Interest Group can include a list of institutions that are currently involved with the group.

Meetings

AVA Chapters are encouraged to meet about once a year and to post meeting details to the AVA Website.

Funding and membership

The AVA will not levy a fee on Chapters. Chapters are free to change a membership fee if they wish and can fund their meetings by any reasonable mechanism. Experienced suggests that it is sufficient and easy to charge a small fee to cover the costs of each meeting. There is little need to hold ‘standing funds’ and much to be gained in reduced administration by not doing so. The AVA asks Chapters to encourage their members to join the AVA as individuals but there is no requirement that Chapter members become AVA members.

Regional Groups

Midlands Vision Group (MVG).

Covering the traditional counties of Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire. Current institutional members include: Universities of Birmingham, Aston, Nottingham, Leicester, DeMontfort & Loughborough.

Website: MVG
Contact: Andrew Schofield

Special Interest Groups

Surveillance, Evaluation, Research, Validation, and Exploitation (SERVE).