Within just a few hours
driving distance, the midwest
has an incredible collection of database researchers and students. The goal of
the Midwest Database Research Symposium is to strengthen the ties between these
individuals and encourage future discussions, interactions and collaborations,
through a day of interaction and networking once a year. The Symposium is held
on a Saturday during the spring of each year, hosted by one of the
participating universities. Typical attendance is 35 faculty members and 105
students and postdocs from nine universities.
"I think it was a really
wonderful success -- the students in particular learned a great deal, but even
the faculty I think got a much broader exposure to a range of work than would
otherwise have been possible."
"I met a bunch of
people--- it was really nice to have a smaller group and see everyone's
research."
"I was surpised by the sheer number of people."
"Now I've identified
potential collaborators within geographically feasible proximity."
"Our students said it
was wonderful for them to meet so many people."
"Networking,
networking, networking!"
"I've seen some
opportunities for collaboration that I'm going to do something about."
"Get ideas, do
networking---without a lot of money or travel time---it's
lightweight exposure for students and a way for them to get feedback."
"This was a good
opportunity for the host institution to get publicity."