Causal Models: Applying Theory to the Biological and Medical Sciences

Transcription

1 Causal Models: Applying Theory to the Biological and Medical Sciences Version 3 Philip Morris Enterprise and Innovation Office University of York Tom Stoneham Department of Philosophy University of York Tel: Tel: pm513@york.ac.uk twcs1@york.ac.uk 24 May 2006

2 1 Causal Models The Philosophy Department at the University of York will organise and hold a linked series of six closed workshops over a period of 24 months. Each workshops will bring together between 12 to 15 Philosophers and Scientists all of significant international standing with an interest in non-standard and indeterministic causal models and their applications. The workshop will focus particularly on climate change and epidemiology. The workshops will address the following issues: 1. Identification of requirements for causal models from scientists working in biological and medical sciences 2. Identification of standard and non standard causal models 3. Identify areas where causal models can be applied. 4. Causal reasoning and computer implementations 5. Benefits of causal modelling and reasoning in epidemiology and climate change. 6. Relevance of the causal models to biology and medicine 2 Project Benefits The workshop will generate a number of benefits that include: 1. Promoting the Philosophy Dept as a Centre of Expertise in this area. 2. Identify and lay the foundations for follow up initiatives 3. Nurture relationships across disciplines and sectors Causal Workshops Page 2

3 3 Mechanisms 3.1 Project Management A Project Management Team [MT] will be established before the project commences. The MT will include two members from the Philosophy Dept [Tom Stoneham & Paul Noordhof], a member of the Enterprise and Innovation Office [Philip Morris] and a to be appointed half-time FTE. The aims of the MT will be to: [i] agree work-plan; [ii] Monitor progress; [iii] Agree speakers for each workshop; [iv] Agree delegates for each workshop; [v] Check budget; [vi] Identify papers for web site; [vii] Identify papers for potential publication and [viii] Assess identified follow up actions [others?] The MT will also secure advice and support from Health Sciences 3.2 FTE The half time FTE will be appointed for a 24 month period to organise the workshops, manage the web site and to identify commercial and academic speakers and delegates. The work undertaken by the FTE may contribute towards a DPhil. The FTE [along with one or more representatives from the MT] may be required to travel to secure interest of the workshop delegates. 3.3 Marketing A marketing budget will be allocated to set up a web site and to advertise the web site and the workshops in two or three Philosophy Journals. The web site will be set up to: [i] provide a window on the project; [ii] provide working papers; [iii] address communication issues such as workshop dates and [iv] enhance the profile of the department. Papers may be taken from the workshops and may be commissioned for a publication. 3.4 Workshops The workshops will be held at approximately four monthly intervals. Although the specific format for each workshop will be agreed in advance by the MT it is anticipated that each workshop will more or less follow the below format: Presentation by invited speaker Questions from invited workshop delegates who will have read the paper and prepared the question in advance of the workshop Questions from the residual workshop delegates who will not have read the paper in advance. Speakers will be drawn from the UK, from Europe and from North America. To ensure high quality workshop delegates travel and hotel costs will be met when necessary to ensure participation. Although a number of the workshops will be in York it is considered that some workshops might be held at other locations. Possibilities include the Institute of Philosophy at the School of Advanced Studies, London, and at an international location. Causal Workshops Page 3

4 4 Project costs Academic costs will be charged under Full Economic Costing. Description Cost 0.5 FTE Research Assistant pt 4 for 2 years at 12.5k per annum [FEC] 25,000 Travel costs for FTE to companies, funding bodies etc. 3,000 Web Site Development and marketing 3,000 Speaker travel and accommodation expenses 4,000 Attendee travel cost 6,000 Departmental Management Time [costed according to buy-out teaching costs] 7,000 Total 48,000 5 Workplan 5.1 Work package 1: Preparatory actions 1.1 MT appoint ½ FTE. 04.O FTE identifies potential speakers and delegates for 1 st workshop. 1.3 PM to support on identifying and securing speakers from commercial companies and other relevant organisations. 1.4 MT agree speakers and delegates at MT meetings 1.5 FTE secures agreement from speakers and delegates for 1 st workshop 1.6 PM to hold discussions with White Rose University Consortium to identify additional support activities including that might include international workshops and a conference. 5.2 Work Package 2: Marketing , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , MT agree web site designer MT and web site designer agree format [and content]for web site Set up web set with initial pages Manage and update web pages according to needs Throughout Project Causal Workshops Page 4

5 2.5 Produce flyers/letters for workshop delegates and speakers. Include information on web site. 2.6 PM to brief Science City York and Yorkshire Forward 2.7 PM and [TM or PL or PN] visit Leverhulme and Welcome , , , , , Work Package 3: Workshops st workshop nd workshop rd workshop th workshop th workshop th workshop Work Package 4: Identifying follow up activities 4.1 Issues identified and written up from workshops Three weeks after workshop finishes. 4.2 Draft versions of potential follow up actions after each workshop and circulate to MT for approval and comments. Three weeks after workshop finishes. 4.3 Identify possible follow up opportunities Two weeks after nearest MT 4.4 MT identify working papers for web site Two weeks after nearest MT 4.5 MT identify papers for publication Two weeks after nearest MT 5.5 Work Package 5: Project management 5.1 Agree Project Management Team monthly reviews. See section 3 for possible agenda format. 5.3 Closure meeting , , , , , , , Causal Workshops Page 5