The following workshop may be of particular interest to everyone working
with National Ecological Observatory Network data and/or large imagery
datasets to answer ecological questions using AI/ML methods, especially
using ground beetle (Carabidae) data and ecology.

##  BeetlePalooza 2024 - Call for Participation ##

The Imageomics Institute is hosting a 3.5-day workshop offering a
unique opportunity to develop proof-of-concepts demonstrating how the
application of computer vision techniques can transform biodiversity data
collection. The workshop will leverage one of the nation's premier
monitoring networks, the US National Science Foundation's National
Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). The treasure trove of data products
collected at NEON sites provides an opportunity to push multi-modal model
development applied to computer vision in tackling this challenge. The
event will bring together an interdisciplinary group around a shared
interest of using AI/ML to extract scientific knowledge from imagery
data, including ML researchers, ecologists, beetle systematists, software
developers, and data engineers. Participants will work in small groups
to collaboratively curate or develop FAIR data products, best practices,
tools, and other products targeting the motivating challenge.

The event will take place August 12-15 at The Ohio State University in
Columbus, OH, USA. To apply to participate, please fill out by the end
of June 10, 2024, the BeetlePalooza 2024 Application for Participation
here: https://tinyurl.com/BeetlepaloozaApplication

Funds to assist with travel expenses are available but limited, as is
space. We expect to notify applicants about acceptance starting 10 days
after the application due date.

A full Call for Participation, including motivation,
goals, and who should attend, is posted here:
https://github.com/Imageomics/BeetlePalooza-2024/blob/main/CfP.md

## Organizing Team

Hilmar Lapp (Duke University & Imageomics Institute)
Michelle Ramirez (The Ohio State University & Imageomics Institute)
Sydne Record (University of Maine)
Eric Sokol (National Ecological Observatory Network, Battelle)

On behalf of the organizing committee:

Hilmar Lapp (Duke University & Imageomics Institute; first.last at
duke.edu)

Hilmar.Lapp@duke.edu

(to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to
golding@mcmaster.ca)