These data are taken from a report, Online Talks at the APS April Meeting 2011: A Report from the CISA Trial, prepared by CISA Chair Karsten Heeger, Chair of the Forum on International Physics Harvey Newman, and APS Director of International Affairs Amy Flatten. The report will soon be available on the CISA web page at http://www.aps.org/about/governance/committees/cisa/
Some of the most important feedback came from survey respondents’ written comments, which highlighted the diversity of physicists whose schedule or finances prevented traveling to the meeting, but who now may participate in APS meetings through access to online materials. This was particularly relevant to members in industry, members living outside of the United States, and student members. Additional comments suggest that meeting attendance is not at risk–this capability broadens participation by those who often could not attend in person.
Heeger stated his belief that the trial results clearly indicate a strong interest from the physics community in accessing APS meeting materials online. He noted that the number of downloads far exceeded the number of in-person attendees and that survey respondents also underscored how these talks could be beneficial to their professional development.
“Online access to APS meeting materials will enable participation of physicists worldwide in APS meetings, and will serve the Society’s mission to ‘advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics’ ” he said.
The online meeting materials are still available for viewing at: http://www.physics.wisc.edu/APSApril2011.
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