BtSM 2013 - Fifth Advanced International Colloquium on Building the Scientific Mind (BtSM2013)

The Fifth Advanced International Colloquium on Building the Scientific Mind (BtSM2013) will bring together a small transdisciplinary community representing multiple interests from the world of the sciences, arts and humanities. They will come from different parts of the world and meet for an intensive exchange of ideas and experiences in the intimate atmosphere of the Bosscha Observatory in Lembang during the last week of May 2013. The magnificent setting of this historic observatory, which was established in the 1920's, serves as the backdrop for discussions that will focus on issues pertinent to the theme of the colloquium, Science and Technology in the Service of Beauty and Harmony. The observatory, which is part of the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), is located some 15 km north of Bandung on six hectares of hilly terrain at an elevation of 1310 m above sea level, which makes for very pleasant climatic conditions. Walking while talking and talking while walking come naturally to those who explore the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of the observatory. While meeting, we will enjoy sharing meals and socializing across the diversity of disciplines that will be represented at the colloquium, including the natural sciences, the social and human sciences, and the arts. Follow the link to view photos of the Bosscha Observatory campus. The official opening of the colloquium is planned to take place in the equally historic Aula Barat on the main campus of ITB in Bandung, so that a larger audience can benefit from the proceedings during that day. Photos of the main campus of ITB are available by clicking on the link.
The Bosscha Observatory is, in fact, a haven of tranquility amidst the sprawling urbanization of Bandung and Lembang in what is Indonesia's most densely populated province: Jawa Barat (West Java). Living the BtSM2013 experience will thus expose you to both the beauty and magnificence of the Indonesian landscape (including Tangkuban Perahu, a dormant to mildly active volcano only 30 km north of Bandung) and the tensions between humans and their environment that result from 12000 years of technological innovation. What better context could there be for a meeting of the minds about the search for beauty and harmony of a species whose prosperity and survival depend on the evolution of science and the wise adoption of technologies?
Following the tradition of the four prior colloquia, and in the interest of facilitating intensive dialogue in an atmosphere of close personal interaction and effective socialization, the number of participants will be limited to between 60 and 70. We will furthermore strive for diversity, as much as possible ensuring that the dialogue takes place at a level that finds its inspiration in the presence of individuals who have their roots in different cultures and diverse disciplines. Nonetheless, for practical reasons, we expect English to be the lingua franca for our conversations, both formal and informal. As there may be more demand than we can accommodate, our local coordinators for the event, Premana Premadi and Yudi Soeharyadi, envision a follow-up of the colloquium at the national level in Indonesia. This will also allow involvement by those who are less conversant with the English language.