Sometimes I dread checking e-mail. I frequently have to make a choice between responding to mail or getting work done, and which ever decision I make, I usually disappoint someone (invariably me). However, last week I got a message that might make me rethink my e-mail checking policy – I got an invitation to Science Foo Camp. This invitation-only gathering is organized by Nature Publishing Group and O'Reilly Media, and hosted by Google at the Googleplex in Mountain View, CA. Not surprisingly my reaction was simply “Wow”. According to my invite…

“…we will be inviting around 200 people who are doing particularly interesting work in a wide range of scientific disciplines, as well as in areas of technology and culture that influence, and are influenced by, science. The aim is to encourage cross-fertilization of ideas, creating a unique opportunity to explore topics that transcend traditional boundaries.”

I know someone who went to the first Science Foo Camp in 2006, and based on his comments it sounds like this will be like participating in my two favourite magazines (Wired & Nature), which will make a change from just reading them. Needless to say – I can’t wait.

PS. I am traveling from May 7-16th and will be without Web and e-mail access for most of this period. If you try to contact me and I don’t reply, please try again after the 16th.