In the smaller gathering the idea was to discuss in depth several topics brought up at the larger meeting in a more intimate setting, so all the delegates (a mix of junior group leaders, senior lab heads, and postdocs) were accommodated in the same building (at Chicheley Hall, which is about 50 miles north of London) to spend two days discussing science.
At this gathering, the idea was born to "start our own association and challenge that stereotype that sees us as criminals", says Davies.
Recently it has been gathering behind the idea of "selling better sleep," promoting a fuller understanding of sleep and its health benefits.
While huge diplomatic momentum is gathering behind the idea of a new round of global trade talks, fundamental differences between rich and poor nations and the United States and its trading partners over what should be on the agenda are clouding the talks before they can begin, just as they did in Seattle in December 1999.
It all makes for great theatre, but Von Buhler genuinely is gathering ideas about the crime, and attendees receive an email from her after the show to see if they have any theories.
However, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has taken charge of gathering ideas for increasing the number of minorities in academia.
Two other institutions have now adopted the tool and process; Harvard Medical School is using the approach to solicit ideas for IT innovation, and UC Merced is gathering and improving ideas for the school as a whole.
Jenny Diski has written of subscribing in the 60s to "the unofficial University of Pelican Books course", which was all about "gathering information and ideas about the world.
If the Wi-Fi holds out, I'll be sending five reports of the trip, gathering stories and ideas of where to go in this varied and fascinating country.
"I have been gathering some ideas," he says.
