"We are bringing together speakers working on different organisms, and on different aspects and approaches to the problem, with the aim of achieving a synthesis of understanding to stimulate discussion and further research," says conference chair Venkatesan Sundaresan, University of California, Davis.
Each symposium will focus on a different aspect of plant genetics and include three in-depth presentations plus shorter talks based on selected abstracts. Symposia will be held during the evening and morning hours. Afternoons will be free for continued discussion - perhaps while exploring the diversity of plant life along miles of magnificent mountain trails at one of the west's loveliest mountain resorts. Pre-dinner poster sessions and mealtime socializing complete the schedule.
"What makes this conference somewhat unique is that all of the speakers will be around the entire time," says Sundaresan. "Some of the most valuable interaction at an event like this happens in between sessions, so we've consciously structured it to facilitate informal discussion and further exploration of the subject."
Minutes away from Salt Lake City, Snowbird is one of the country's loveliest mountain retreats. "We wanted a location that was secluded and peaceful, so that participants and speakers could spend as much time as possible focused on the subject at hand," comments the event's vice chair, Rich Jorgensen, University of Arizona.
"Snowbird is perfect. It's easy to get to yet self-contained enough that people w
'"/>
Contact: Susan Rosenberry
chambers@aspb.org
301-251-0560
American Society of Plant Biologists
7-Feb-2003