The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), the perennial training organization for U.S. and Latin American tropical scientists, will host 200 plus scientists from throughout the world in three-day field-courses, banquet and one-day scientific symposium. The mix of hands-on learning, presentations by leading tropical researchers and educational functions will expand participants' views of tropical science, facilitate collaborations and help define education, research and conservation goals.
Tropical Biology (Rubber) Boot Camps, OTS Biological Stations, March 30 - April 2 Participants will get their boots dirty as they experience the biodiversity of the tropics and discover (or rediscover) how to conduct science in one of the most complex environments on earth.
Celebration Banquet, San Jos, April 2
Scientific Symposium, University of Costa Rica, April 3 Edward O. Wilson, one of the founders of OTS and a preeminent biological theorist, will be the symposium keynote speaker. Wilson's accomplishments include pioneering work on chemical communication, he also edited Biodiversity, which introduced the term and launched worldwide attention to the subject. Two of his 21 books have been awarded Pulitzer prizes. Wilson has received 75 awards, including the U.S. National Medal of Science. Approximately 30 posters addressing current research or practical application of tropical science will be displayed during the Symposium.