International Conference on Arctic Microbiology
March 22-25, 2004
Rovaniemi, Finland
For more information and submission of abstracts see:
http://www.rovaniemi.fi/?deptid=5288
The International Conference on Arctic Microbiology will bring together
scientists working on the physiology, ecology and genetics of
psychrophilic and psychrotolerant microorganisms, and their role in
biogeochemical cycles and environmental and remedial processes in the
Arctic.
Arctic soils and sediments are an extreme environment colonized by
special microorganisms which are adapted to these ecological niches.
These microorganisms represent a vast source of untapped biochemical and
genetic diversity and recent studies have provided an exciting
characterization of new psychrophilic and psychrotolerant microbes. New
information is gained on the microbial community structure and
ecological function of microorganisms active at low temperatures. In
addition, the use of microorganisms for bioremediation of contaminated
arctic sites is a promising environmental technology.
The conference will take place over 4 days, with six oral sessions and a
comprehensive poster session. Conference themes include:
Diversity and physiology of psychrotolerant microorganisms
Microorganisms and the biogeochemical cycles of nutrients
Biodegradation of toxic environmental pollutants
Bioremediation of contaminated arctic environments
Ecology of arctic, boreal and alpine soils
Impact of global climate change on the ecology in the Arctic
Venue: Arktikum Conference Hall in Rovaniemi, Finland.
For more information and submission of abstracts see:
http://www.rovaniemi.fi/?deptid=5288
or contact
Max Häggblom at haggblom [at] aesop.rutgers.edu
Conference Program and Organization
The Conference will be organized into six main oral sessions supported
by keynote speakers and a comprehensive poster session. Oral and poster
presenters will be selected from submitted abstracts. Presenters will be
invited to submit papers to a special issue of FEMS Microbiology Ecology.
Location of the Conference
The conference will be held in the Arktikum Conference Hall in
Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is the provincial capital of Finnish Lapland and is
situated on the banks of the largest river in Finland, the River
Kemijoki. The University of Lapland and the Arctic Centre are located in
the town. Rovaniemi lies on the Arctic Circle, and as the "gateway to
Lapland" is an important tourist centre providing excellent facilities
and services. Rovaniemi is a 1-hour flight from Helsinki.
Conference Fees and Registration
The fee for the conference has been provisionally set at 200 Euro, with
discounted registration at 100 Euro for students and Post-Doctoral
Associates. The registration fee includes a copy of the compiled
abstracts, opening reception and refreshments. The conference has a
capacity for approximately 170 participants.
A block of rooms will be available at Rovaniemi hotels. For further
information on conference registration and hotel reservations see
http://www.rovaniemi.fi/?deptid=5288