As part of 2009 In Vitro Biology Meeting in Charleston, SC (June 6 – 10, 2009) IVACS will be presenting an Insect Pathogen Field Exploration and In Vitro Propagation Roundtable Session.
Conveners: Guido F. Caputo, National Resources Canada, and Pauline O. Lawrence, University of Florida, Gainesville.
Brief Outline:
Insects, the most diverse, damaging, and adaptable of all species can be found in the most critical of environments ranging from ocean bottoms to swamps, desserts and forests. Viruses, fungi, bacteria, and protozoa, can kill insects and are often incorporated into an integrated pest management control program. These pathogenic microorganisms are naturally occurring in nature and can be reproduced to working volumes in laboratories. This session will focus on the latest molecular identification techniques and genetic engineering protocols and procedures for locating, collecting and processing these organisms. Discussion will include susceptible hosts for their in vitro propagation and the regulatory agencies and their requirements before they can be re-introduced back to the field as biological control agents.
Speakers confirmed to date:
S. Patricia Stock, University of Arizona
Pauline O. Lawrence, University of Florida-Gainesville
James Grasela, USDA, ARS, BCIRL
Guido F. Caputo, Natural Resources Canada
Submitted by Guido F. Caputo
Announcement from the IVACS Section Chair
Fall is upon us and it is once again time to think about recognizing our colleagues for their scientific contributions and service to the Society. There are three active awards that can be considered.
- The Young Scientist Award was established a few years ago to recognize outstanding contributions within 7 years of obtaining the individual’s most recent (terminal) degree. Thus individuals with a B.S.; M.S.; or PhD or any combination are eligible. A proposal is before the SIVB Board this fall to extend the years to 10 years past terminal degree. I am confident that this change will pass so please take this into consideration as you consider worthy individuals. More details can be found @ https://sivb.org/awards/young-scientist-awards-criteria.html
- The Fellow Award was created to recognize the outstanding professional accomplishments in the area(s) of specialization of in vitro biology and service to the Society. To qualify a nominee must have been active and paid Section members for a total of at least 10 years. A SIVB Fellow has made outstanding contributions in their area(s) of specialization to include: research, teaching, or administration in the area of public, government, or private service sectors. More details can be found @ https://sivb.org/awards/fellow-award.html
- The third award is the Life Time Achievement Award. This award was established to recognize those who have achieved academic excellence in their field of study and to honor those who have made significant and contributions to the field of in vitro biology and/or in the development of novel technologies that have advanced in vitro biology. More details can be found @ https://sivb.org/awards/lifetime-achievement-award.html
I hope everyone takes a few minutes to reflect upon our section’s membership and to identify worthy candidates for these important awards. If you have additional questions feel free to either contact me or the SIVB office.
Dennis A. Laska, IVACS Section Chair
