The Best Science Anywhere, The Best Science Everywhere
Bacterial Adhesion and Infection, First West Africa Conference: A First Class First World Scientific Meeting in a First Class Third World Setting. Mangosteen’s opening conference blazes a trail, introducing world class scientists and cutting-edge research to the African heartland.
Groningen, The Netherlands (PRWEB) April 1, 2005 -– The best scientific and
technological advances demand the best most highly trained scientists. The very
same scientific minds demand the best in state-of-the-art equipment and
instrumentation to make their observations, to analyse samples and to carry out
all manner of innovative experiments. This is not in dispute – give the best
people the right tools, direct enough funding towards a problem and all too
often magic will out and the scientists will find a way.
"But when it
comes to communicating recent discoveries, talking about future collaborative
projects and brainstorming new ideas with like-minded colleagues, the best
discussions and most effective scientific exchanges demand not a multimillion
dollar conference centre or beautifully furnished seminar room, but little more
than a relaxed environment and friendly atmosphere – something that’s available
at very low cost in many parts of the world which all too rarely feature on any
leading scientist’s list of 'been there' destinations", so says former research
chemist Anthony England. England now leads Mangosteen, an exciting initiative
which focuses on promoting the value of science, scientific research and
scientific literacy in both the developed and developing worlds.
"A
strong blend of science and Africa makes this conference unforgettable" is how
microbiologist and first-timer to the region Ben Appelmelk of Amsterdam's Vrije
Universiteit Medical Center described 'Bacterial Adhesion and Infection, 1st
West Africa Conference', Mangosteen's inaugural expert meeting held in Senegal
and The Gambia between February 17th and 23rd, 2005.
The uniquely styled
two part meeting, split between the neighbouring nations, concentrated on
cutting-edge aspects of the study of protein-carbohydrate interactions in the
adhesion of bacterial pathogens, was chaired by chemist Roland Pieters of
Utrecht University, The Netherlands and attracted scientists from as far away as
the US west coast.
"Fantastic", is what German biologist A. Salam Khan
of the University of Würzburg's Institut für Molekulare Infektionsbiologie had
to say about participating and his week shared between the Senegalese capital
and the picturesque Gambian countryside, "I would have no hesitation in going
back to attend a meeting in this area of West Africa. The quality of talks and
participants was at the level of any successful international meeting. The
information provided by Mangosteen was excellent and the way that it was
provided indicated that the organizer was very much concerned with the well
being of the participants."
Finland's Sauli Haataja of the University of
Turku found it to be "a unique, touching experience", adding that it "changed
many of my thoughts about Africa, poverty, and the Western
lifestyle".
Mangosteen's founder sums up, "there are fascinating
locations throughout the developing world which are not only perfectly suited to
hosting scientific meetings but which need the worldwide scientific community to
take an interest in their situations and particular problems. Indeed, it's in
all of our best interests that we do so. Who can say how any meeting participant
might be affected or inspired by spending time in one of the world’s least
fortunate regions? And who knows what problems a young researcher may go on to
address in their careers as a direct result of making such a personal connection
early on in their studies."
'Bacterial Adhesion and Infection II', the
second in the series of international research meetings on this important topic
will take place in West Africa in early 2007.
About
Mangosteen
Mangosteen exists to organize and facilitate regular series of
professional meetings and gatherings in a variety of fascinating yet all too
often forgotten parts of the developing world.
Our current focus is on
science, scientists and scientific meetings - but not exclusively - contact us
about other disciplines.
We work to foster high quality peer-peer
interactions of all kinds - from international standard, cutting-edge
conferences to smaller workshops - in short all kinds of meetings.
Inexpensive Professional Meetings - In Low-Cost, High Value
Locations
Our cost-effective approach ensures that these short business trips
address several important issues - all by arranging for hard-working, highly
educated individuals to take a cheap, enjoyable and enlightening break away from
the daily routine of work.
Not only will meeting participants be treated
to a relaxed atmosphere and the time to discuss their work in a stimulating new
environment, but they will also be provided with rare opportunities to fully
interact with scientists and students from institutes in the developing
world.
Ultimately, we believe that the increase in both the quality and
quantity of scientific information exchanged between these two disparate
communities will unquestionably prove invaluable to both.
In the
immediate term, any amount of recognition from the worldwide scientific
community is welcomed by those working hard to improve daily life in the
developing world. At the same time, visitors from the developed world are
unlikely to feel anything other than greatly enriched by the experience. Not
only enriched and informed, but relaxed and entertained, with fun and
flexibility both being integral elements of our programmes.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/4/prweb224152.htm