The Best Scientific Conferences Anywhere, The Best Scientific Meetings 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 5, 2005 - "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 VU Medical Center
described 'Bacterial Adhesion and Infection, 1st West Africa Conference',
Mangosteen's inaugural expert meeting held in Senegal and The Gambia in February
2005.
The best scientific and technological advances demand the most
highly trained scientists. The same scientific minds demand the best in
state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation to make observations 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”, says chemist Anthony
England, “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." England currently heads Mangosteen, an exciting initiative which
focuses on promoting the value of science, scientific research and scientific
literacy in both the developed and developing worlds.
The uniquely
styled two part double venue meeting 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."
Sauli Haataja of the University of Turku,
Finland found it to be "a unique, touching experience", adding that it "changed
many of my thoughts about Africa, poverty, and the Western
lifestyle".
England adds, "Mangosteen believes in first hand exposure.
Who knows what problems a young researcher may go on to address in the
laboratory as a direct result of making such a personal connection with the
situation and problems of an impoverished part of the developing world so early
on in their career."
'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.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/4/prweb224819.htm