International Symposium on Microbial Ecology ISME Microbial Diversity Sustaining

12th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology – ISME-12 Microbial Diversity – Sustaining the Blue Planet Cairns, Australia, August 17 - 22, 2008 Second Announcement and Call for Abstracts Abstract Submission Deadline: March 20, 2008 Symposium Website: www.kenes.com/isme12 ISME Society Website: www.isme-microbes.org 1 Important Dates Deadline for Submission of Abstracts Deadline for Submission of Roundtable Proposals Deadline for Application for ISME Travel Awards Notification of Accepted Abstracts Notification of Accepted Roundtable Proposals Extended Poster/Student Poster Abstract Submission Deadline Notification of Travel Awards Deadline for Payment of Early Registration March 20, 2008 March 20, 2008 March 20, 2008 April 7, 2008 April 17, 2008 April 25, 2008 April 25, 2008 May 31, 2008 2 Dear Microbial Ecology Colleagues The 12th International Society for Microbial Ecology Conference will be in Cairns Australia from August 17-22, 2008. This is late in the winter for this region of the world but remember it is the tropics so the temperatures will be optimal. We have an innovative and vibrant scientific program planned for this tropical paradise location. For example Professor Norman Pace is the prestigious Jim Tiedje Awardee and we have six esteemed scientists as Plenary presenters – Professor Bo Barker Jørgensen, Dr. Mitchell Sogin, Professor Paul Rainey, Professor Roberto Kolter, Professor Steven Lindow and Professor Nancy Moran. More than 90 eminent microbial ecologists will participate in 23 exciting symposia. The symposium location is stunning with tropical rainforests and the 2,100 km long Great Barrier Reef within close proximity of Cairns. Both these natural wonderlands are World Heritage listed. The multi-award winning Cairns Convention Centre is innovative and flexible with first class theatres and lecture rooms. Cairns is in the very heart of the Asia Pacific region. With extensive multi cultural capabilities it is the ideal destination for the international delegate. There are accommodations of all levels within 5-10 minutes walking from the Convention Centre. You might like to consider taking a self-contained unit for the week or instead see what the 4* “Back Packers” lodgings would be like. Needless to say, 3, 4, and 5* Hotels are also available. Keeping with tradition with the ISME “brand”, Wednesday is being set aside for excursions – we have a great line up of reef to rainforest leisure options. A full social program will exploit features of the region such as out-door parties, tropical cuisine and Australian beverages. From the natural environment to engineered systems we rely on microorganisms to keep the globe turning and to sustainably maintain it. Our field explores the microorganisms involved, what controls their activity and metabolism, and the specific roles they play. So join us in beautiful tropical Queensland, Australia to help contribute to the next phase of “…Sustaining the Blue Planet”. We welcome you as an integral part of this stimulating symposium and we are looking forward to an exciting meeting. Professor Hilary Lappin-Scott President of ISME Professor Linda L. Blackall Chair of the ISME12 Organising Committee 3 Committees ISME Executive Board Hilary M. Lappin-Scott, UK – President Staffan Kjelleberg, Australia – Past President Hans van Veen, The Netherlands – Secretary / Treasurer Yehuda Cohen, Israel – Honorary Past President ISME Board Linda Blackall, Australia Elizaveta Bonch-Osmolovskaya, Russia Bo Barker Jørgensen, Germany Steve Lindow, USA David A. Stahl, USA Yuichi Suwa, Japan Michael Wagner, Austria Liping Zhao, China Local Organizing Committee Linda Blackall, QLD, Australia - Chair Sandra Hall, QLD, Australia - Secretary Andrew Ball, SA, Australia David Bourne, QLD, Australia John Bowman, Tasmania, Australia Stuart Dashper, VIC, Australia Andrew Holmes, NSW, Australia Chris McSweeney, QLD, Australia Margaret Roper, WA, Australia Robert Seviour, VIC, Australia Lindsay Sly, QLD, Australia Hatch Stokes, NSW, Australia Sue Turner, New Zealand 4 List of Past ISME Symposia Congress ISME-1 ISME-2 ISME-3 ISME-4 ISME-5 ISME-6 ISME-7 ISME-8 ISME-9 ISME-10 ISME-11 Year 1977 1980 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2006 Location Dunedin, New Zealand Warwick, UK East Lansing, USA Ljubljana, Slovenia Kyoto, Japan Barcelona, Spain Santos, Brazil Halifax, Canada Amsterdam, The Netherlands Cancun, Mexico Vienna, Austria 5 Preliminary Timetable Please visit www.kenes.com/isme12/ for updates. Sunday, August 17th, 2008 10:00 Round Tables Sessions Opening Ceremony 12:3014:00 Registration Opens RT01: Extracellular Electron Transfer RT02: Ecogenomic Methods RT03: Microbial Pumping of Carbon RT04: Synthetic Biology RT05: Exploitation of PlantAssociated Bacteria RT06: Microbial Identity and NanoSIMS RT07: Microbial Ecology Studies 16:00 Plenary Session 16:30 17:15 17:45 Hilary Lappin-Scott ISME President “Microbial Ecology and the Blue Planet” Kevin C. Marshall (Eminent Biofilm Microbiologist) Australia “The Deep Biosphere” Bo Barker Jørgensen Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Germany Center for Geomicrobiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Aarhus, Denmark Chair: Hilary Lappin-Scott Linda Blackall Chair of ISME12 Local Organising Committee Australian Cultural Program Welcome Reception – A Tropical Treat at the Cairns Convention Centre Monday, August 18th, 2008 Bacterial BioThe Speciation degradation: Biofilm Viral The Living The Animal Invited Oral and 08:30 Appetite for Mode of Ecology Soil Microbiome Presentations Microbial the Unusual Life Ecology 10:30 Coffee Break The Human Bacterial BioViral Ecology Microbiome Speciation degradation: The Biofilm The Living Proffered Oral 11:00 and Microbial Appetite for Coral Mode of Life Soil – Part 1 The Animal Presentations Ecology – the Unusual – Microbial Microbiome Part 1 Part 1 Ecology 13:0014:30 Lunch ISME Biennial 13:15 Members Meeting “The “Rare Biosphere” is Everywhere!” Mitchell Sogin Plenary 14:30 Director of the Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Presentation Evolution, The Marine Biological Laboratory, USA Chair: Linda Blackall Dedicated Poster Session: Bacterial Speciation and Microbial Ecology, The Biofilm Proffered 15:30 Mode of Life, Viral Ecology, The Living Soil, The Animal Microbiome, The Human Poster Microbiome Presentations 18:30 Day Close 6 Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 Modeling and Theory in Microbial Ecology Biogeochemical and Elemental Cycles Novel Technologies Microbial and The Human Communities Methods: Microbiome in the Oceans Metagenomics Invited Oral 08:30 Presentations Proffered Oral Presentations Plenary Presentation Proffered Poster Presentations Plenary Presentation The Jim Tiedje Award Lecture 10:30 Coffee Break Bacterial BiogeoNovel Microbial Speciation chemical and Technologies Environmental Communities The Living Soil Biotechnology 11:00 and Microbial Elemental and Methods: in the Oceans Part 2 Ecology – Cycles – MetaPart 1 – Part 1 Part 2 Part 1 genomics 13:00 Lunch “Interactions and the Evolution of Microbial Communities” Paul Rainey 14:30 Massey University, New Zealand Chair: Staffan Kjelleberg Dedicated Poster Session: Modelling and Theory in Microbial Ecology, Biogeochemical and Elemental Cycles, Novel Technologies and Methods: 15:30 Metagenomics, Microbial Communities in the Oceans, Coral Microbial Ecology, Environmental Biotechnology 18:00 Evening Reception “Biofilms in Lab and Nature: A Molecular Geneticist's Trek to Microbial Ecology” 19:00 Roberto Kolter Harvard Medical School, USA “Into the Natural Microbial World” 19:45 Norman Pace University of Colorado-Boulder, USA 20:30 Day Close Wednesday, August 20th, 2008 Free Day for Tropical Australian Tourism (see the ISME-12 Optional Symposium Tours at www.kenes.com/isme12/Tours.asp for details) Thursday, August 21st, 2008 Growing Invited Oral 08:30 the RecalPresentations citrant Novel Technologies Scratch my Back: Environmental and Methods: Biotechnology Functional Microbial Community Symbionts Analysis Scratch my Back: Microbial Symbionts Global Climate Change New Vistas in Microbial Extremes 10:30 Coffee Break BioNovel degradation: Environmental Technologies Proffered Oral 11:00 Appetite for Biotechnology and Methods: Presentations Functional the Unusual Part 2 Community – Part 2 7 Global Climate Change New Vistas in Microbial Extremes Analysis 13:00 Lunch “Life on a Leaf” Plenary Oral Steven Lindow 14:30 University of California, USA Presentation Chair: Hans van Veen Dedicated Poster Session: Single Cell Microbiology, Microbial Communication, The Water Cycle, Growing the Recalcitrant, Environmental Biodegradation, Proffered 15:30 Geomicrobiology and Paleobiology, Novel Technologies and Methods: Interpreting the Poster Data , Novel Technologies and Methods: Functional Community Analysis, Scratch my Presentations Back: Microbial Symbionts, Global Climate Change, New Vistas in Microbial Extremes 18:00 Day Close 19:00 The ISME Party – Rainforestation Nature Park - late Friday, August 22nd, 2008 Invited Oral Presentations 08:30 Single Cell Microbiology Geomicrobiology and Paleobiology Novel Technologies and Methods: Interpreting the Data Biogeo- Coral Microbial Ecology The Water Cycle Microbial Communication 10:30 Coffee Break Microbial Proffered Oral 11:00 Presentations Single Cell Micro-biology Communication Microbial Geomicrochemical and Communities biology Elemental and in the Oceans Paleobiology Cycles – – Part 2 Part 2 The Water Cycle 13:00 Lunch Hilary Lappin-Scott Presidents Closing Address Closing 14:30 Presentation of Poster Awards Ceremony DC White Award Presented by: Sandy White Rita R. Colwell Distinguished Chairman, Canon US Life Sciences, Inc. Guest Distinguished Professor, University of Maryland College Park and Johns Hopkins Presentation University Bloomberg School of Public Health “The Symbiont Role in Host Evolution - Past and Present” Plenary Oral 15:00 Nancy Moran Presentation University of Arizona, USA Chair: Steven Lindow Invitation to ISME13 – Seattle 2010 15:45 Jim Fredrickson 16:00 Conference Close 8 PRELIMINARY SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM Please visit http://www.kenes.com/isme12/ for updates. Plenary Oral Presenters Sunday, August 17, 2008, 16:10 Microbial Ecology and the Blue Planet Kevin Marshall University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia (Retired) Kevin Marshall obtained his BScAgr (Hons I) from the University of Sydney in 1954 and was employed at the New South Wales Department of Agriculture as a Bacteriologist working on root-nodule bacteria until he went to Cornell University in 1957. He obtained his MS in 1969 and his PhD in 1961. He then worked in CSIRO, Perth, on the survival of clover rhizobia, where he found the addition of certain clays to sandy soils in hot summer conditions overcame the death of clover rhizobia. Kevin moved to the University of Tasmania in late 1963, where he employed colloid science techniques to help understand the interactions between colloidal clays and rhizobia and the possible mechanism of the protection of the bacteria by adsorbed clay. In addition, he studied the deposition of manganese by budding bacteria in hydroelectric pipelines. These studies ultimately led to the application of colloidal chemistry to the mechanism of the adsorption of marine bacteria to surfaces and the eventual development of biofilms. In 1974, Kevin was appointed Professor of Microbiology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He wrote the book Interfaces in Microbial Ecology, edited 7 volumes of Advances in Microbial Ecology and edited several other books on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. He retired from UNSW in January 1992. Kevin is a Fellow and Honorary Member of the Australian Society for Microbiology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and an Honorary Member of the American Society for Microbiology. Sunday, August 17, 2008, 16:30 The Deep Biosphere Bo Barker Jørgensen Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Germany Center for Geomicrobiology Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Aarhus, Denmark Bo Barker Jørgensen has a joint position at the new Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany and at University of Aarhus (AU), Denmark. He obtained a Ph.D. degree at AU in 1977 and a D.Sc. degree in 1979. Bo worked and taught at the AU for 14 years. Still at the AU, he was granted a 5-year Research Professorship of the Danish Natural Science Research Council (1987-92). During this professorship, he was invited by the German Max Planck Society to become the founding director of a new Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen. Together with his research group of ten young people from Aarhus, Bo started 1992 in Bremen where they established the Department of Biogeochemistry. Today the institute has three departments and 200 coworkers and graduate students in total. In 1993 Bo was hired as a full professor in the Geology Department at the University of Bremen and as an adjunct professor in the Biology Department of the University of Aarhus. In cooperation with the Max Planck Society and the 9 Danish National Research Foundation he established in October 2007 a Center for Geomicrobiology which he will be heading at the University of Aarhus. During the past 12 years Bo has taught university courses for both geology and biology students. He has planned, organized and coordinated national and international research programs (incl. EU projects), symposia and workshops and have been the chief scientist of a number of oceanic cruises with large research vessels, including the German RV METEOR and the ODP drill-ship, JOIDES Resolution. HIs main research interests are: marine biogeochemistry and microbial ecology; methane fluxes and anaerobic methane oxidation in the sea bed; deep sub-seafloor biosphere; sulfide oxidation and sulfur bacteria; upwelling and oxygen minimum zones; Arctic microbiology. Monday, August 18, 2008, 14:30 The “Rare Biosphere” is Everywhere! Mitchell Sogin Senior Scientist and Director of the Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, USA Mitchell L. Sogin received his B.S. in Chemistry and Microbiology from the University of Illinois in 1967 and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Biology in 1972. He was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Jewish Center in Denver, Colorado, where he subsequently joined the faculty as a Senior Staff Scientist. Dr. Sogin was also an Associate Professor in the Microbiology Department of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and a Miller Professor at the University of California at Berkeley. He moved to the Marine Biological Laboratory in 1989 after establishing the summer Workshop in Molecular Evolution. He founded the Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution in 1996. Over its short history, The Bay Paul Center has become a focal point for collaborative research between molecular biologists, biochemists, parasitologists, ecologists, and other colleagues from the MBL’s summer and resident communities, and from around the world. Dr. Sogin’s research has made many important contributions towards understanding the evolutionary history of protists. His current research employs massively parallel sequencing technology to explore the diversity and relative abundance of different kinds of microorganisms in marine and terrestrial environments as well as the microbiomes of mammalian organisms. Dr. Sogin has shown that microbial diversity in the oceans is orders of magnitude greater than previously reported. Low abundance organisms account for most of the observed phylogenetic diversity. This “rare biosphere” is very ancient and may represent a nearly inexhaustible source of genomic innovation Dr. Sogin is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Academy of Microbiology. He has served on the National Research Council’s Space Studies Board and is a member of the American Society of Microbiology, the Society of Protozoologists, the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution, and the American Society for Cell Biology. He serves on the editorial boards of Environmental Microbiology and Protist. 10 Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 14.30 Interactions and the Evolution of Microbial Communities Paul Rainey New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study, Massey University, New Zealand Paul Rainey is a Professor of evolutionary genetics at the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study and Institute for Molecular Biosciences at Massey University Auckland. He is also visiting Professor at Stanford University (where he is co-director of the Hopkins Microbial Diversity Programme), Senior Adjunct Researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Science & Technology, Principle Investigator at the Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology & Evolution, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of NZ. During his youth he became interested in many things biological: plants, fungi, bacteria; their interactions, their genetics, but mostly, their evolution. He completed his PhD at the University of Canterbury and in 1989, took up a postdoctoral research fellowship at Cambridge University. In 1991 he moved to a government-funded research institute in Oxford. In 1994 he was awarded a BBSRC Advanced Research Fellowship, which he took to the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Oxford. In 1996 he was appointed to a faculty position at Oxford, a fellowship at St. Cross College, and a stipendiary lectureship at Wadham. With much dedication, he also ran his College's wine cellar. In 2003, he returned to New Zealand as Chair of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Auckland, but retained a fractional position at Oxford (until the end of 2005). In 2007 he moved his Lab to Massey University's Albany campus. His research is largely empirical (making frequent use of experimental microbial populations) and sits broadly in the field of evolutionary and ecological genetics. Evolutionary transitions and the origins of multicellularity are a growing fascination. Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 19:00 Biofilms in Lab and Nature: A Molecular Geneticist's Trek to Microbial Ecology Roberto Kolter Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School, USA Roberto Kolter is a Professor in the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department at Harvard Medical School and Co-Director of Harvard’s Microbial Sciences Initiative. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and the President-Elect of the American Society for Microbiology. Kolter has been an influential microbiologist for a period that spans four decades. As a graduate student in the 1970’s, his studies on the regulation of plasmid replication provided some of the first molecular evidence supporting the replicon hypothesis. Kolter established his laboratory at Harvard Medical School in 1983 and since then, has made important contributions in diverse areas of microbiology. His work on peptide antibiotic synthesis and secretion provided some of the earliest knowledge on “ABC” exporters. Kolter was among the first to develop genetic approaches to investigate bacterial starvation physiology and pioneered the use stationary phase cultures as model systems in experimental evolution. Since the mid-1990s, Kolter has led the way in applying molecular genetic approaches to the study of biofilms. Presently, he continues to demonstrate his innovation and creativity in his studies that focus on the chemical biology of interspecies interactions. 11 Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 19:45 Into the Natural Microbial World Norman Pace (The Jim Tiedje Awardee) Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado-Boulder, USA Prof. Norman Pace currently is Professor of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Pace works in two scientific arenas. On one hand he is a molecular biologist, and noteworthy recent efforts have included elucidation of the crystal structure and catalytic mechanism of the RNA moiety of ribonuclease P, a ribozyme. On the other hand, Pace is a microbial ecologist. His laboratory has long been engaged in the development of molecular tools for culture-independent study of natural microbial ecosystems. Studies over two decades have expanded substantially the known diversity of microbial life in the environment. Pace is a member of the National Academy of Sciences; and he is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Microbiology, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. He received the 1996 Procter and Gamble Award in Applied and Environmental Microbiology and the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society for Microbiology; and the 2001 Selman A. Waksman Award for Distinguished Contributions in Microbiology from the National Academy of Sciences. Pace also is an expert in cave exploration. He received the Lewis Bicking Award from the National Speleological Society for his contributions to American caving. Thursday, August 21, 2008, 14:30 Life on a Leaf Steven Lindow Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, USA Steven Lindow is a Professor of plant pathology at the University of California, Berkley, USA. He has quite a decorated career and works with many societies and agencies. The Lindow research group, affectionately known as the ICE Lab, studies a number of different aspects of epiphytic bacteria that live on the surface of healthy plants. Their work has emphasized the study of bacteria that are active in ice nucleation (Ice+), thereby causing frost damage to plants, as well as plant pathogenic bacteria that inhabit plant surfaces prior to infection. The research emphasizes both molecular genetic and ecological approaches to the study of the interaction of epiphytic bacteria with plants and with each other with the goal to better understand the adaptations that these bacteria have evolved to exploit this unique habitat. Prof Lindow is also very active in the editorial realm holding a position on the Editorial boards of 9 journals, including The ISME Journal. He has won many honors. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a fellow of the American Phytopathology society, American Academy of Microbiology, and the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences, and has been awarded many prizes including the Procter and Gamble Award in Applied and Environmental Microbiology from the American Society for Microbiology. 12 Friday, August 22, 2008, 15:00 The Symbiont Role in Host Evolution - Past and Present Nancy Moran Regents' Professor Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Joint Professor, Department of Entomology, The University of Arizona, USA Nancy A. Moran is Regents' Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona. She once worked on insect evolution, including social behavior and modes of reproduction in insects. But since 1990, her main focus has been the exploration of bacterial symbiosis, including functional, evolutionary and genetic aspects. Her work spans evolutionary biology, entomology, microbiology, and genetics. Symbionts, she has discovered, include some of the most extreme instances of genome evolution in cellular organisms, exhibiting highly derived, tiny genomes. Her work has shown that symbionts play a central role in host biology, affecting dietary choices, defense against enemies and persistence under stressful conditions. Moran is a member of the National Academy of Sciences; and she is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Microbiology, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a Fellow of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. She is past president of the Society for the Study of Evolution. 13 Invited Oral Sessions Monday, August 18, 8:30-10:30 Bacterial Speciation and Microbial Ecology Convenors: Dave Ward and R. Thane Papke • • • Nine Models of Bacterial Diversification Frederick M. Cohan, Department of Biology, Wesleyan University, USA Recombination decouples species concepts from ecological niche R. Thane Papke, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, USA High-Resolution, Cultivation-Independent, Single-Locus and Multi-Locus Population Genetics Analysis of Synechococcus Species in a Yellowstone Hot Spring Microbial Mat: Evidence for Adaptive Radiation Dave Ward, Montana State University, USA Fuzzy niches and fuzzy species William P. Hanage, Division of Epidemiology, Public Health and Primary Care, Imperial College London, UK Biodegradation: Appetite for the Unusual Convenors: Victor de Lorenzo and Ian Head • • • Themes and variations in the methanogenic degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons Ian Head, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Global control of biodegradation: from the selfish gene to the selfish metabolism Victor de Lorenzo, National Centre of Biotechnology, Spain Proteogenomic Insights into Anaerobic Degradation of Aromatic Compounds and Hydrocarbons Ralf Rabus, Institut für Chemie und Biologie des Meeres (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Germany Interspecies interactions for anaerobic biodegradation Kazuya Watanabe, The University of Tokyo, Japan The Biofilm Mode of Life Convenors: Tom Battin and Staffan Kjelleberg • • • • The Role of Bacterial Biofilms in Chronic Human Disease: An Ecological Perspective Bill Costerton, University of Southern California, USA Biofilm differentiation and dispersal Staffan Kjelleberg, University of New South Wales, Australia Biofilm Ecology: Out of the zoo into nature Tom Battin, University of Vienna, Austria eDNA and further new aspects of EPS for biofilm formation Ulrich Szewzyk, Technical University of Berlin, Germany • • Viral Ecology Convenors: Forest Rohwer and Curtis Suttle • • • • Virus Tales from the High Seas and Low Lakes: Inferring Host Species from Phylogenetic Analysis of Viral Genotypes Curtis Suttle, University of British Columbia, Canada Challenges in phytoplankton viral ecology Corina Brussaard, Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research, The Netherlands Wild and weird haloviruses of Archaea from Australian salt lakes Mike Dyall-Smith, University of Melbourne, Australia The Global Virome Forest Rohwer, San Diego State University, USA 14 • • • • The Living Soil Convenors: Margaret Roper and Hans van Veen Fungal-bacterial interactions as drivers of microbial community structure in soil Hans van Veen, NIOO-KNAW, The Netherlands Application of Endophytic Actinobacteria to Improve Crop Productivity Margaret Roper, CSIRO, Plant Industry, Australia Reciprocal interactions between plants and fluorescent pseudomonads in relation with iron in the rhizosphere Philippe Lemanceau, INRA-CMSE, Laboratoire de Recherches sur la Flore Pathogene du Sol, Dijon, France Shedding light on in situ rhizosphere interactions Ken Killham, Soil Science, University of Aberdeen, UK • • • • The Animal Microbiome Convenors: Yasuo Kobayashi and Mark Morrison Symbioses Of Flagellates And Bacteria In Termite Guts And Their Roles For Efficient Digestion Moriya Ohkuma, Environmental Molecular Biology Laboratory, Japan The Microbiome of the developing Tammar Wallaby, Macropus Eugenii Nick Jacques, Westmead Millennium Institute and Westmead Centre for Oral Health, Australia Exploration of plant-associated rumen bacteria: their phylogeny, ecology and functions Yasuo Kobayashi, Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Japan Metagenomics research of the foregut microbiome of Australian native herbivores Mark Morrison, CSIRO, Australia/The Ohio State University, USA Tuesday, August 19, 8:30-10:30 Modelling and Systems Microbiology Convenors: Tom Curtis and Tom McMeekin The Lottery of Microbial Community Assembly Bill Sloan, University of Glasgow, UK Modelling microbial ecology in foods: balancing empiricism and mechanism Tom Ross, University of Tasmania, Australia Evolution of cooperation and communication in spatially complex systems Jan-Ulrich Kreft, University of Birmingham, UK Microbial Diversity: Geography and Dimensions Jessica Green, University of California, USA • • • • • • • • Biogeochemical and Elemental Cycles Convenors: Marc Strous and Derek Lovley Denitrification revisited - facts and fiction in biological N2 production Marc Strous, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands Exploring methanotrophy in acidic northern wetlands: the never ending story Svetlana Dedysh, Institute of Microbiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia Life on the Rocks in the Deep-Sea: The Basalt Biome Katrina Edwards, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, USA Molecular strategies for diagnosing the in situ metabolic status of dissimilatory metal reducers in subsurface environments Derek Lovley, Dept. of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, USA • Novel Technologies and Methods – Metagenomics Convenors: Ed DeLong and Phil Hugenholtz Flow sorting FISH-targeted microbial populations for shotgun sequencing Phil Hugenholtz, Dept of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, USA 15 • • • Metatranscriptomic profiling of microbial assemblages in the ocean Gene Tyson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA From Single Filaments to Populations- Genomics of Uncultured, Sulfur Cycling Microbes in Marine Sediments Marc Mussmann, University of Vienna, Austria Investigating Marine Cyanobacterial Diversity through a Targeted Metagenomics Approach Ian Paulsen, Macquarie University, Australia • • • • Microbial Communities in the Oceans Convenors: Rudi Amann and Jed Fuhrman Inferring marine microbial system function from temporal and spatial patterns Jed Fuhrman, University of Southern California, USA Microbial Oceanography: A Sea of Opportunity David Karl, University of Hawaii, USA Microbial communities in and below the dark ocean: their functional diversity and activity Ken Takai, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Japan Flavobacteria: news on "old" marine bacteria Rudi Amann, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Germany • • • • The Human Microbiome Convenors: David Relman and Liping Zhao Integration of Metabonomics and Metagenomics for understanding human organismal level complexity in disease and health Liping Zhao, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China Patterns of diversity in the human microbiota David Relman, Stanford University, USA Towards signatures of Crohn's disease in the human intestinal microbiome Joel Dore, INRA Centre of Jouy-en-Josas, France Title TBC Dan Frank, University of Colorado-Boulder, USA Thursday, August 21, 8:30-10:30 Growing the Recalcitrant Convenors: Yoichi Kamagata and Steve Giovannoni Building a Better Petri Dish - microbial growth chips microengineered onto porous aluminium oxide Colin Ingham, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Hospital Jeroen Bosch, The Netherlands Culturing organisms based on syntrophy Yoichi Kamagata, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japan Culturing Soil Bacteria from Under-Represented Phylogenetic Groups Peter Janssen, AgResearch, New Zealand Culturing Oligotrophic Bacteria from Diverse Marine Environments using a Dilution-to-Extinction Method Jang-Cheon Cho, Inha University, Korea • • • • • • • Environmental Biotechnology Convenors: Wen-Tso Liu and Korneel Rabaey Metagenomics Insights into a Terephthalate-Degrading Methanogenic Hybrid Reactor Wen-Tso Liu, National University of Singapore, Singapore Bio-electrochemical systems: microbial populations generating electrical current and beyond Korneel Rabaey, The University of Queensland, Australia Ecosystem engineering for bioplastic production Mark van Loosdrecht, Delft Technical University, The Netherlands 16 • Ecology-based Biotechnology: Cycles, Networks, and Products for the Coming Green Economy Craig Criddle, Stanford University, USA • • • • Novel Technologies and Methods - Functional Community Analysis Convenors: Robert Hettich and Mary Lidstrom Dissection of composition and function of the human gut microbiota using multiphasic molecular approaches Janet Jansson, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden MS-Based Proteogenomics Measurements Reveal Insight into the Activities and Functions of Natural Microbial Communities Robert Hettich, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA Microfluidics and the analysis of single cells from the environment Jared Leadbetter, California Institute of Technology, USA Coupling Function to Phylogeny Via Single-cell Phenotyping Mary Lidstrom, University of Washington, USA • • • • Scratch my back: Microbial Symbionts Convenors: Jared Leadbetter and Mike Taylor Ancient Partners: Marine Sponges and their Microbial Symbionts Mike Taylor, University of Auckland, New Zealand The Double Life of Aeromonas veronii: Pathogen of Mammals and Symbiont of Leeches Joerg Graf, University of Connecticut, Molecular & Cell Biology, USA Bacterial symbionts of termite gut flagellates: a tripartite symbiosis Andreas Brune, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Germany Multiple co-occurring symbionts of marine invertebrates: who's scratching whom? Nicole Dubilier, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Germany • • • • Global Climate Change Convenors: Paul Falkowski and Joan Rose Microbiological Risks, Flooding and Waterborne Disease associated with Climate Change Joan Rose, Michigan State University, USA Electrons, oxygen, and biogeochemical feedbacks in climates past, present and future Paul Falkowski, Rutgers University, USA Title TBC Erin Lipp, University of Georgia, USA Magnetotactic Microbes and the Transformation of the Iron Cycle under Severe Global Warming in the Initial Eocene Bob Kopp, Princeton University, USA • • • • New Vistas in Microbial Extremes Convenors: Rick Cavicchioli and Ken Stedman Everywhere Extreme Viruses: Biogeography, Diversity and Antiquity Ken Stedman, Portland State University, USA Loving the cold: the life and times of the Antarctic archaeon, Methanococcoides burtonii Rick Cavicchioli, University of New South Wales, Australia The Red Hot Genome Project - Genome Sequence of the Thermo-Acidophilic Red Microalga Galdieria Sulphuraria Andreas Weber, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany Extremely sweet: Protein glycosylation in Archaea Jerry Eichler, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel 17 Friday, August 22, 8:30-10:30 Single Cell Microbiology Convenors: Martin Keller and Michael Wagner • • • • Seeing and Measuring Stable Isotope Tags in Subcellular Domains: Multi-Isotope Imaging Mass Spectrometry Claude Lechene, Harvard Medical School, USA Raman-FISH for Analysing Who Eats What, Where and When Michael Wagner, University of Vienna, Austria Integrated Microfluidics, Optical Tweezers, And Fish Come Together To Enable High-Throughput, High-Sensitivity, And Low-Background Single-Cell Whole-Genome Sequencing Paul Blainey, Stanford University, USA Single Cell Screening And Genomics: The Road Ahead Martin Keller, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA Geomicrobiology and Paleobiology Convenors: Peter Franzmann and Jim Fredrickson Microbial electron acceptor limitation: bacterial responses and geobiological impacts Ken Nealson, University of Southern California, USA Extracellular Electron Transfer Proteins: Implications for Geomicrobial Processes Jim Fredrickson, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USA Where to with copper bioleaching? Peter Franzmann, CSIRO, Land and Water, Australia Molecular Fossils and the Reconstruction of Billion-Years-Old Microbial Ecosystems Jochen Brocks, The Australian National University, Australia • • • • • • • • Novel Technologies and Methods - Interpreting the Data Convenors: Karla Heidelberg and David Karl Genomic DNA Sequencing from Single Bacterial Cells using the Multiple Displacement Amplification (MDA) Reaction Roger Lasken, J. Craig Venter Institute, USA From metagenomics to functional studies of microbial communities Jillian Banfield, University of California, USA Metagenomic Analysis of Planktonic Microbial Populations in the Gulf of Maine John Heidelberg, University of Southern California, USA Efficient Metagenomics Data Processing: Pitfalls and Solutions Nikos Kyrpides, Dept of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, USA • • • • Coral Microbial Ecology Convenors: David Bourne and Eugene Rosenberg The Black Band Disease Microbial Consortium – Physiological Groups and Toxin Producers Laurie L. Richardson, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami USA Beneficial coral microbes: interactions with corals and dinoflagellates Kim Ritchie, Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida USA Microbial Ecology of Pseudopterogorgia Americana Garriet W. Smith, Department of Biology and Geology, University of South Carolina Aiken, USA Corals and their associated microbiota - Implications for Health, Bleaching and Disease David Bourne, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Australia • The Water Cycle Convenors: Nicholas Ashbolt and Linda Blackall From source to tap, understanding the ecology of environmental pathogens for sustainable drinking waters Nicholas Ashbolt, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USA 18 • • • Treatment of wastewater for beneficial reuse Linda L. Blackall, The University of Queensland, Australia Living Micro-organisms in cloud water Pierre Amato, Louisiana State University, USA Microbial communities in lakes - sentinels of human impacts on freshwater Trina McMahon, University of Madison-Wisconsin, USA • • • • Microbial Communication Convenors: Leo Eberl and Lian-Hui Zhang Pathogen-Host Communication in Activation of a Key Virulence Regulon Lian-Hui Zhang, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore Cell-to-Cell Communication Controls Biocontrol Activites and Pathogenicity in Members of the Genus Burkholderia Leo Eberl, University of Zurich, Switzerland How pseudomonads use small RNAs in communication and adaptation Dieter Haas, Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland Shouts and whispers by the seashore: acylhomoserine lactone signaling by sponge-associated bacteria Clay Fuqua, Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA 19 Social Program Check the ISME Symposium website (www.kenes.com/isme12) for regular updates and further information regarding the Social Events. OPENING CEREMONY AND WELCOME FUNCTION Sunday, August 17, 2008, 16:00 – 20:00 Dress: Casual Tickets: Included in registration fee Venue: Cairns Convention Centre Join us for the opening ceremony in the Plenary Hall of the Cairns Convention Centre. The program will feature Emeritus Professor Kevin Marshall, who pioneered the microbial ecology of biofilms and our first plenary oral presenter of the symposium, Professor Bo Barker Jørgensen. Following the opening program, the Cairns local indigenous people will formally welcome ISME registrants to this land by way of a traditional ceremony. Subsequently, as the sun sets on this tropical location, you are invited to join all symposium registrants for a night of Tropical Treats that will excite your taste buds! This is a perfect way to catch up with colleagues and a chance to meet new ones. EVENING LECTURE Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 18:00 – 20:30 Dress: Casual Tickets: Included in registration fee Venue: Cairns Convention Centre This evening of stunning microbial ecology will stimulate your mind. The plenary lecture will be delivered by Professor Roberto Kolter, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School, USA, followed by the prestigious “Jim Tiedje Award” lecture, presented by Professor Norman Pace, Dept. of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado-Boulder, USA. This evening, comprising remarkable microbial ecological discussions, will be preceded by a short reception with iconic Australian beverages and scrumptious global cheeses (…all in all - a truly microbiological feast!). THE ISME PARTY Thursday, August 21, 2008, 19:00 - Late Dress: Casual Tickets: AUD$ 100 Venue: Rainforestation Nature Park The infamous, enchanted Rainforestation Nature Park of tropical Kuranda in the hinterlands of Cairns is the destination for the 2008 “ISME Party”. Your ticket will include transport to and from venue, full access to the Rainforestation park and all attractions, food, drinks and great music. Accurately renovated, World War II land and aquatic automobiles known as “Army Ducks” will be used for thrilling, spot-lit tours of the tropical rainforest and river environs throughout the evening. The Army Duck driver will be your expert guide for surrounding biota including flora and fauna. Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Show. Guests will be escorted to the rainforest amphitheatre where the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers will deliver a confronting, impressive and exciting performance of traditional dance, accompanied by native musical instruments including “didgeridoo” and “clapstick”. The amphitheatre has walls of rainforest and a protective canopy. The Wildlife Park will be accessible all night. This is a fascinating area in which you are free to mingle along the pathways that meander throughout the wildlife park. Animal handlers are positioned throughout to give guests an “up-close” and personal experience with some of the local furry, scaly, venomuous, toothy friends. “Bonza Tucker” (Australian for “top quality food”) will be served in a party atmosphere created with two musical bands including a contemporary and an Australian Bush ensemble! 20 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS Deadline for submission of abstracts: Thursday, March 20, 2008 Abstracts must be submitted via the official Symposium website: www.kenes.com/isme12/ Participants who would like to present an oral or poster presentation must submit an abstract for consideration by the scientific committee. Authors must strictly adhere to the instructions, otherwise abstracts cannot be considered for presentation. The Scientific Committee will review all abstracts, taking into consideration the author’s preference of presentation type. Abstracts may be accepted for oral, poster presentation, the Student Poster Award or may be rejected. The Scientific Committee reserves the right to decide on the final form of presentation. The presenting author is required to ensure that all co-authors are aware of the content of the abstract before submission to the Secretariat. If you are unable to submit abstracts via the website, please contact the Secretariat by e-mail at: isme@kenes.com You will receive confirmation that your abstract has been received, indicating the abstract number which it has been allocated. Please refer to this number in all correspondence regarding the abstract. Please contact the Secretariat if you have not received any communication regarding your abstract by May 22, 2008. Guidelines for the Preparation of Abstracts 1. All abstracts must be in English. 2. Please do not use abbreviations. 3. Presenting author’s contact details; include full mailing address, office hours, phone number, email address and fax number. 4. Author(s) names must be in upper and lower case (e.g. J.J. Smith). The presenting author’s name must be indicated. 5. Provide Institute/Hospital, City, State (if relevant) and Country for all authors. 6. The abstract title must be in UPPER CASE letters and is limited to 25 words. 7. Abstracts should not exceed 250 words, including acknowledgements. 8. Abstract topics – select the category under which the abstract is to be reviewed after consulting the list of topics 9. Abstracts should be as informative as possible and must use the following structured format: • Background and aims • Methods • Results • Conclusions 10. Abstracts stating: “data will be discussed in the presentation” will NOT be accepted. 11. Use only standard abbreviations. Place special or unusual abbreviations in parentheses after the full word the first time it appears in the abstract. 12. Use generic names of drugs. Express numbers as numerals. 13. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT MULTIPLE COPIES OF THE SAME ABSTRACT 14. Images, tables, diagrams and graphs must be saved and uploaded as BMP of JPG files. Other file types cannot be accepted. Please note that these may be resized to fit the final printed material and will automatically reduce the number of words allowed in the abstract body. 15. We recommend using word-processing software (for example Word) for editing your abstract and counting the number of words. Typing your text directly into the field is not recommended as you will not be able to see the abstract after pressing the Submit button, you will not have a copy and you cannot check the number or words. ABSTRACTS SUBMITTED BY FAX OR E-MAIL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 21 ROUNDTABLES Roundtable proposals may be submitted via the ISME12 Submission website (www.kenes.com/isme12). The deadline for receipt of proposals is March 20, 2008. Proposals will be assessed by the ISME12 Local Organising Committee on the basis of Relevance and Innovation to ISME, interest to ISME members and calibre of the program/presenters. ISME12 roundtable proposers will be notified of the outcome by April 25, 2008. Guidelines for Roundtables Roundtables provide a flexible meeting option and should be very different in topic and set-up to the invited or contributed sessions. This format provides an excellent opportunity for active, in-depth discussion and interaction. Roundtables should be no longer than 90 minutes in length with no less than 30 minutes dedicated to discussion. The topic should be of great interest to many conference participants and should pose a number of questions or theories. Proposers of the roundtables should organize presenters and be prepared to lead the discussion session. Proposals • Title: Provide the title of your roundtable as it would appear in the program • Proposer(s): Provide the name(s) and full contact details (full mailing address, office hours phone number, email address and fax number) of the Proposer(s) • Description: Supply a brief description of the session (max 250 words) to be used for evaluation only and will not be considered the abstract for the session • Relevance: Give a statement of the relevance and complimentarily of the session to the ISME12 scientific program. To avoid any repetition please review the current program. • The Roundtable: List the nominated speakers, presentation titles, timing of the Roundtable and suggested discussion points. Notes: 1. The ISME12 Symposium has no funds to sponsor Roundtables - they must be self-financed. 2. The Proposer(s) must receive acceptance of all speakers in the session prior to submission. 3. Space in the program for Roundtables is limited so not all Proposals will be successful. 22 AWARDS The Jim Tiedje Award The “Jim Tiedje Award” is presented by the ISME to an exalted microbial ecologist who is recognized for their Outstanding Lifetime contribution to the field of microbial ecology. Past winners of this award include Gijs Kuenen (2006) and Farooq Azam (2004). An expert panel comprising individuals selected by the ISME Executive are judges of this biennial award. The 2008 awardee is Professor Norman Pace, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA, who will present his award lecture on the evening of Tuesday, August 19, 2008. The ISME Young Investigators Award The “ISME Young Investigator Award” recognizes early career microbial ecologists who have made significant contributions to this field. Past winners of this award include Ian Head (2004) and Phil Hugenholtz (2006). An expert panel comprising individuals selected by the ISME Executive are judges of this biennial award. The recipient of the 2008 award will be announced at the opening session of the ISME12 Symposium. The ISME Student Poster Awards The “ISME Student Poster Award” is reserved for students as long as they are the first author on a submitted poster presentation (proof of postgraduate studentship will be required). Three outstanding posters will be chosen each day (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) of the ISME12 conference. Awardees will receive free membership of ISME for 2009. To be eligible for this award, authors must select the “ISME Student Poster Award” category when submitting their abstract. Winning posters will be displayed in a prominent location on Friday, August 22, 2008. Awards will be presented at the closing ceremony of ISME12. The David C. White Award David C. White’s vision was to honour and respect the power of quantitative analytical chemistry to microbial ecology. Thus, the “David C. White Award” will be presented to the most innovative poster at the ISME12 conference. The announcement of the “David C. White award” will be made at the closing ceremony of the ISME12 symposium and will be presented by Sandy White. The ISME Travel Awards ISME has made funds available for travel awards for up to 30 young scientists. Maximum grant is: Australia and New Zealand Residents €200 (US$ 280) Asia and Pacific residents €400 (US$ 570) Rest of the World €650 (US$ 920) The ISME travel awards are open to all ISME members who are currently enrolled as a research higher degree student or no more than 2 years past completion of their PhD. The applicant should be the first author of an abstract submitted to the symposium. Applications for “The ISME Travel Awards” should include: 1. Applicants name and full contact details, full mailing address, office hours, phone number, email address and fax number 2. Abstract title and nominated session 3. Proof of student status or graduation date 4. Supportive statement from current supervisor 5. Personal statement on why you believe the Committee should select you. Applications Close: Thursday, March 20, 2008. Please send electronic applications to the ISME Secretariat: office@isme-microbes.org. Outcomes of the grant will be sent by April 17, 2008. The travel grants will be distributed during the Symposium in Cairns. 23 General Information Venue Cairns Convention Centre Corner Wharf and Sheridan Streets Cairns, Queensland Australia 4870 www.cairnsconvention.com.au Symposium Website Regularly updated information will be available on the Symposium’s website at: www.kenes.com/isme12 Language The official language of the Symposium is English. Registration & Accommodation All participants must submit a completed registration form. Registration fee and hotel accommodation is payable in Australian Dollars (AUD$) Hotel accommodation at special conference rates will be offered to participants. Detailed information and access to the registration and accommodation form is available on the website at: www.kenes.com/isme12/Registration.asp ISME Membership To become an ISME member and benefit from the reduced registration fees, please refer to the back cover of this brochure, or to the Society website at www.microbes.org Climate The average temperature in Cairns in August is 18-26°C. The weather is generally sunny and dry. Clothing Clothing is informal for all occasions. Time Zone The time zone in Cairns is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 10 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). Banking and Exchange The Australian monetary system is the Australian Dollar (AUD$). Foreign currency may be changed at banks during normal banking hours, at hotels, airports and in exchange offices. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Cairns International Airport The airport is located 8km north of the city centre. Cairns International Airport is served directly by taxis and buses. Free taxi telephones are located in the arrival halls and the taxi ranks of both the International and Domestic Terminals. The average fare to the city is $16.50 by Black & White Taxis. (Note between the hours of midnight and 5am average city fare is $18.50). By bus: Australia Coach operates a generally hourly airport shuttle service to the city center (approximately $7.50 one way). Airport Shuttle Service An optional arrival and departure airport transfer shuttle service to/from Cairns hotels is available for ISME participants. The shuttle service should be booked and paid for by credit card via the following link: http://www.viator.com/Cairns-and-the-Tropical-North-tours/Transfers-and-Ground-Transport/d754-g15 using the following promotion code: ISME12. ISME participants who book their airport transfers using the above promotion code will receive a 5% discount on the published suppliers’ rate. The shuttle service rates and additional details including terms and conditions appear in the published link above. After reservation and payment of the shuttle service, you will receive a voucher. After reservation, should you wish 24 to make an amendment, please contact the Customer Care department at: www.viator.com/customer-care, and select ”modify travel dates for an existing booking” Transportation in Cairns: Public transportation in Cairns is varied as well as inexpensive. The center of Cairns is small enough to cover on foot. The Whitecar coach and the Sunbus are the two most prominent bus services of the city and depart from the market square to the suburbs and Northern Beaches. The Cairns Train Station acts as a terminus of the North Coast Railway Line of Queensland and is located right in the city center, easily within walking distance of the waterfront and most hotels. Visa Requirements Immigration law requires all visitors who are not Australian citizens or holding a valid New Zealand passport to have authority, in the form of a visa, to travel to and stay in Australia. Please check well in advance with your nearest Australian Embassy or travel agent regarding your specific entry visa requirements. Official Letter of Invitation Official letters of invitation designed to help overcome administrative difficulties in certain countries will be sent upon request. It must be understood that such letters do not represent a commitment on the part of the Organizing Committee or Symposium to provide any financial assistance. If you require such a letter, please download the letter from the general information section of the website at: www.kenes.com/isme12 or please apply to the Secretariat. Sponsorship & Exhibition Sales A professional exhibition will take place in conjunction with the Symposium. For information about exhibiting and sponsorship options, please contact Elda Schwartz at the Secretariat (address below), or e-mail: Eschwartz@kenes.com c/o Kenes International 1-3 rue du Chantepoulet P.O. Box 1726 CH-1211, Geneva 1 Switzerland Tel: +41 22 908 0488 Fax: +41 22 732 2850 Symposium Secretariat Kenes International 1-3 rue du Chantepoulet P.O. Box 1726 CH-1211, Geneva 1 Switzerland Tel: +41 22 908 0488 Fax: +41 22 732 2850 E-mail: isme@kenes.com Website: www.kenes.com/isme12 ISME Society C/a NIOO KNAW CTE Boterhoeksestraat 48 PO BOX 40 6666 ZG Heteren The Netherlands E-mail : office@isme-microbes.org Tel +316 2034 5089 Fax +3126 4791 260 Website : www.isme-microbes.org 25 Liability and Insurance The organizer is not able to take any responsibility whatsoever for injury or damage involving persons and property during the Symposium. Participants are advised to take out their own personal travel and health insurance for their trip. 26 About Australia In land area, Australia is the sixth largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States of America and Brazil. It has, however, a relatively small population. Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent and its outlying islands. The mainland is the largest island and the smallest, flattest continent on Earth. It lies between 10° and 39° South latitude. The highest point on the mainland, Mount Kosciuszko, is only 2228 metres. Apart from Antarctica, Australia is the driest continent. Australia is also the driest inhabited continent on earth. Its interior has one of the lowest rainfalls in the world and about three-quarters of the land is arid or semi-arid. Its fertile areas are well-watered, however, and these are used very effectively to help feed the world. Sheep and cattle graze in dry country, but care must be taken with the soil. Some grazing land became desert when the long cycles that influence rainfall in Australia turned to drought. The Australian federation consists of six States and two Territories. Most inland borders follow lines of longitude and latitude. The largest State, Western Australia, is about the same size as Western Europe. Australia has had one of the most outstanding economies of the world in recent years. As a high-growth, lowinflation, low interest rate economy, it is more vibrant than ever before. There is an efficient government sector, a flexible labour market and a very competitive business sector. About Cairns Cairns is the only place in the world with two adjoining World Heritage treasures; the Great Barrier Reef and Australia’s Tropical Rainforest. The International airport combined with sophisticated infrastructure and friendly services makes Cairns a winning choice for any event. Cairns is a popular travel destination for foreign tourists because of its tropical climate and proximity to many attractions. The Great Barrier Reef can be reached in less than an hour by boat. The city has used its natural surrounds to its advantage with the construction of several small theme parks for tourists. Cairns is a provincial city and has a linear urban layout that runs from the south, at Aloomba, to the north, at Ellis Beach. It experiences a dry season between April and November and a wet season with tropical monsoons between November and March. Cairns is an important transport hub in the Far North Queensland region. Located at the base of Cape York Peninsula, it provides important transport links between the Peninsula and Gulf of Carpentaria regions and the areas to the south of the state. Cairns is a major international destination for scuba diving due to its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Other recreational activities popular with tourists include whitewater rafting, sky diving and snorkeling. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometers. The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life, and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. CNN has labeled it one of the seven natural wonders of the world. 27 REGISTRATION Registration fees (AUD$) include 10% Goods and Service Tax Before May 31, 2008 Full Participant – ISME Member Full Participant – Non Member Students* – ISME Member Students* – Non Member Accompanying Person ISME Party August 21, 2008 $650 $760 $370 $480 $ 50 $100 From June 1 July 25, 2008 $730 $850 $460 $560 $ 50 $100 From July 26, 2008 and Onsite $810 $930 $540 $650 $ 50 $100 (subject to availability) Fees for full participants and students include participation in all scientific sessions, symposium bag, program & abstract book, an invitation to the Welcome Reception on Sunday, August 17 and an invitation to the ISME Party on Thursday, August 21 (participation to party dependent on payment of AUD$ 100 per person.) Fees for accompanying persons include an invitation to the Welcome Reception on Sunday, August 17 and an invitation to the ISME Party on Thursday, August 21 (participation to party dependent on payment of AUD$ 100 per person). Accompanying Persons will be able to book tours onsite in Cairns. * Students –are required to send proof of age and a letter to the Symposium secretariat to support their application for reduced rate. **On-line registration will be closed from August 10, 2008. Methods of registration: Registration can be made: By internet: www.kenes.com/isme12 By mail or fax: Please complete the registration form in capital letters and return to: Kenes International ISME 2008 Symposium Secretariat 1-3 rue du Chantepoulet, PO Box 1726 CH-1211 Geneva 1 Switzerland Tel: +41 22 908 0488 Fax: +41 22 732 2850 28 Payment Instructions: Payment of the registration fees must be made in Australian Dollars (AUD$) by one of the following methods: Option 1: By credit card via the Symposium website at: www.kenes.com/isme12 Payments by Visa and Mastercard will be charged in AUD ($). Payments by American Express will be charged in US$ according to the rate of exchange on the date of payment. Option 2: Option 3: By cheque made payable to “ISME 2008” By bank transfer: please make drafts payable to “ISME 2008” Credit Suisse Bank, Geneva Branch, 1211 Geneva 70, Switzerland Clearing number: 4835 Account Number: 0251-693980-52-154 IBAN code: CH85 0483 5069 3980 5215 4 Swift No: CRESCHZZ 12A Important: All bank charges are the responsibility of the participant and should be paid at source in addition to the registration fee. Registration Cancellation Policy All cancellations must be faxed, electronically mailed or postmarked: Cancellation received prior to May 31, 2008 – full refund less AUD$ 50 bank charges. Cancellation received from June 1 – July 25 – 50% refund. Cancellation received after July 26 – no refund. 29 Accommodation and Tours Registration Department 1-3 rue du Chantepoulet CH-1211 Geneva 1 Switzerland Tel: +41 22 908 0488 Fax: +41 22 732 2850 E-mail: reg_isme12@kenes.com Kenes International is the official travel agent for ISME-12 and will be offering special reduced rates for accommodation and tours. Accommodation at special symposium rates is available at the following hotels: Hotel Category Single room AUD$ Double room AUD$ Hotel vs. Cairns Convention Center Shangri-La Hotel Cairns (Headquarter) Standard room Superior room Holiday Inn Cairns ***** 250 305 **** 270 325 10 min. walking Standard room Superior room Pacific International Hotel Cairns Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns Standard room Superior room Rydges Plaza Standard room Superior room Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort Cairns Country Comfort Sunlodge Mercure Hotel Harbourside Cairns **** **** 195 240 195 215 260 215 15 min. walking 4 min. walking 190 225 **** 190 200 190 170 170 210 245 20 min. walking **** **** **** 210 220 210 190 190 5 min. walking 15 min. walking 15 min. walking 20 min. walking Rates quoted are in AUD ($), per room, per night and inclusive of breakfast and 10% Goods and Service Tax. Official check-in time for the hotels is 14:00 hours and check out is required before 11:00 hours. How to Book In order to benefit from the special Symposium rates, please use one of the following booking methods: • Send the enclosed Registration & Accommodation form with the required deposit by fax or mail at your earliest convenience. 30 • Book your hotel accommodation through the symposium website online at: www.kenes.com/isme12 We strongly advise all participants to reserve their hotel accommodation as soon as possible. Kenes International will not be able to guarantee rooms after July 25, 2008. Reservations will only be confirmed if credit card details are fully supplied or alternatively a deposit of one night accommodation per room by cheque or bank transfer is forwarded Each participant will receive an individual confirmation, indicating the name and address of the hotel. The booking will be final upon receipt of the corresponding payment. For hotel reservations made by a sponsoring company, the participant will receive the hotel confirmation from the sponsoring company directly. For block bookings (10 rooms and more), companies are requested to send their request by fax, or E-mail to Kenes International. Different payment and cancellation policies will apply. Payment All room rates quoted for accommodation are in AUD ($). Payment of hotel accommodation must be made in AUD ($). Full payment for accommodation provided by Kenes International is payable (less deposit) before your arrival in Cairns. Kenes International accepts Travellers’ cheques, Euro cheques, Visa, MasterCard and American Express* credit cards. Postal orders will not be accepted. *Please note that payments made by American Express will be charged in US$ Dollars according to the exchange rate on the date of payment. Please note that 3 weeks prior to arrival in Cairns, your credit card will be automatically charged for the balance of your hotel accommodation. Participants who paid their deposit with a bank transfer or cheque are required to send the balance of outstanding accommodation charges to Kenes International 21 days prior to arrival. Full prepayment is required for all hotel accommodations prior to arrival. Payment of hotel accommodation in AUD ($) should be made by one of the following methods: Option 1: By credit card via the Symposium website at: www.kenes.com/isme12 All room rates quoted for accommodation are in AUD ($). Payments for hotel accommodation by Visa and Mastercard will be charged in AUD ($). Payments for hotel accommodation by American Express will be charged in US$ according to the rate of exchange on the date of payment. Option 2: Option 3: By cheque AUD ($) made payable to “ISME 2008" By bank transfer: please make drafts AUD ($) payable to “ISME 2008” Credit Suisse Bank, Geneva Branch, 1211 Geneva 70, Switzerland Clearing number: 4835 Account Number: 0251-693980-52-154 IBAN code: CH85 0483 5069 3980 5215 4 Swift No: CRESCHZZ 12A Important: All bank charges are the responsibility of the participant and should be paid at source in addition to the registration / accommodation fee. 31 Accommodation Cancellation Policy Cancellations or changes must be received in writing to Kenes International (either by fax or e-mail). Please do not contact the hotel directly. In the event of non-arrival, the hotel will automatically release the reservation, and payment will be non-refundable. If you arrive later or leave earlier then on the dates indicated on your reservation form, the total accommodation amount will be charged, as no refunds can be made. Rooms cancelled prior to 30 days prior to arrival: full refund less AUD$ 50 handling fee. Rooms cancelled between 29 - 11 days prior to arrival: 1 night cancellation fee. Rooms cancelled less than 10 days and for non-show: full cancellation charges / no refund. Early Departure Fee Guests will be charged in full for checking out prior to the departure date confirmed at check-in. Important Notes Kenes International and their agents shall not be responsible for and shall be exempt from all liability in respect of any loss, damage, injury, accident, delay or inconvenience to any person, or his /her luggage or any other property for any reason whatsoever, for any tourist services provided. Personal travel and health insurance is recommended. 32 OPTIONAL TOURS In keeping with ISME tradition, no scientific sessions will be scheduled on Wednesday, August 20,2008. Participants will be free to take advantage of the many leisure opportunities in and around Cairns. All full-day tours on Wednesday August 20, 2008 are privately-chartered ISME tours. Note: Prices for all optional tours are based on minimum participation for operation of the specific tour – in the case that the minimum number is not reached, the tour will be cancelled. CAPE TRIBULATION RAINFOREST 4WD EXPERIENCE Wednesday August 20, 2008 07:00 – 18:00 Cape Tribulation offers magnificent world heritage rainforest, pristine sandy beaches and access to the Great Barrier Reef. You can enjoy a walk in the rainforest, mingle with many native animals or just relax on beautiful Cape Tribulation Beach. Your journey north along the coast will have you taking in breathtaking scenery. Our first stop is for a light breakfast at Daintree followed by a river cruise on the famous Daintree River looking for the salt water crocodiles, which inhabit this area. Our informative guides will walk you through the Maardja or Jindalba Botanical Boardwalk where you will see some of the world's oldest rainforest. This is followed by a short drive and then time to relax and enjoy a delicious tropical lunch and leisurely walk on Cape Tribulation Beach. During the return trip to Cairns, take in spectacular views of the coast and Daintree River from the Alexandra Range lookout. After crossing the Daintree River by cable ferry, join your informative guide for a refreshing swim and interpretation of Aboriginal history at the famous Mossman Gorge. Port Douglas is the next stop to enjoy a walk through the village centre and time to soak up the atmosphere. Your guide will take you on a scenic drive through Port Douglas before the return journey back to Cairns. Rate per person: AUD$ 104 (includes light breakfast and lunch) Based on a minimum of 50 participants WHITE WATER RAFTING – TULLY RIVER Wednesday August 20, 2008 07:00 – 18:00 If you want the ultimate in rafting, you want an unforgettable day on the Tully River. Australia's most famous oneday white-water rafting experience! Join the thousands every year who raft the Tully River's 45 rapids in an actionpacked white-water adventure in remote World Heritage Rainforest. It’s the North’s guaranteed tropical white water, white knuckle adventure. The magnificent waterfalls that cascade down the gorge walls through World Heritage Jurassic era rainforest provide an unforgettable backdrop. Attire: Bathers, enclosed shoes (that will get wet). Lunch included. Rate per person: AUD$ 185 (+ AUD$30 insurance – payable on tour day) Based on a minimum of 60 participants GREEN ISLAND ADVENTURE Wednesday August 20, 2008 10:30 – 17:00 Part of a protected Marine Park, Green Island is a beautiful coral cay (island composed entirely of debris from the reef) that is readily identified from the air by its emerald rainforest surrounded by white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs. Green Island is a 6000 year old coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Travel to Green Island in a speedy comfortable air-conditioned catamaran. Once there, you can swim, snorkel, dive, or just simply relax on the sweeping sandy beaches. Your tour includes choice of snorkelling equipment or glass bottom boat coral reef tour, morning tea and coffee. Rate per person: AUD$115 (Lunch not included) Based on a minimum of 60 participants 33 KURANDA SKYRAIL & SCENIC RAILWAY Wednesday August 20, 2008 09:00 – 16:30 Experience the contrast of the regions oldest and most unique picturesque railway and the invisible technology of the world’s most beautiful cableway in one day. This breathtaking journey on one of the world's most scenic train routes will take you through 15 hand-cut tunnels, past spectacular waterfalls and across bridges with amazing views. Stop at Barron Gorge to view the falls before arriving at beautiful Kuranda Station. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the Village in the Rainforest. Explore the markets or visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and colourful Birdworld. You will board Skyrail for the worlds’ most beautiful and unforgettable rainforest experience. Glide over the rainforest canopy and take advantage of the two stops en-route to enjoy a walk through the rainforest or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. Your journey ends at Caravonica Lakes where your coach is waiting to take you back to your accommodation. Rate per person: AUD$ 103 Based on a minimum of 20 participants GREAT BARRIER REEF CRUISE Wednesday August 20, 2008 09:00 – 17:00 Reef Quest offers fantastic value for money and gives you the opportunity to do up to 3 dives on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkellers can enjoy unlimited snorkelling in 2 different locations, weather permitting. Reef Quest takes you to the Outer Reef in under 90 minutes, less time travelling and more time to snorkel and enjoy the reef. Purpose built for diving and snorkelling, ReefQuest allows you to experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef. If you have never tried scuba diving before you can experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef by joining our experienced dive instructors on an introductory dive. Simply complete and pass a medical questionnaire, listen to a short briefing and you’re off to blow bubbles underwater! Rate per person: AUD$167 + $15.00 pay on board levy (Includes lunch) Based on a minimum of 60 participants * Optional introductory diving instruction AUD $65 * Optional Certified dive AUD $65 34 PRE-SYMPOSIUM OPTIONAL TOURS TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK TOUR Saturday August 16, 2008 12:00 – 17:00 Immerse yourself in Australia’s aboriginal culture and learn of their music, dances and epics at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. This unique park is situated on 25 acres of land in Caravonica Lakes, cairns, immediately adjacent to the Skyrail Rainforest cableway. The entire park has been dedicated to preserving and presenting authentic aboriginal culture with the aid of the most modern technology. Five theaters, a museum, an art gallery and a traditional aboriginal camp combine to give a complete and meaningful glimpse of Australia’s rich and ancient culture. Enjoy time for lunch at the restaurant within the park (not included). Rate per person: AUD$ 50 FRANKLAND ISLANDS – SNORKELLING AND DIVING Saturday August 16, 2008 07:30 – 17:30 Frankland Islands Cruise & Dive is the only tour operator licensed to visit the untouched beauty of the Frankland Islands. Our vessel takes up to a maximum of 100 passengers which ensures your day on the reef is both service and safety orientated. Your day begins with a morning cruise along the Mulgrave river, where you may spot a crocodile or two. From the mouth of the river our destination on the The Great Barrier Reef is already in sight, making it the shortest open sea crossing in North Queensland. Welcome to Normanby Island, one of the five stunning islands that comprise the Frankland Islands. Once on the island you are free to explore on your own or you can join the various tours throughout the day including snorkelling, semi-submersible vessel tour or interpretive island tour. Frankland islands cater for the snorkeller as well as the certified and introductory divers. The island is famous for the turtles that live in the fringing reef. Rate per person: AUD$ 109 + $25 pay on board levy (Includes lunch) * Optional introductory diving instruction AUD $99 * Optional Certified dive AUD $69 * Optional snorkel tour AUD $15 * Optional Island tour AUD $15 * Optional Semi-Submersible Vessel Tour AUD $15 35 POST-SYMPOSIUM OPTIONAL TOURS CAIRNS TROPICAL ZOO Saturday August 23, 2008 12:00 – 17:00 Enjoy a half day tour at Cairns Tropical Zoo - Cairns best hands-on wildlife experience. Cairns Tropical Zoo is set amidst six hectares of tropically landscaped gardens, and is home to hundreds of native and exotic species, many of which are indigenous to our area. Cairns Tropical Zoo provides visitors with the unique opportunity of interacting with the animals and a "must see" highlight of your day includes the fabulous free flight bird show, which gives you the opportunity of close encounters with many bird species including the majestic Sea Eagles. See Queensland's largest display of native and exotic snakes and lizards or perhaps pat a python at the Snake Show. You also get the chance to see Lorikeet feeding in the walk-through aviary, kangaroos and the koala keeper talk with the opportunity of holding a koala for a photo. Rate per person: AUD$ 71 TOUR TO THE LOW ISLES – SNORKELLING AND DIVING Saturday August 23, 2008 09:00 – 17:00 Imagine sailing aboard “Wavedancer”, a 30-metre luxury Catamaran, to the Great Barrier Reef island of your dreams, lying under a palm thatched umbrella, then slipping into the water to drift over coral gardens alive with brilliantly coloured fish... the Low Isles. Enjoy the excitement and romance of sailing under warm, tropical skies. Set like a jewel in a Great Barrier Reef lagoon, Low Isles is an idyllic, unspoilt coral island that appeals to all. This is everyone’s idea of a secluded tropical paradise! The wide, sandy beach and clear, calm lagoon waters are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving* or just exploring the island. Participate in the guided snorkelling trips with a Marine Biologist, guided beach walk and glass bottom boat coral viewing tour. Enjoy a tropical smorgasbord lunch. Rate per person: AUD$ 147 (Includes transfers to/from Port Douglas marina and lunch) * Optional introductory diving instruction AUD $112 Notes: - All Pre- and Post symposium optional tours will depart from and return to participants Cairns city hotels. The hotel name must be provided upon tour reservation. - All tours include entrance fees as per itinerary and touring in an air-conditioned bus with service of an Englishspeaking guide. - Changes in routes, departure/arrival times may occur for reasons beyond our control. - Comfortable walking shoes recommended for all tours. 36 MAP OF HOTEL LOCATIONS 37