paleonet Bivalve Conference Barcelona 2006: Informal and preliminary first inquiry on interest

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Dear colleagues,

This is my third try to post the following inquiry on paleonet. However, I
hope, You received it only once unless You are also on the molluscalist.
Apologies then for this unavoidable double posting.

Since the first posting on 12th of July, I may add to the original text that
I got already a fair number of positive answers from molluscalist members
(from Brazil, North America to Italy) with an exciting range of themes
including endocrinology, freshwater, genetics, to stratigraphy. So, although
still rather early, I would like to encourage You to join the preliminary
list to stay informed about the progress of this project.

Although I repeat myself here, please note that answers should be sent to
n.malchus@gmx.net
The other address (header) has only very limited capacity and I may not be
able to empty it in time during my vacations.

Sincerely Yours,

Niko

----- Original Message -----
From: "Nikolaus Malchus" <n.malchus@gmx.net>
To: <molluscalist@uclink4.berkeley.edu>
Cc: <paleonet@nhm.ac.uk>
Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2003 4:18 PM
Subject: Bivalve Conference Barcelona 2006: Informal and preliminary first
inquiry on interest


Dear palaeonetters, molluscalist participants, colleagues

I plan to organize an international Bivalve Conference at my home university
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona between end of July and end of August,
2006.

This is a preliminary inquiry with the objective to find out about Your
interest.

The conference is thought to unite Palaeontology and Neontology with a
strong focus on Early Evolution, Early Ontogeny, Biodiversity. But see
below, for
some additional thoughts.

Those of You who are interested, please apply here: n.malchus@gmx.net
(subject: as above or simply Bivalves 2006) to be on the preliminary list.
Please
make sure to answer off line to avoid listserver congestion. I'll let You
know
about the result after summer holidays.

It is of course too early for details, but let me just mention that the
University facilities (conference rooms, accomodation,...) are of high
international standard and provide space for up to 800 participants. I
guess, this will
be more than sufficient for us, :-). For more information on this aspect,
You may visit
the following link:

http://www.uabcampus.com/index_eng.html

Additional thoughts:

We have to face the fact that Evo-Devo has a touch of ivory tower science,
apart from genetics, which is en vogue.
I therefore add some other, more applied aspects, the first of which will
certainly be included in the program, some of the others might be included
so
there are interest and talks which cover these themes.

- shell microstructure/gem industry

- larvae and adult bivalvia as indicators of pollution/instability/changes
of aquatic ecosystems (zebra mussel problems and alike included)

- changes in biodiversity

- bivalves, interesting for pharmaceutical industry? (actually, I do not
know of any case. If You know, please let me know)

- ?? (Your turn)

I deliberately excluded shellfish (food) industry subjects, as they would
easily suffocate anything else. The pollution theme as well as larval shell
(identification) already include some aspects.

I also see a need to communicate to people, arguing why it is important what
we are doing. The conference could be a place for discussion (perhaps round
table) to collect arguments and to find strategies of how to reach a larger
public.

Finally, serious initial steps towards a new Bivalve Treatise are being
taken. I would hope that the organizers see the conference as an opportunity
to
gather contributors/interested colleagues for specific workshops.

Hope to hear from You,

Have pleasant holidays,

Niko

--
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cc: nikolaus.malchus@uab.es
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Dept. de Geologia/Unitat Paleontologia
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Campus, Edifici Cs
08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Catalunya
SPAIN
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Tel 34-93-581-1464
Fax 34-93-581-1263
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