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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