Hello to all BSA Members,

Does your organization, department, lab recruit Post-docs or hire botanical staff? Are you interested in scientific research or botanical education? Please read on...

Botany 2008 is rapidly approaching. This joint meeting of the Canadian Botanical Association/L’Association Botanique du Canada, American Fern Society, American Society of Plant Taxonomists and the Botanical Society of America promises to be exciting and stimulating. Our theme this year is “Botany without Borders,” and we have worked hard to integrate the well-established activities of both the annual Botany and CBA/ABC conferences. Through invited and contributed oral presentations and poster sessions, the meeting will provide state-of-the-art plant research from the leaders in the field. Invited lectures and special symposia planned by our members focus on interdisciplinary topics that cut across borders and meet the varied interests of members in the four societies. Continuing the BSA drive to welcome students the program will include a number of special scientific sessions and social gatherings just for them.

I am writing to inform you about the following items related to the program.

First, I am asking that you consider advertising your program or university at our third annual Graduate School-Post-Doc-Job Fair. This event will occur on Sunday, July 27, 2008 prior to the Plenary Talk. As professional members of the BSA, you are invited to represent your organization, department or research program to interact with and recruit quality students and professionals. If you recruit staff and/or Post-docs, this is your opportunity to speak with and recruit the very best! Please send your request to Scott Schuette at renzlab@siu.edu; include your name, institution, and what equipment (i.e., table and/or poster board) to present your materials.

Second, the 7th annual Education and Outreach Forum will occur on Sunday, July 27, 2008 only. The Forum offers opportunities to share innovative approaches to enhancing curricula and science education by using plants. Scientific and educational workshops will be presented that are geared to meet the needs of educators at all levels, including K-12 teachers in the area.

Please note: there will be a discussion session on Tuesday, July 29, at 12pm, in the Council Chambers/SUB, to discuss the evolution of the Educational Forum. Your thoughts and ideas will be appreciated, so please stop by.

The Vancouver area is rich in botanical interest—a variety of one-day scientific field trips will take place on Saturday, July 26, prior to the scientific meeting.

I encourage you to visit the Botany 2008 website (http://2008.botanyconference.org/), browse the abstracts (http://2008.botanyconference.org/engine/search/) and plan your activities early (learn how to use the Botany Conference Custom Schedule tool - www.botany.org/conferences/custome_schedule.php).

The venue is beautiful, and sessions will be full of innovative and engaging ideas and findings. Come and interact with colleagues and friends on both sides of the border. It will be great to see you!

Sincerely,

Karen Renzaglia
Program Director

Plan now for Botany 2008 - University of British Columbia - Make sure your passport is ready!!

Botanical Society of America
www.2008.BotanyConference.org
www.PlantingScience.org
www.Botany.org

Mission: The Botanical Society of America exists to promote botany, the field of basic science dealing with the study and inquiry into the form, function, development, diversity, reproduction, evolution, and uses of plants and their interactions within the biosphere.