A major theme of this year’s conference will be the effects of
environmental contaminants on pollinator genomics, development,
physiology and behavior. The conference will feature two world-renowned
keynote speakers: David Goulson (University of Stirling), an expert in
the behavior, ecosystems services, and conservation of bumble bees, and
Heather Patisaul (North Carolina State University), who will share
insights into the genomic, neurophysiological and behavioral impacts of
environmental contaminants that act as endocrine disruptors in mammals.
Additional symposia will include invited and contributed talks and
posters related to pollinator behavior, physiology, host-parasite
interactions, conservation, ecosystems services, and policy.
When
this conference was first held in 2010, it attracted over 200
participants from 14 countries, representing universities, government
agencies, agrochemical companies, non-profit organizations, and several
stakeholder groups. For more information, you can review details about the 2010 conference, including an abstract book and several of the policy-related presentations.
The
conference will begin in the evening of August 14th, 2013, and be
preceded by a one-day Pollinator Conservation Short Course hosted by the
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation on August 14, 2013. The
Short Course will also be held at Penn State in University Park, PA and
it will feature presentations on creating and protecting pollinator
habitat, as well as related research of Penn State scientists. Please
contact Ashley Minnerath for more information.
The
Center for Pollinator Research at Penn State is a dynamic consortium of
27 faculty involved in research, education and extension efforts
focused on improving pollinator health, conservation and ecosystems
services. For more information on the Center, please visit our website.
For more information about the conference, please see its website or contact the organizers: Christina Grozinger, Chris Mullin, and Neal Williams.
The conference agenda, online registration, and online abstract
submission will be available in early February 2013. To receive an email
announcement once registration is open, please send a message to csco@psu.edu
