Invitation from Conference Chair

Welcome to Montreal for ISPP2009, the 13th International Symposium on Phototrophic Prokaryotes. This is only the second time that the ISPP series finds itself in North America, and we hope that you will find Montreal, a major cultural and scientific hub of North America, a pleasant and exciting blend of Old World charm and New World vitality. One perhaps unexpected line of continuity with the previous ISPP2006 is that ISPP2009 will be held in another French speaking city!

As in the past, we plan a stimulating and informative program showcasing the recent developments in this ever evolving field. This is one of my favourite conference series to attend because not only does it inform my specific research passions, it broadly educates me in ways that improve my teaching and increase my breadth of understanding in a variety of outside areas. Indeed, the ISPP series brings together a broad spectrum of interests, techniques, and disciplines. A large number of plenary and parallel symposia sessions will permit oral communications by both established researchers and newcomers to this field, as well as promoting active audience participation and lively discussions. Poster sessions will supplement the oral program, and we intend to highlight the outstanding posters with invited short oral presentations.

Come join us, meet old friends and make new acquaintances. In addition to the planned social events, we hope that the venue, and the surrounding city filled with small cafés and bistros, will be conducive to productive and insightful informal discussions. One of the highlights of past conferences in this series is the high level of active participation by attendees. We look forward to receiving your abstract, and learning about the latest advances that you have made. Your participation and contribution will certainly add to the scientific success of ISPP2009. I look forward to seeing you in Montreal!

Patrick Hallenbeck
Université de Montréal
Montreal, Quebec, Canada