Welcome

Dear Colleague,

It is my great pleasure as the organiser of the 18th Biennial Conference of the South African Society of Microbiology (SASM) to announce that this conference will be held at Forever Resorts Warmbaths, Bela-Bela between 24 and 27 November 2013. After the 14th SASM conference in 2006 was organised by the University of Pretoria, The School of Molecular and Cell Biology at Wits University is hosting the conference this year. SASM 2013 will attract industrialists from major international Biotechnology companies and leading academics from all over the world to Bela-Bela.

“From Africa to the World: Trending Microbiology” is the motto of SASM 2013. South African scientists have always been amongst world leaders in areas such as yeast biotechnology, plasmid biology, virology and mycobacteriology. However, South African microbiological research increasingly encompasses topics that are rooted in our continent. These are topics related to our unique biodiversity, our exceptional microbial ecology, on land, our shores, and our deep mines, our traditional foods and beverages, and the pathology of our indigenous crops and trees.

We are compiling a comprehensive programme in which national and international experts in the field will address topics they are working in the different contexts mentioned above. The focus will be on an information exchange amongst experts with regards to how best to tackle both existing and upcoming challenges in Africa. Postgraduate project showcasing has always been at the heart of SASM conferences. The Conference Organising Committee is also planning social programmes for the evenings, giving delegates from all over the world the opportunity to mingle and party in true African style.

As a committee we cordially invite you to attend, sponsor or exhibit at this beneficial conference. These four days will provide you with a fantastic opportunity to present your barn and to network among the delegates.
See you at Forever Resorts Warmbaths, Bela-Bela on 24 November 2013.

Professor Chrissie Rey
Chair, Organising Committee