Wollongong
to host Australia's foremost ecological conference
20 September 2001
The forefront of ecological research in Australia will be showcased next week
in Wollongong by Australia's largest annual gathering of ecologists.
From Wednesday 26 September to Friday 28 September, 260 researchers will discuss
important themes in ecology, such as biodiversity, evolution, land management,
conservation and environmental law and policy.
The University of Wollongong will host delegates from Australia, as well as from
countries as far afield as South Africa and the United States.
"This conference will provide a great opportunity for us to highlight the
high quality and diversity of ecological research being undertaken at the University
of Wollongong, as well as show people first hand what a great place the Illawarra
is to do research", conference co-ordinator, Dr Kristine French, said.
The conference will be opened by the Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Cr George Harrison;
the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Chris Brink; and Professor Derek
Anderson, the founding editor of the Society's journal "Austral Ecology".
Professor Mike Bull of Flinders University will receive the prestigious ESA Gold
Medal, for his significant contribution to the profession of ecology and to the
Society.
Research findings to be presented at the conference will include:
- The impact
of pollution and climate change on plant and animal communities
- The restoration of biodiversity in cleared rainforests
- The impact of snow manipulation by ski resorts on subalpine vegetation
- The role of sex in Great Barrier Reef corals.
"The annual ESA conference is one of the reasons the standard of ecological
research in this country is up there with the best in the world", according
to Professor Rob Whelan, Director of the University's Institute for Conservation
Biology.
"It gives us a chance to share and discuss our ideas, which is vital in
ensuring the future success of ecological research in Australia," he said.
For more information, contact:
Professor Rob Whelan or Dr Kris French on (02) 4221 3013, fax (02)
4221 4135 or email: rob@uow.edu.au, kris@uow.edu.au
The full conference timetable and program of talks can be found at http://www.uow.edu.au/science/biol/esa/esa_program.html
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