ISAC E-News -- Winter 2003
President's Message
Invitation to ISAC 1st Cytomics Meeting
by Harry Crissman
hacrissman@lanl.gov
By now you all should have received a copy of the preliminary program for the 1st International Cytomics Conference in Cardiff, UK. I would like to invite you all to attend this conference 6-9 May 2003.
Paul Smith has certainly done an excellent job in putting together a really exciting program at the Celtic Manor Resort. As you glance through the program you will note that Paul has selected a wide range of interesting topics to be presented by many leaders in the field of cytomics. Please come and join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of ISAC.
You are invited to attend the Council Meeting that will be held at the Celtic Manor Resort on 6 May 2003. If you cannot attend and have specific issues that you would like addressed at that meeting please e-mail them to me.
(See related Cytomics Conference updates below.)
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Potential Congress Sites Sought
The evaluation of the congress held last May in San Diego was quite positive. Attendance there set a record. That success was due, in part, to the proximity of many academic institutions and the abundance of biotech companies in the area.
Because the role of location is so important to the success of congresses, ISAC leadership is seeking member input on potential locations for future ISAC congresses. Our members attend hundreds of other meetings around the world each year and have the opportunity to evaluate venues, hotel room costs, the convenience of airline connections, and other amenities important to ISAC meeting attendees.
Other factors important for assessing a location for an ISAC congress include adequate space for posters, exhibitors, tutorials and ad hoc meetings. Ultimately, sites will be reviewed by our meeting services team at ISAC Headquarters and venues will be recommended based on their ability to provide all the necessary services, space, guest rooms, meeting rooms and rates acceptable for an ISAC congress. Meeting sites for large events are reserved at least four years in advance.
Suggestions for potential meeting sites may be made to lmaddox@isac-net.org.
1st International Cytomics Conference News
Abstract Submission Deadline Extended for Cytomics Conference
Abstracts are being accepted until 17 March 2003 for poster presentations only at ISAC's 1st International Cytomics Conference, 6-9 May 2003, at The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales, UK.
Abstracts submitted now until the 17 March deadline will be considered for the poster presentation format only and will not be published in the final program. Abstracts will be printed in an addendum distributed at the meeting. All abstracts will be posted on the ISAC Web site..
To review the submission guidelines and instructions before submitting an abstract, go to http://www.isac-net.org/abstracts.
ISAC encourages investigators in all aspects of cytology, especially those who wish to contribute information on new technologies for cell-based analyses and their applications within the main theme of biotechnology and genomics for health.
ISAC encourages you to forward this call for abstracts to non-ISAC member colleagues.
For questions regarding the submission process, contact Nicki Patti at ISAC headquarters npatti@isac-net.org or 847-205-4722 ext. 214. All abstracts must be submitted by 17 March.
We look forward to seeing you at the 1st International Cytomics Conference in Wales. Current information about the conference and a preliminary schedule are posted on the ISAC Web site, http://www.isac-net.org/cytomics/index.htm.
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Beckman Coulter Inc. Signs on as Platinum Sponsor
Beckman Coulter Inc. is the Platinum Sponsor of the 1st International Cytomics Conference, sponsored by ISAC in Coldra Woods, Newport, Wales, 6-9 May, 2003, at the Celtic Manor Resort.
Beckman Coulter's substantial investment in this inaugural conference demonstrates the importance of the 1st International Cytomics Conference to the development of this emerging field of study.
The 1st International Cytomics Conference offers a full agenda of stimulating educational and scientific sessions aimed at individuals with years of experience as well as newcomers to cytomics. The Conference will highlight the technological advances and applications in this field, and will provide a unique opportunity for commercial and research groups to interact.
Consistent with the concept of cytomics, and the integration of scientific specialties, the meeting is designed to promote consortium building among researchers.
Keep Posted on Job Market at ISAC Job Exchange
The postings on the ISAC Job Exchange page offer job seekers and employers a great resource for finding a great fit.
Looking for a new job? Make the postings on the ISAC Job Exchange a stop on your job search. This high-tech version of the want ads gives you access to a great variety of jobs from entry-level to top management.
New ads are posted frequently so be sure to check in often.
Employers looking to recruit top quality people should make the ISAC Job Exchange part of their job marketing strategy. Job ads are free for ISAC members and reasonably priced for non-ISAC members. Contact Patricia Sullivan at ISAC Headquarters at psullivan@isac-net.org for more information on placing an ad on the Job Exchange.
Events Listings on the ISAC Events Calendar
Be sure to visit the ISAC Events Calendar regularly to stay abreast of events of interest to the cytometry community around the world. The calendar contains a listing of cytometry workshops, meetings and conferences held across the globe.
The Events Calendar is also an excellent forum for promoting your events.
To submit an item for inclusion on the ISAC Events Calendar, send a description of the event, including date, location, host and/or sponsoring organization, contact information and a Web address for more information to Patricia Sullivan at psullivan@isac-net.org.
Check the calendar regularly to stay abreast of cytometry events worldwide.
Introducing the ISAC Data Presentations and Biosafety Issues Surveillance Committees
Editor's Note: E-News features ISAC committees so members can gain a better understanding of what they do and how they can get involved. Second in a series. Future issues of ISAC E-News will profile other Society committees.
ISAC Data Presentations Committee
The Data Presentations Committee consists of Zbigniew Darzynkiewicz, Chuck Goolsby, David Parks, and Chair Mario Roederer. This committee is charged with providing ISAC with a set of guidelines for presentation of data (primarily in journals). The committee will be initiating their work soon. They welcome input from ISAC members, in particular any problems that need to be addressed.
ISAC Biosafety Issues Surveillance Committee
Purpose: To provide recommendations and advice to the cytometry community on biosafety issues related to analytical cytology.
Scope: The committee provides and disseminates information on biohazards related to experiments in analytical cytology. Examples include sample preparation and the use of flow and image cytometers and maintenance of the Biosafety Guidelines for Sorting of Unfixed Cells. The committee promotes education and training in safety issues through workshops and classes at ISAC congresses and at other times and places where feasible. The committee interacts on behalf of the Society with regulatory agencies that deal with safety issues, e.g., U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Occupational Health and Safety Administration, the Health Industry Manufacturers Association, and others.
Membership: The president of ISAC with the approval of the ISAC Council appoints the chair and committee members for a single term. Members of the committee may be re-appointed. The committee chair may appoint committee advisors. Current members include: Frank Mandy, Stephen Merlin, Stephen Perfetto, Ingrid Schmid, Harry Crissman (ex officio), MAria Pallavicini (ex officio), and Chair Dave Coder.
Recent work of the committee has included the biosafety issues of sorting human cells for therapeutic applications. This was addressed by a joint workshop of the Center for the Evaluation of Biologicals and Research of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "A Public Workshop on Safety Issues Pertaining to the Clinical Application of Flow Cytometry to Human-Derived Cells," on 20 April 2001.
A direct outcome of the meeting was the formation of a working group to address the issues raised and to present a proposal for guidelines for the safe and effective sorting of human cells for therapeutic applications. All regular members of the committee are members of the working group.
An important aspect of the evaluating conditions for safe sorting involves the detection and measurement of aerosol formation in and around the sorter. Currently, a correlation study of the established bacteriophage tracing technique is being compared with a fluorescent bead technique using GloGerm particles. It is hoped that when a simple method of tracking aerosols is shown to correlate with the established phage method, the simple method will encourage the wider adoption of an important indicator of potential biohazard. Publication of the correlation study is anticipated for summer 2003.
Other relevant issues that are addressed to the chair or to the committee (e.g. laser safety and chemicals in the laboratory) are answered by reference to the appropriate materials.
Biosafety Questionnaire
The ISAC Biosafety Issues Surveillance Committee (see article about comittee above) has developed a Biosafety Questionnaire to assist shared flow cytometry facilities in creating forms that suit their requirements for obtaining biosafety information on the samples submitted to their facilities. Your feedback is sought.
Interested individuals should download a Word document or PDF of the questionnaire. More information on the form and how to submit your feedback to the Biosafety Issues Surveillance Committee is available on the Biosafety Questionnaire page.
Upcoming Meetings
Below is a partial list of conferences and workshops.
For a more thorough listing, see the ISAC Events Calendar.
1st International Cytomics Conference
6-9 May 2003
Celtic Manor Resort, Coldra Woods, Newport, Wales, United Kingdom
www.isac-net.org/cytomics/index.htm
This conference offers a full agenda of stimulating educational and scientific sessions aimed at individuals with years of experience as well as newcomers to cytomics. The Conference will highlight the technological advances and applications in this field, and will provide a unique opportunity for commercial and research groups to interact.
Consistent with the concept of cytomics, and the integration of scientific specialties, the meeting is designed to promote consortium building among researchers.
4th Biennial Workshop Applications of Flow Cytometry in Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation
28 May 2003
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Early Registration Deadline: 11 April
Additional information: www.celltherapy.org
This year's workshop focuses on standardization of cytometric testing and cytometric applications in biotherapy/immunotherapy. The workshop is held in conjunction with the ISCT Annual Meeting. However, the registration fee is separate, so that individuals may attend either meeting exclusively.
Cell Therapy 2003: ISCT's 9th Annual Meeting
29 May-1 June
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Early Registration Deadline: 11 April
Abstract Submission Deadline: 14 February
Contacts: Martha Davis or Lee Buckler, Vancouver, B.C., 604-874-4366
Additional information: isct2003@celltherapy.org
The ISCT Annual Meeting includes plenary scientific and clinical presentations, educational workshops, panel discussions, technical breakfasts, abstract presentations, social events, and more.
4th Samuel A. Latt Conference - Quantitative Biology for the Clinic
20-22 November 2003
Yosemite Lodge, Yosemite National Park, California
Conference Chairs: Maria Pallavicini, Joe Gray, and Graeme Hodgson
More information will be posted on the ISAC Web site in coming weeks.
ISAC XXII International Congress
22-27 May 2004
Le Corum, Montpellier, France
The premier educational conference for professionals and new investigators working in biological, clinical and analytical cytometry.
More information will be posted on the ISAC Web site in coming months.