BES Facebook pageBES Annual Meeting 2009
8 - 10 September
University of Hertfordshire, UK
The BES was pleased to return to the University of Hertfordshire for its 2009 Annual Meeting. For all travel and logistical details, please see the BES Joining Instructions [Adobe PDF, 1123 Kb].
This meeting will see another stimulating mix of cutting edge science, stimulating workshops, career events and exhibits, as well as plenty of innovative opportunities to network with a diverse, international collection of delegates.
We are delighted to announce that Professor Paul Collier will deliver the BES Lecture and Professor Ian Baldwin will present the Tansley Lecture. Read more here.
We are also very pleased that Dr. Stephen Boffey, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Hertfordshire, as well as a highly-cited expert on chloroplast replication, will be welcoming delegates at the Opening Ceremony.
BES AGM and Awards Ceremony
The BES AGM and Awards Ceremony will take place directly after Paul Collier's delivery of the BES Lecture. All BES members are warmly encouraged to join us for this part of the meeting.
The AGM Agenda is available by clicking here and the Annual Report is ready to download here (large file: 1,011kb). BES Council and Committee nominations are also available to read before the AGM, please click here [Adobe PDF, 158 KB].
Oral Sessions & Thematic Topics
There will be approximately 35 oral sessions during the 2 ½ days covering all aspects of ecology. Oral presentations are limited to third year PhD level and above but first and second year students can submit posters. The poster sessions are an important part of the meeting and we are expect over 100 submissions this year.
There is an exciting programme of oral thematic topics. These sessions include a keynote speaker who gives a 40 minute presentation plus four other invited speakers and submitted abstracts. They aim to give an up to date, in depth focus on ecological issues and are a great way to improve your understanding of current thinking in particular areas. Topics being developed for 2009 include wildlife diseases, ocean acidification, ecosystem services and the impact of warming in polar regions.
Social Events
The social side to conferences is really important and we're planning plenty of opportunties for you to cement old friendships and meet new contacts.
There is a welcome mixer the night before the meeting starts, sponsored by 'Methods in Ecology & Evolution' Journal, and we are really pleased that the band Warblefly will be playing on the middle evening. Warblefly will be familar to some of you as two BES Council members, David Hodgson and Andy Beckerman are part of the band.
There is ecological speed dating 2.0, 'Speed Data', a specially commisioned play to celebrate the Darwin bicentenary, and an ecologically-themed pub quiz. Find out more about the social side of the conference.
Location
The University of Hertfordshire De Haviland Campus is an outstanding venue. All lecture theatres are in the same building and all the faclities we are using are within a couple of minutes walk from each other. There are excellent sports facilites on site including a swimming pool, gym and climing wall. We will be using the purpose built social areas for evening events and the bar. The accommodation is first rate and excellent value for money.
Key Dates & Booking Details
The deadline for regular bookings has now passed. It is no longer possible to book catering and accommodation, but day registration will be available on campus. Day registration costs: Members £95 per day; Student Members £50 per day; Non Members £115 per day.
There are some great discounts to be had for BES student members. BES students are entitled to a 50% discount on university catering and accommodation, as well as a significantly reduced registration fee for the meeting itself. BES student membership costs just £20 for the year, and you also get all these other benefits too. To apply for membership, click here.
