11th Pacific Science Inter-Congress

Planning is in the advanced stage for the 11th Pacific Science Inter-Congress. The Inter-Congress will be held at the Sheraton Tahiti in Tahiti, French Polynesia from 2–6 March 2009. The conference will have plenary and parallel sessions, invited keynote lectures, poster sessions, as well as cultural activities and optional post-conference field trips.

The main theme of the Inter-Congress is “Pacific Countries and their Ocean: Facing Local and Global Changes.” Five parallel sessions have been organized around the following sub-themes:

• Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Development
• Climate Change and Ocean Acidification
• Health Challenges in the Pacific: Infectious Diseases, Non-communicable Diseases, and Health Workforce
• Culture and Politics: The Stakes of Modernity
• Governance and the Economy: Future Challenges for the Pacific

There will also be a Plenary Session that will discuss inter- and intra-regional cooperation in the Pacific. Sub-sessions on specific topics are being organized under the various session themes, and are designed to facilitate multidisciplinary linkages and interactions.

The PSI-09 organizers recognize the perceived high costs of traveling to French Polynesia, and have arranged for significantly discounted rates on airfares from major destinations in North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Reduced rates have also been negotiated with hotels in Tahiti. In addition, registration fees include most meals except for breakfast, and so participants’ non-accommodation and non-excursion costs are reduced. There is a significant discount for Early Bird Registration. Students are exempt from all registration fees, and low-cost dorm and small hotel venues have been set up to reduce their costs.

Early Bird Registration for PSA members: € 240
Early Bird Registration for non-PSA members: € 250
Late Registration for PSA members: € 320
Late Registration for non-PSA members: € 340
Student Registration: Free

PSI-09 has a Young Scientist Grant Program that will award € 500 grants to 50 scholars / students under age 35. There is also a program to cover full costs for selected scientists from less-developed countries. Please contact the PSI-09 organizers for details.

Further details, and abstract submissions, registration, and hotel reservations can be made via the PSI-09 website, at www.psi2009.pf.

Deadlines for Abstracts and Registration:

Abstract submission: 30 September 2008
Young Scientist Grant submission: 30 September 2008
Abstract results: 31 October 2008
Grant results: 31 October 2008
Early bird registration closes: 31 October 2008
Accommodation Bookings Close: Early February 2009