Passport to Infection - Infections of Travel and Leisure

We have a very exciting line up of speakers for you at the SfAM Annual Conference 2018. The 3-day event will be packed full of the latest research on infectious diseases, given by expert microbiologists and clinicians covering a wide range of topics that include migration, medical tourism and unusual infections.

We are especially pleased to announce that our Journal of Applied Microbiology lecture will this year be given by Professor Albert Bosch, University of Barcelona, whose specialist area is the Hepatitis A virus. Albert will be giving us some new insights from an old acquaintance.  Another talk to look forward to will be given by Natasha Hochberg, MD, an infectious disease physician with appointments in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Epidemiology at Boston University School of Medicine.

Closer to home we look forward to listening to Robert Aldridge, University College London, whose current research focuses on establishing the burden of disease and health inequalities faced by vulnerable, and often invisible populations including migrants. Robert is sure to enlighten as he discusses how to manage the health of mobile populations.

SfAM President, Professor Mark Fielder will present the prestigious WH Pierce prize to an outstanding microbiologist who has made a substantial contribution to the science of applied microbiology. The award and subsequent lecture has rapidly become the highlight of the Annual Conference in recent years, with talks from Jack Gilbert, Nicola Stanley-Wall and Brendan Gilmore all receiving standing ovations.

Whether your interest in fungi is just for fun or for more serious recording, this course aims to give participants the tools to be more confident in their identifications. Time will be spent in the field looking for the fungi that associate with a stunning range of habitats including Caledonian pine, broadleaf woodland and old grasslands; many of the fungi that grow here are rarely seen in other areas of the country. In the field with an expert, it is possible to clarify the distinguishing macro characters that can be so difficult to transfer from the guidebooks to the real world. Prior knowledge of the scientific names of fungi is not required for this course but it is hoped that in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you will surprise yourself at how many names you actually learn during the week. Part of the afternoons and evenings will be set aside for working indoors to allow close examination of the specimens collected. Tips on taking spore prints and other simple techniques will also be given. A number of texts will be available, ranging from beginner's keys to genus monographs and time will be spent working through keys with those who are not confident in their use. Techniques will be taught to beginners in microscopy, to enable access to the world of spores and other fascinating micro-characters. Evening talks will include further information about fungal lifestyles and why they are so important in our woodlands, grasslands and other habitats.

Chris Knowles is a consultant ecologist with a wide experience of leading workshops on fungus identification at Kindrogan and elsewhere in Scotland. As well as teaching Chris has recently worked as an RSPB reserves ecologist.