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FEMS CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE

FEMS is a charity* devoted to the promotion of microbiology in Europe. It provides funding in a number of ways:

* The Federation is registered as a Charity in the United Kingdom: (registration number272537)

Each Member Society receives a grant of UKL 2500, available as a Fellowship fund, to enable one or more members of each Society to visit a host laboratory in Europe to perform experimental work, learn new techniques, etc. The Fellows are selected by the FEMS Member Societies.

2.Meetings being organised in Europe may be helped by support grants (maximum UKL 9500). Organisers should contact the FEMS delegate of a FEMS Member Society in their own country in the first instance.

3.Workshop Meetings in Europe, involving laboratory work, may be elegible for support grants (maximum UKL 12,500). Organisers should contact a FEMS delegate in their own country in the first instance.

4.Grants are available to assist the attendance of young microbiologists, who belong to a FEMS Member Society, at approved meetings in Europe. A maximum of UKL 5000 is allo- cated in support of each approved meeting. Organisers of meetings in Europe who wish their meeting to be supported by this Young Scientist Grant scheme should contact the FEMS Meetings Secretary. Microbiologists who wish to obtain one of these grants should contact the organisers of the approved meeting they wish to attend, as soon as possible. The list of approved meetings is published in the FEMS Circulars in January and July.

FEMS FINANCES

The financial success of journals publication and investments has enabled FEMS to increase substantially the charitable expenditure planned for 1996. At the meeting of the Council in Sofia in September 1995 a sum of UKL 227,000 was allocated for promotion of microbiological activities during 1996. During 1995 the net income from Journal publication increased 41% to UKL 216K and total investment income by about five-fold to UKL 139K. Expenditure on administration of the Federation was only UKL 42K (up 19%). The accumulated fund at market value was up 35% at UKL 849K.

In view of the large surplus confirmed at 1995 year end, the Executive Committee agreed the increase of meetings' grants by 25% to restore the value which was eroded by the devaluation of sterling. The amounts for 1996 are now: Meetings grant, UKL 9500; Workshop grant UKL 12,500; Young Scientist grant UKL 5000 per meeting. There seems no reason why these rates should not be sustained and, even, increased in future.

ln 1995 2 meetings were supported with grants and 29 young microbiologists received grants to attend 3 different meetings. Fellowship grants were awarded to 37 microbi- ologists, enabling them to work in host laboratories throughout Europe. Council also approved expansion of the Journals scheme for E. European countries which is now sup- porting the subscription of 160 FEMS journals in 65 different libraries. At the Council Meeting ln Jerusalem the further expansion of FEMS supported activities will be discussed.

Louis Quesnel
Hon. Treasurer
April 1996

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July 20-25 1997

ELEVENTH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON NITROGEN FIXATION
Paris, France

Contact: Dr. CIaudine Elmerich,
Departement des Biotechnologies, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris, Cedex 15, France.
Fax: +331 4568 8790
E-maiI:
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FEMS OFFICERS

President Dr. C. Nombela, Department of Microbiology, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, E-28040, Madrid, Spain. Tel: +34 1 394 17 43 Fax: +34 1 394 1745
E-mail nommifar @ eucmax.sim.ucm.es

Vice President Dr. R. Auckenthaler, Laboratoire Central de Bacteriologie, Hopltal Cantonal, CH1211, Geneva 4. Switzerland. Tel: +4122 372 7302 Fax: +4122 372 7304

Member at Large Dr. Milos Kocur, Tissue Bank, University Hospital, Jihlavska 20, CZ-63900 Brno, Czech Republic. Tel: +425 4321 6200/+425 4319 2366 Fax: +425 4321 6200

Secretary General Dr. Claudine Elmerich, Departement des Biotechnologies, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France. Tel: 33 1 45 68 88 17 Fax: 33 1 45 68 87 90
E-mail elmerich @pasteur. fr.

Treasurer Dr. L.B. Quesnel, 42 Ellesmere Road, Eccles, Manchester M30 9JH, UK. Tel/Fax: 0161 788 0366

Publications Manager Dr. C.A. Fewson, Publications Office, West Medical Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland. Tel: 0141 339 8855; 0141 307 8007 (direct line) Fax: 0141 330 4758 E-mail gbce 01 @ udcf. gla.ac.uk

Meetings Secretary Dr. R.G. Board, 1 Northleigh, Bradford on Avon, Wilts. BA15 2RG, UK. Tel/Fax: +01225 863387

FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ALERT, a new quarterly newsletter, aims to provide an alerting service for scientists active in the field of Microbiology. It will be distributed free of charge to scientists around the world. Contact: Elsevier Science BV, Fax +31 (20) 485 3432.

Visit FEMS on the INTERNET http://www.elsevier.nl/locate/fems

Read the Circular on E-mail bio@biostrat.demon.co.uk

Next Circular: January 1997. Items to Dr. R.G. Board, South Lodge, Northleigh, Bradford on Avon, Wilts, BA15 2RG, UK. Tel/Fax +01225 863387 before mid October 1996.

PROFESSOR HOWARD GEST'S 75th BIRTHDAY

A conference, Diversity, Genetics & Physiology of Photosynthetic Prokaryotes, to mark Professor Gest's 75th birthday will be held at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA on 18-20 October, 1996. For further details, contact Ms. R. Freeman, Dept. of Biology, Indiana University, Jordan Hill, Bloomington, USA IN47405.

FEMS were delighted to have been offered the opportunity to contribute to the celebrations - the FEMS President, Professor Cesar Nombela, made a donation from the President's fund to the organisers of this Conference. European microbiologists send their greetings and best wishes to an oustanding microbiologist some of whose contributions to knowledge are given below.

In the 1940's Howard together with Martin Kamen, discovered photosynthetic nitrogen fixation in purple non-sulphur bacteria and showed that the photoproduction of molecular hydrogen observed in these bacteria was due to the nitrogen-fixing enzyme system. In the 1950's and 1960's, he continued this work and was a major contributor to the elucidation of many of the central metabolic pathways operating in anoxygenic phototrophs as well as designing growth media still used today for their cultivation. Using enrichment techniques of his own design, he has isolated and characterised many previously unknown types of photosynthetic bacteria, most notably (in 1981) the heliobacteria - an entirely new family of green anoxyphototrophs which have aroused much interest as models for studying the evolution of photosynthesis.

FEMS MEETINGS 1996

1996 has been an active year in terms of FEMS support of meetings. In Sofia (30 September, 1995), the FEMS Council approved the support of one meeting (1-4 July 1996), International Symposium on Novel Methods & Standardisation in Microbiology, Kosice, Slovak Republic; Contact, Professor Ivan Mikula), One workshop-type meeting and grants for young scientists to attend 12 other meetings in Europe. The full list of meetings was given in Circular No. 39 (January, 1996).

The workshop-type meeting (Genetic Engineering in Biotechnology, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 5-9 February, 1996) attracted students from Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary. Lectures were given by specialists from Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and Scotland. Dr. Peter Raspor, the principal organiser of this workshop, is to be complimented on all his efforts which ensured that people from many European countries could further the advance of Biotechnology.

More than 100 delegates from 15 countries attended the meeting, Oral Pathogens as Contributors to Systemic Infection (London, UK; 7-8 March 1996). A FEMS grant helped 30 young scientists to attend this very well received meeting. The principal organiser, Dr. Haroun N. Shah, is to be congratulated on arranging a meeting that promoted fellowship and the exchange of ideas and concepts among scientists, both established and young, from so many countries throughout the world.

The 3rd European Conference of Fungal Genetics (Munster, Germany; 27-30 March, 1996) attracted 405 scientists from 25 different nations (18 European countries were represented). About a third of the delegates were graduate students, 15 of whom received FEMS Young Scientists Grants. In addition to the formal lecture programme, there were 9 workshops and the meeting was rounded off with a poster session that attracted 260 presentations. Dr. Ulrich Kuck (who liaised very efficiently with FEMS Officers) and his col- leagues are to be congratulated on the manner in which they staged the meeting and promoted studies in fungal genetics.

A further seven meetings, which have been given FEMS support grants for young scientists, are scheduled to take place in August and September of this year (details given below).

11-15 August 1996

European Marine Microbiology Symposium, Bergen, Norway.
Contact: 5 EMMS, Department of Microbiology, University of Bergen, Jahnebakken 5, N- 5020, Bergen, Norway. Fax: +47 55 323962.

4-7 September 1996

12th European Meeting on Bacterial Gene Transfer and Expression, Siena, Italy.
Contact: Organising Secretariat, Universita di Siena, Servizio Congressi, Banchi di Sotto 46, 53100 Siena, Italy. Tel: +39 577 298131; Fax: +39 577 298134.

6-9 September 1996

14th Small Meeting on Yeast Transport & Energetics, Bonn, Germany.
Contact: Dr. H. Lichtenberg-Frate, Botanisches Institut der Universitat Bonn, D-5300 Bonn 1, Kirschalle 1, Meckenheimer Allee 170, Venusbergweg 22. Tel: +49 22873 5518; Fax: +49 22873 5513.

8-13 September 1996

2nd European Nitrogen Fixation Conference, Poznan, Poland.
Contact: Dr. Andrzej B. Legocki, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland. Fax: +4861 520532.

15-21 September 1996

ISSM '96: Subsurface Microbiology, Davos, Switzerland.
Contact: Professor R. Bachofen, Institute of Plant Biology, ZoIlikerstr. 107, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland. Fax: +411 385 4204.

16-20 September 1996

Xlllth Lancefield International Symposium on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases, Paris, France.
Contact: Dr. Thea Horaud (XIII LISSSD), Centre d'Information, Scientifique-Gestion des Colloques, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex, France. Tel: +33 145 688364; Fax: +33 140 613405.

16-20 September 1996

Workshop on Structure, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Microbial S-Layers, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.
Contact: Professor Helmut Konig, Angewandte Mikrobiologie, Universitat Ulm, D-89069 Ulm, Germany. Tel: +0731 5022707; Fax: +0731 5022719.

FEMS MEETINGS 1997

The FEMS Council (30 September, 1995) approved grants to support the following meetings.

4-7 April 1997

1st European Fungal & Biochemistry Symposium, Nottingham, UK.
Contact: Professor J.F. Peberdy, Dept. of Life Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK. Fax: ++44 0115 951 3253.

12-16 May 1997

Workshop: Human Chlamydial Infection, Izmir, Turkey.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Demir Serter, Ege Universitesi, Tip Fakultesi, Klinik Bacteriyoloji ve Enfeksiyon HastaIiklari AD, Bornova 35100, Izmir, Turkey. Fax: + +90232 3882852.

Young Scientists Grant 6-12 September 1997

9th International Symposium on Phototrophic Prokaryotes, Vienna, Austria.
Contact: Dr. W. Loffelhardt, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, A-1030 Vienna, Austria. Tel: +431 79515 Ext. 5116; Fax: +431 799 5272.

FEMS Council endorsed the Executive's grant of moral support status to the 5th Symposium on Lactic Acid Bacteria (see boxed advertisement on this page).

NEWS FROM THE SOCIETIES

Association of Medical Microbiologists

Members of the Association will participate in the 3rd Conference organised by the Federation of Infection Societies. The meeting is being held at UMIST, Manchester, UK from 27-29 November 1996. For further details contact: Dr. M. Hastings, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. Tel: 0121 472 1311 Ext. 3531.

Macedonian Microbiological Society

The Society will hold its first Congress with international participation on 14-17 May, 1997 at Ohrid. For further details contact Organising & Editorial Committee, 1st Congress of the Macedonian Microbiologists with international participation, Institute of Microbiology, Medical Faculty- Skopje, Ul.Vodnjanska bb, 91000 Skopje, FRY of Macedonia. Fax: +389 91111 828.

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FIFTH SYMPOSIUM ON LACTIC ACID BACTERIA

GENETICS, METABOLISM AND APPLICATIONS

Veldhoven, The Netherlands 1996, September 8/12
Netherlands Society for Microbiology
Federation of European Microbiological Societies
Contact: International Agricultural Centre, PO Box 88, 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands.

-------------------------------------------------------------- CZECHOSLOVAK SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOLOGY

The Jubilee Congress of the Society was held from 18-21 September 1995 in Ostrava, Northern Moravia. The Congress was a part of the 100th anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur. The introductory plenary lecture addressed the topic "Czechoslovak Microbiology and the century since Louis Pasteur's death". Directly after the Congress, an 80-member delegation left for Paris to pay homage to the immortal Pasteur (the photograph is of members of this delegation in Paris). The delegation, composed of representatives of all microbiological specialisations, placed a wreath with the Czechoslovak tricolor on his grave on 27 September with a dedication "Au grand Pasteur, inspirateur perpetuelLa Societe Tchecoslovaque de Microbiologie".

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Croatian Microbiological Society

The International Summer School on "Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases" will take place in Crikvenica, Croatia from September 20-25, 1996. The lectures will cover topics concerning: Host and microbial factors influencing susceptibility: Attachment, entry and spread of microorganisms throughout the body; Host defence mechanisms; Microbial strategies in relation to the immune response: Mechanisms of cell and tissue damage, and Vaccines. The School is open to physicians, veterinarians, biologists, biotechnologists and other specialists engaged in working with the causative agents of infectious diseases. Course fee 450 DM includes summer school programme, 5 days full board and social programme. Contact: Prof. Dr. M. Doric, Dept. of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20/1, HR-51000 Rijeka, CROATIA. Tel: +38551 227444, Fax: +38551 514915 email: Sandra.Abramovic~mamed.medri.hr.

Society for Applied Bacteriology

The Society will hold its next meeting (16 October 1996) at the Central Public Health Laboratories. There will be three concurrent colloquia on the following topics: 1. MRSA; 2. Heterotrophic bacteria in drinking water supplies; 3. Advantages and disadvantages of Predictive Modelling. Contact: Dr. D. Roberts, Central Public Health Laboratories, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HJ.

Bulgarian Society for Microbiology

The Bulgarian Society is planning its 9th Congress for October 1997. 8 sections will hold simultaneous sessions - genetic, industrial, soil, food, medical, veterinary, sanitary and ecological microbiology. The pinpoint will probably be genetic manipulation creating 'new' microorganisms. Leading microbiologists will be invited. A conference on antibiotic resistance is planned for November, 1996.

Vereinigung fur Allgemeine und Angewandte Mikrobiologie e.V. (VAAM)

VAAM was officially rounded in 1985 as the successor to the 'Local Branch of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) in West Germany' which had been formed in Gottingham in 1974 to attract microbiologists and provide an inexpensive forum for young scientists. As the membership grew it was decided to form an independent society VAAM (Union for General and Applied Microbiology). The prefix 'german' was omitted as an appreciable number of members come from Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, other European countries, USA and from all over the world. VAAM now has more than 3,000 members and represents the largest biologically orientated society in Germany. Together with Gesellschaft fur Biologische Chemie (GBCh), VAAM provides news and short reviews to members in a new scientific magazine 'BlOspektrum' published by Spektrum Akademischer Vetlag, Heidelberg. The 3,000 members are free to join one or more of the existing subgroups within VAAM - water/ sewage, environmental microbiology, systematics and identification, diagnostic and quality control, streptomycetes, mycetes and quite recently biotransformations and structure and microscopy. Two further groups exist in collaboration with DGHM - food microbiology and microbial pathogenicity. The General meeting of VAAM is a major attraction, being held at the end of March in a University town to provide cheaper facilities. The local organisers can propose the major topic(s). Members can also offer posters and short talks on other topics. On average up to 600 different topics are presented during the 3 day meeting which attracts around 1,000 scientists. Travel grants are available for students presenting their results. To encourage and promote young scientists, the prestigious 'VAAM dissertation award', sponsored by companies, is given yearly to the three or four best PhD theses and presented at the meeting. The next General meeting of VAAM is in Hamburg (16-19 March, 1997) and will be organised by Prof. Garabeth Antranikian (see World Wide Web http://wvvw. tuharburg.de for further information).

Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Hygiene und Mikrobiologie

The 48th Annual meeting of DGHM will take place in Bonn (8-11 October, 1996). The major topics are classification and identification of pathogenic bacteria, food microbiology, echinococci, vaccines and vaccination, antibiotic resistance of bacteria and environmental microbiology.

Russian Microbiological Society

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the AllUnion Microbiological Society (a member society of FEMS) broke up into a number of smaller societies. The Russian Microbiological Society (RMS) was launched at a meeting held in January 1992. Those present elected Officers of the Society and approved the statutes. Academician Mikhail Ivanov, Director of the Russian Academy of Science Institute of Microbiology was elected as President of RMS. Economic hardship has diminshed both the membership and the activity of the Society which now has some 2,000 members in 24 towns and stopped the production of the Journal, Uspekhi Mikrobiologii. During the past few years, the RMS has held several con- ferences - Physiology & Biology of Mycelial Fungi in connection with Biotechnological Issues (1994) Introduction of Microorganisms into the Environment (1994); a Workshop 'Associative Interactions of Nitrogen-fixing bacteria with Plants' (1995); and the 10th Congress on Biological Nitrogen Fixation. Russian scientists (with financial assistance from science foundations) have become frequent participants in international conferences and workshops.

SOCIETY FOR GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY

In March the Society held its Spring meeting at the University of Warwick. This was a very successful event attended by over 1200 microbiologists from around the world. There were symposia on a dozen topics covering many areas of microbiology of current interest. The conference took place at the height of the BSE crisis and the meetings desk was under siege by journalists, as well as snowed under by delegates.

The next meeting at the University of Essex (10-11 September) promises to be just as interesting, but perhaps less hectic. The Main Symposium will cover Stationary Phase: Concepts, Issues and Applications. The other symposium topics are: New and Novel Approaches To Treating Microbial Infections; Teaching Microbial Ecology; and Adaptive Responses of Micro-organisms to Stress.

Next January the Society looks forward to its meeting at the University of Reading (7-9 January 1997) where the topics under discussion will be: Membrane-anchored Molecules; Manipulation of Microbial Physiology by Computer Control; Sequencing Microbial Genomes; Renaissance of Systematics; and Latency & Persistence.

SGM is also pleased to announce that Professor Ron Fraser, former Director of the Horticulture Research International Littlehampton site, has taken over the post of Executive Secretary. Hilary Bower, who has filled this position for a number of years, is taking semi-retirement and will continue to carry out financial work for the Society. Her significant input to the continuing success of the Society is greatly appreciated by Council and the membership.

BRITISH MYCOLOGICAL SOCIETY 1896 - 1996

The British Mycological Society's Centenary in 1996

Celebrations began with a Spring Fungus Foray from March 30 - April 7 at Hereford, the home of the Woolhope Naturalists' Field Club, where Dr Henry Graves Bull in the middle of the last century invited mycologists to join him in a foray among the funguses. The BMS entertained the officers of the Woolhope Club to dinner on April 2nd at The Green Dragon Hotel, Hereford, where the Woolhope used to meet and dine.

A 3-day Centenary Symposium was held at the University of Sheffield from April 10-12th with the theme Mycology Past, Present and Future. Mycology Past reviewed fields in which British mycologists had made significant contributions. Fungal Biodiversity was the current preoccupation. Future mycology was represented by papers and posters from recent mycology postgraduates who competed for UKL 100 prizes.

At a Centenary Dinner held in the Cutlers' Hall, Sheffield 'de Bary medals of the International Mycological Association were awarded to John Corner and to Terence Ingold, both over 90, for distinguished contributions to research and an Ainsworth medal to John Webster, BMS President for service to international mycology.

THE ISRAEL SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOLOGY

The next annual meeting will be held on 22-23 January 1997 at Bar-llan University, RamatGan. Contact: Dr. N. Gilboa-Garber, Dept. of Life Sciences, Bar-llan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel. The ISM News contains information in Hebrew and English on the activities and professional publications of the Society as well as abstracts (in English) of the annual meetings.

Change of address. The address of the Secretariat of the Society is changed to Dr. N. Gilboa-Garber, c/o Margalit Zur office, PO Box 9095, Ramat-Efal 52190, Israel.

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1996 PROGRAMME OF EUROPEAN RESEARCH CONFERENCES

Bioseparation, C.R. Lowe (Cambridge) - Lunteren, The Netherlands, 14-19 September

Immunology of Infections: Oral and Other Mucosal Vaccines, J. Holmgren (Goteborg) - Giens (near Toulon), France, 11-16 October

Natural Waters and Water Technology: Water Treatment Processes, M.J. Hudson (Reading) ~ Aghia Pelaghia, Crete, Greece, 25-30 October

Molecular Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases: Respiratory Tract Infections, C. Svanborg (Lund)- Obernai, France, 8-12 November

Emphasis will be on discussion about new developments. The Registration Fee covers full board and lodging. Grants will be available for younger scientists, in particular those from less favoured regions in Europe.

Deadline for applications: 3-4 months before a conference.

For information and application forms, contact the Executive Director of the Programme: Dr. J. Hendekovic, European Science Foundation, 1 quai Lezay-Marnesia, 67080 Strasbourg Cedex, France. Tel: (33) 88 76 71 35. Fax: (33) 88 36 69 87. E-mail: euresco@esf.org

on-line information & application on WWW server: http:\\www. esf.org
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FEMS MICROBIOLOGY

Four journals that encompass the major thrusts in state-of-the-art microbiologyaround the world.
Four journals that ensure the rapid dissemination of up-todate research findings around the world.

FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS

Chief Editor:
Dr. C.A. Fewson, Glasgow

Publication time now only 6 weeks and the Journal appears every 14 days

An international journal providing for the rapid publication of reports on all aspects of microbiological research.
Appears fortnightly with concise papers that are of urgent interest because of their originality and topicality. Areas of special interest include: molecular biology and genetics; microbial biochemistry and physiology; structure and development; pathogenicity, medical and veterinary microbiology; plant microbial interactions, applied microbiology and microbial biotechnology; systematics. Papers deal with all sorts of microorganisms: bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts, protozoa or viruses.
Published fortnightly
ISSN 0378-1097

FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
Chief Editor: Dr. G. Fuchs, Germany

AIMS AND SCOPE

FEMS Microbiology Reviews publishes reviews dealing with all aspects of microbiology that have not been surveyed recently. Some are devoted to topics of current interest, some are of a speculative and selective nature and others provide new perspectives and critical, detailed discussions of significant trends in the areas being reviewed. All reviews are intended to address both specialist and general readers.

Published quarterly ISSN 0168-6445

FEMS IMMUNOLOGY AND MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Chief Editor: Dr. D.E.S. Stewart-Tull, Glasgow

NEW, ENLARGED SCOPE

The Editors aim to ensure efficient publication of high quality, original research papers and MiniReviews dealing with viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa in both human and veterinary medicine as well as Opinion and Letters arising from published papers. The areas of ImmunoIogy and Medical Microbiology which fall within the broad scope of the journal are those dealing with: interactions between the pathogen and the host, including the nature of microbial factors responsible for pathogenesis and disease manifestation in animals or man, basic immune mechanisms which are involved in the protection of the host from infectious diseases, e.g. antigen processing, immune recognition, lymphokines, interleukins, humoral and cell-mediated immune responses and antibodies, microbial, candidate antigens, their isolation by genetic modification techniques and their uses in laboratory vaccine studies and ability to trigger protective, host immune responses, molecular approaches to the development of anti- microbials or anti-virals and their application in the study or control of infectious diseases.

Published monthly ISSN 0928 8244

FEMS MICROBIOLOGY - ECOLOGY
Chief Editor Dr.J.C. Fry, Cardiff

Original articles are published on fundamental aspects of the ecology of all sorts of micro-organisms in natural soil, air or aquatic environments, or in artificial or managed environments. Papers can deal with any sort of microorganisms: bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts, protozoa, algae or viruses. Descriptions of new methods are acceptable, and the Editors are also prepared to consider papers that put forward new hypotheses. The style for MiniReviews is the same as for the rest of the journal with the following amendments: the maximum length of the text is 3000 words and a combined total of six Figures and Tables is allowed. The number of references should not normally exceed 25, with an absolute upper limit of 50. MiniReviews are normally invited but prospective authors are encouraged to contact the Chief Editor to discuss possible contributions.

Published monthly:
ISSN 0168-6496

Instructions to Authors for FEMS Journals is on FEMS Microbiology Website at: http://www.elsevier.com/Iocate/FEMS

OTHER MEETINGS
(not sponsored by FEMS)

22-23 August 1996
1st UK Marine Biotechnology Conference 1996. Edinburgh, Scotland.
Contact: Dr. J.G. Burgess, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Herlot Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.

25-29 August 1996
6th International Fungal Spore Conference. Konstanz, Germany.
Contact: Dr. Kurt Mendgen, Universitat Konstanz, Lehrstuhl Phytopathologie, D-78464 Konstanz. Fax: +497531 883035

30-31 August 1996
Workshop on access to microbial genetic resources within the framework of the convention on biological diversity (cbd). Veldhoven NL. WFCC in collaboration with FIM, is organising a workshop on access to ex-situ micro-organisms within the frame work of the CBD. This will be held in association with the ICCCS and limited to 50 people.
Contact: Barbara Kirsop, WFCC, Biodiveristy Committee. e-mail bio@biostrat. demon.co.uk. or Lisbeth Ankers, Secretary FIM, e-mail KIRO@novo.dk.

18 September 1996
Industrial anaerobic waste water treatment, London UK.
Contact: SCI Conference Secretariat, Society of Chemical Industry, 14/15 Belgrave Square, London SWIX 8PS. UK. Tel: +0171 235 3681. Fax: 0171 235 7743.

7-11 October 1996
International symposium and workshop on hospital hygiene and hospital infection control. Izmir, Turkey.
Contact: Dr. Ernel Ternbay, Dept. of Microbiology & Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey. Tel: +90232 3886623. Fax:

+90232 3422142.

21-23 October 1996
Genetics of the susceptibility to infectious diseases, Paris, France.
Contact: B. Ecoutin-Institut Pasteur-CIS 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15. Fax: (331) 4061 3405.

15-18 December 1996
New frontiers in screening for microbial biocatalysts. Ede, NL. Under the auspices of the Working Party Applied Biocatalysis and the Working Party Microbiai Physiology of the European Federation of Biotechnology.
Contact: Biocat Screening 96, c/o Lidy Groot Congress Events, PO Box 83005, 1080 AA Amsterdam, NL. Tel: +31 20679 3218. Fax: +3120 675 8236. E-mail Lidy.Groot@inter.NL.net of Biotechnology.

5-9 March 1997
XXII Meeting of the European Tumor Virus Group Innsbruck, Austria.

Contact: M.R Dierich, Institut fur Hygiene, Leopold- Franzens-University, Fritz-Pregl-Str. 3, A-6010, Innsbruck, Austria. Tel: +0512/507-3400. Fax: +0512/507 2870. E-mail: Susanne. Rofner@uibk.ac.at.

13-16 April 1997
Biofilms in aquatic systems, Warwick, UK.

Contact: Elaine Wellingham, Conference Secretariat, Field End House, Bude Close, Nailsea, Bristol BS19 2FQ, UK. Tel/Fax: +44(0) 1275 853311.

25-29 August 1997
Microbial control of pests in sustainable agriculture (IOBC Working Group: Insect Pathogens and Insect Parasitic Nematodes), Copenhagen, Denmark.

Contact: Jorgen Eilenberg, Department of Ecology & Molecular Biology, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Bulowsvej 13, DK1870 Frb.C. Denmark. Fax: +45 3528 2670.

4-8 September 1997
Sixth congress on Pseudomonas molecular biology and biotechnology, Madrid, Spain.
Contact: Dr. Victor de Lorenzo, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia CSIC, Campus de Canto Blanco-Ctra de Colmenar Viejo. Km 15.500, 28049 Madrid, Spain. Tel: +341 5854 536. E-mail: Pseudo97@samba.cnb.uam.es

10-13 September 1997
Fourth international meeting on bacterial epidemlological markers (IVIMBEM), Snekkersten, Denmark.
Contact: Dr. Peter Gerner-Smidt, Department of Gastro- intestinal Infections, Statens Serum institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen, Denmark. Tel: +45 3268 3798. Fax: +45 3268 3036.

28 June - 3 July 1998
International symposium on the genetics of industrial micro-organisms -GIM98, Jerusalem, Israel.
Contact: Secretariat, 8th International Symposium on the Genetics of Industrial Microorganisms, GIM98, PO Box 50006, Tel Aviv 61500, Israel. Tel: + (9723) 5140014. Fax: + (9723) 5175674/514007.

MEMBERS SOCIETIES and FEMS Delegates
Austria
Oesterreichische Gesellschaft fur Hygiene Mikrobiolooie und Praventivmedizin
Dr. Gerold Stanek, Hygiene-Institut der Universitat, KinderspitaIgasse 15, A-1095 Wien. Tel: +431404 90-226 Fax: +431404 90-295

Bulgaria
Union of Scientists in Bulgaria (USB) Bulgarian Society for Microbiology
Dr. S. Neytcheff, Oborishte Str. 35, BG 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Tel: +359 243 0128 Fax: +359 244 1590

Croatia
Croation Microbiological Society Dr. D. Hajsig, PLIVA, Animal Health Division, Ulica Grada Vukovara 49 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. Tel: +3851 6112681 Fax: +3851 6115668

Czech and Slovak Republics
Czechoslovak Society for Microbiology Dr. L. Ebringer, Czechoslovak Society for Microbiology, Odborarske nam 5, 81107 Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
Tel: 00427 5267476 Fax: 00427 214902

Denmark
Danish Society for Microbiology Dr. Peter Westerman, Dept. of General Microbiology,

University of Copenhagen, Solvgade 83H, DK-1307 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
Tel: +453532 2046 Fax: +453532 2040
E-mail:pew@mermaid.mol.bio.kv.dk

Estonia
Estonian Society for Microbiology
Tiina Alamae, Estonian Society for Microbiology, Riia 23 EE2400 Tartu, Estonia.
Tel: +3727 433543 Fax: +3727 430523 E-mail talamae@ebc.ee

Finland
Societas Biochemica, Biophysica et Microbiologica Fenniae
Dr. T. Korhonen, University of Helsinki, Dept. of General Microbiology, Mannerheimintie 172, SF00300 Helsinki, Finland.
Tel: +358 0 4735 400 Fax: +358 0 473 5426

France
Societe Francaise de Microbloiogie, Dr. R Boiron, Department of Bacteriology-Mycology, Unit of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Codex 15, France.
Tel: 331 40 61 32 55 Fax: 331 45 68 84 20 E-mail:pboiron.b@pasteur.fr.

Fyr of Macedonia
Macedonian Microbiological Society Dr. Nikola Panovski, Kliment Ohridski 23/13, 91000 Skopje, FYR of Macedonia.
Tei:38991 237954 Fax:38991 111 828

Germany
Deutsche Gessellschaft fur Hygiene und Mikrobiologie
K. Schleifer, Lehrstuht fur Mikrobiologie, Technische Universitat Munchen, Arcisstrasse 21, D80290 Munchen, Germany.
Tel: 4989 2105 2377 Fax: 4989 2105 2360

Vereinigung fur Aligemeine und Angewandte Mikrobiologie e.V.
Dr. H.G. Truper, Institut fur Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Rheinische Friedrich Wilhelms, Universitat Bonn, Meckenheimer Aflee 168, D-5300 Bonn 1, Germany.
Tel: +49 228 732320 Fax: +49 228 737576

Greece
Hellenic Society for Microbiologie, Dr. U. Marcelou-Kinti, Athens School of Hygiene, Leoforos Alexandros 196, Athens 602. Fax: ++30 1 7246180

Hungary
Hungarian Society for Microbiology, Dr. Janos Minarovits, Head, Microbiological Research Group, National Institute of Public Health, Piheno u. 1., H-1529 Budapest.
Tel: 36(1) 176-0044 Fax: 36(1) 176-0409 E-mail: mini@microbi.hu.

Iceland
Microbiological Society of Iceland Dr. W.R Holbrook, University of Iceland, Faculty of Odontology, Vatnsmyrarvegi 16, IS-101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
Tel: +354 525 4850 Fax: +354 525 4874 E-mail: phol@rhi.hi.is.

Israel
The Israel Society for Microbiology, Dr. I. Kahane, The Israel Society for Microbiology, c/o Margalit Zur Office, PO Box 9095, Ramat-Efal 52190, Israel. Tel: +972363 55038
Fax: +972353 51103 E-mail: kahane@md2.huji.ac.Il.

Italy
Associazone Microbiologi Clinici Italiani, Dr. Antonio Goglio, via Carlo Farini 70, I-20159, Milano, Italy.
Tel: +39 266 80 1190

Societa Italiana di Microbiilogia, Dr. N. Orsi, Universita di Roma, "La Sapienza" Cattedra di Microbiologia, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 100185 Roma. Tel: +64958371 Fax: +649914626

Societa Italiana di Microbiologia General e Biotecnologie Microbiche, Dr. G. Lancini, Lopetit Research Center, Via R. Lopetit, 34, 1-21040 Gerenzano (VA). Tel: +392 96474367
Fax: +392 96474400

Netherlands
Nederlandse Vereniging voor Microbiologie, Dr. W.A. Scheftors, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology & Materials Science.

Kluyver Laboratory of Biotechnology Julianaiaan 67,
BC Delft. NL 26.28. Tel: +31 152782411 Fax: +31 152782355

Norway
Norwegian Society foi Microbiology, Dr. T Hoel, Ulleval University Hospital, IK, N-0407 Oslo, Norway.
Tel: +4722 11 80 80; Direct: +4722 11 99 70 Fax: +4722 11 99 74 or 75

Poland
Polish Microbiological Society, Dr. Waleria Hryniewicz, Serum and Vaccine Research Laboratory, 30-34 Chelmska Street, 00-725 Warsaw, Poland.
Tel: +48 22 412949; 413367

Portugal
Sociedade Portugesa de Microbiologia, Dr. J.C. Duarte, Department of Chemical Industries, LNETI, Queluz de Baixo, P-2745 Queluz, Portugal.

Russia
Russian Microbiological Society Dr. V. Ignatov, Inst. of Biochem. & Physiol. of Plants & Micro-organisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Entuziastov pt. 13, Saratov 410015, Russia. Tel: +8452 443828 Fax: +8452 240446

Slovenia
The Microbiological Society of Slovenia, Dr. Peter Raspor, Biotechnical Faculty, Food Science & Technology Department, Jamnikarjeva 101, 61000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Tel: +3861 123 1161 Fax: +3861 274092

Spain
Sociedad Espanola de Microbiologia, Dr. J. A. Leal Ojeda, Centro Investigaciones Biologicas, Velazquez, 144, 28006, Madrid. Tel: +91 561 1800 Fax: +91 5627518

Sweden
Swedish Society for Microbiology, Dr. Hans-Borje Jansson, Department of Microbial Ecology, Helgonavagen 5, S-223 62 Lund, Sweden. Tel: +46 46 109614 Fax: +46 46 104158<[> Switzerland
Societe Suisse de Microbiologie, Dr. R. Braun, Institute of General Microbiology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, CH3012 Bern. Tel: +4131 6314652 Fax: +4131 6314684

Turkey
Turk Mikrobiyoloji Cemiyeti, Dr. O. Ang, R K. 57, Beyazit 34492, Istanbul. Tel: +021 525 0904 Fax: +0216 349 5594<> United kingdom
Society for Applied Bacteriology, Dr. Dorothy Jones, Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE19HN, UK.
Tel: +01162522947 Fax: +01162525030

Society for General Microbiology Dr. T.R.G. Gray, Dept. of Biological & Chemical Sciences, John Tabor Laboratories, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park. Colchester C04 3SQ, UK. Tel: +01206 873316 Fax: +01206 873416 E-mail: grayt~essex.ac.uk.

British Mycological Society, Dr. J. R Peberdy, Department of Life Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK. Tel: +0115951 3231 Fax: +0115951 3253 E-mail: PLZJFP@p1n1 .life.nottingham.ac.uk.

Associatien of Medical Microbioiogts, Dr. D.S. Tompkins, Public Health Department, Bridle Path, York Road, Leeds LS15 7TR, UK. Tei:'+01132645011 Fax: +01132603655

Association of Clinical Microbiologists Dr. C.G. Gemmoll, Dept. Bacteriology, Royal Infirmary, 86 Castle Street, Glasgow G40SF, UK. Tel: +0141 211 4654 Fax: +0141 522 1524 E-mail: c.g.gemmell@clinmed.gla.ac.uk.

Yugoslavia
Yugoslav Society for Microbiology Dr. Vera Katid, Veterinary Faculty, Bulevar JNA 18, YU-11000, Belgrade.
Tel: +685 653 Fax: +685 936

Affiliated Society-Lithuania
Society of Medical Microbiologists of Lithuania, Dr. Alvydas Pavilonis, Dept. of Microbiology, Kaunas Medical Academy, Mickeviciaus 9, 3000 Kaunas, Lithuania.