"Conservation Genomics"
University of Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii
26-28 July, 2010
Organized by Brad Shaffer and Oliver Ryder

Genetics and conservation biology have a long and complex history of interaction, and the AGA has contributed to this interaction for many years. As we consider both genetics and conservation biology at the dawn of the new decade, two things seem virtually certain. First, genomes of a large number of species will become easily and cheaply available. Second, many more species will come under threat of extinction, both at home and globally. The question before us, and the goal of this year’s AGA symposium is to ask if, and when a discipline of genome-enabled conservation biology will become a reality. To examine this question, we bring together genomicists (who may not think about conservation), conservation biologists (who may currently know little about genomics), and those rare individuals who currently work at the interface of both disciplines. Our goal is to brainstorm about how the genomic data that we anticipate becoming available in the next few years can be best used to conserve biodiversity on the planet.

The meeting will be held from 26-28 July, 2010, at the University of Hawaii, Hilo campus. To encourage broad attendance, we will keep registration low ($150), which includes an opening mixer and evening luau. We have negotiated very reasonable hotel accommodation in Hilo as well as dormitory space at UH. Funds will be available, on a competitive basis, to help defray costs of student attendance.

Please join us- Hilo is an amazing setting, and we look forward to an engaging, enlightening three days.

Registration details at http://www.theaga.org/2010