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Copyright: C. Brussaard

 

The 4th Algal Virus Workshop (AVW4) Invitation   We have the pleasure to welcome you to ·The fourth Algal Virus Workshop (AVW4)·, to be held in the inspiring city of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from 17-21 April 2005.   We have sent the first announcement of AVW4 to many of you, but we are aware that the list may not be complete. If you have not received the first announcement by email and you like to be on the mailing list, please contact Corina Brussaard (corina.brussaard@nioz.nl, do mention AVW4 in subject header) and we make sure you receive future announcements concerning AVW4. If you have colleagues who are potentially interested, please forward them the link to this website.   OBJECTIVE   As elegantly stated during the first Algal Virus Workshop in Norway in 1998, the idea behind this workshop is to establish a forum where we can meet and pursue the study of algal viruses (including cyanophages). We like to: · Present and discuss the most recent results in the field (marine as well as freshwater) · Exchange ideas and discuss approaches, methods and problems of common interest · Conducive to personal contact and future collaboration · Promote this field of research                                   The numerical dominance of viruses in aquatic environments is acknowledged the last decades, and it becomes evident that viruses are important regulating factors in aquatic ecosystems. With algae at the base of aquatic food webs, the study of viruses infecting algae is warranted. From different research backgrounds we are beginning to comprehend the impact of viruses on algal population dynamics, strain and species diversity, and gene transfer. The research is rapidly evolving aided by molecular techniques and genomics. The ecological importance of a viral shunt for organic carbon and nutrient fluxes greatly affected current aquatic ecosystem modelling. Applied issues that are studied lately include the significance of viral control of harmful algal blooms and the role of viral lysis in global climate change. Sharing the common interest of algal viruses as research field has led to the recurrent organization of the international Algal Virus Workshop.   Sessions during this meeting carry out major research lines in algal virus ecology, highlighted by invited keynote speakers. The organizing committee encourages you to join us and present your latest research as oral and/or poster presentation. Social events are scheduled to provide an appropiate atmosphere and numerous opportunities to interact with colleagues and friends.