In previous years we have invited all FIRbees and FIR teaching assistants to submit abstracts for the Annual FIR symposium and the speakers for the symposium we chosen from the abstracts submitted.  This practice will continue in future years.

In 2012, however, we are planning a special celebration for our 15th Annual Symposium.  This year we will invite selected FIRbees from the 1998-2006 classes to give research presentations. We are in the process of inviting these FIRbees and once the roster of invited speakers is complete it will be posted here.  The 2007-2011 classes should not feel left out.  We decided to include only the first 10 years in this selection simply to make our job easier.  By doing this we had to make hard choices in selecting from a group of about 150 FIRbees instead of a group of about 250 FIRbees.   For those selected to give presentations we will provide lodging and meals in Woods Hole, and reimburse full travel expenses.

As it is always the case, the current class (2012 FIRbees) will also give research presentations.  All other FIRbees and FIR teaching assistants who wish to come to the Symposium are welcome to attend.

The opening reception for the 2012 Symposium will be at 6 PM on June 7.  The symposium presentations will be on June 8 and 9.  Other social activities include the boat ride on the evening of June 8 and the closing and awards banquet on the evening of June 9.

The 15th Annual FIR symposium will also feature additional presentations by the Pioneer and Beacon Awardees.  The 2012 Pioneer Awardee is Dr. Ryuzo

Yanagimachi of the University of Hawaii, who will deliver the Mike McClure lecture on Friday June 8.  The 2012 Beacon Award will be shared by Dr. Ken Korach of the NIEHS and Dr. Franco DeMayo of the Baylor College of Medicine.  They will give their lectures on Saturday June 9.