Thursday, June 12 - Saturday, June 14, 2008
Symposium Registration Deadline: April 21, 2008

All FIR course alumni are invited to return to Woods Hole this June for our annual reunion symposium weekend. We are proud to claim among our ranks more than 170 leading young researchers and practitioners from all over the globe. Our symposium provides you world-class networking opportunities with former classmates, FIR faculty members, distinguished guest investigators, and with “FIRbees” from ten other classes.

Highlights: We are honored to host Dr. Michael Griswold, Dean of the School of Molecular Biosciences at Washington State University, as the 2008 FIR Beacon Awardee. Dr. Griswold’s research is directed towards the understanding of mammalian spermatogenesis, specifically Sertoli Cell function. He will present the Beacon lecture on June 14.

We are also delighted to announce that Dr. Mario Ascoli, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa has been selected as this year’s Pioneer Awardee. Dr. Ascoli, a cellular and molecular endocrinologist investigates receptors and signal transduction functions in the reproductive system. He is a well-known friend in the FIR community, having long served as a course faculty member, and most recently as our lead course director. Dr Ascoli will deliver the Mike McClure Pioneer Lecture on June 13.

Rediscover Woods Hole: The FIR symposium comes home to Woods Hole village this year, with all program events being held on the MBL campus. We've scheduled lectures in the newly renovated Speck Auditorium (formerly Whitman); light breakfasts, full lunch buffets and coffee breaks will be provided in the Meigs Room at the Swope Center. FIRbees and guests lecturers will again stay at the the Nautilus Motor Inn, overlooking scenic Little Harbor, a short walk from the MBL.

Travel reimbursements and free lodging for FIR alumni: As ever, returning FIR alumni are eligible for travel and lodging expenses. We will provide lodging at the Nautilus Motor Inn, and reimburse most travel costs. Please check the Lodging Information page and the Travel Reimbursement site for details

Please start making your plans to attend! The Class of 2003 gets travel funding priority this year. Preference then goes to those who have not previously attended a symposium and those presenting new talks. Last year we had to turn away late comers because the program filled-up and funding was fully expended. Submit your on-line Symposium Registration Form without delay!

Contact: Dori Chrysler Mebane, Symposium Coordinator: dmebane@mbl.edu.