Diatoms of North AmericaSituated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, a deep and ancient lake of tectonic origin that has existed for several million years, home of many endemic species of freshwater flora and fauna, the town of Ohrid is a major cultural center. As one of the oldest settlements in Europe, it is an architectural wonder, built mostly between the 7th and 19th century and simultaneously a home to the oldest Slav monastery St. Pantelejmon, an important medieval education institution, ancient urban architecture, more than 800 Byzantine-style icons, a whopping number of churches and Christian Basilicas and late Ottoman style architecture.
The European Diatom Meeting aims to focus on exchange of the relevant trends and research and presentation of results in the field of diatomology. The conference will provide an excellent opportunity for researchers from different fields in diatom research to discuss recent advances, share innovative ideas, and promote international collaborations.
As a result of its geographic isolation and uninterrupted biological activity, Lake Ohrid provides a unique refuge for numerous endemic and relict freshwater species of flora and fauna. Its oligotrophic waters contain over 300 endemic species with high levels of endemism for benthic species, including algae, diatoms, turbellarian flatworms, snails, crustaceans and fishes.
A true gem, the town of Ohrid is an incredible natural as well as cultural phenomenon, a monument of unique and important events, a living document of natural as well as human history, inviting researchers and visitors alike to revel in its remarkable blend of the scientific and artistic, adding substance to its beauty.
Introductory Lecture: Dr. Walter Salzburger, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel
Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Nadja Ognjanova-Rumenova, Department of Paleontology, Stratigraphy and Sedimentology, Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Dr. David Williams, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London
Dr. Federic Rimet, French National Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment
Meeting Sessions:
- Climate change and paleoecology
- Environmental biomonitoring
- Evolution, speciation, phylogeny
- Systematics, taxonomy, floristic
- Biogeography, distribution and ecology
- Diatom applications
