Chemical News

"But when it comes to communicating recent discoveries, talking about future collaborative projects and brainstorming new ideas with like-minded colleagues, the best discussions and most effective scientific exchanges demand not a multimillion dollar conference centre or beautifully furnished seminar room, but little more than a relaxed environment and friendly atmosphere – something that’s available at very low cost in many parts of the world which all too rarely feature on any leading scientist’s list of 'been there' destinations", so says former research chemist Anthony England. England now leads Mangosteen, an exciting initiative which focuses on promoting the value of science, scientific research and scientific literacy in both the developed and developing worlds.

"A strong blend of science and Africa makes this conference unforgettable" is how microbiologist and first-timer to the region Ben Appelmelk of Amsterdam's Vrije Universiteit Medical Center described 'Bacterial Adhesion and Infection, 1st West Africa Conference', Mangosteen's inaugural expert meeting held in Senegal and The Gambia between February 17th and 23rd, 2005.

The uniquely styled two part meeting, split between the neighbouring nations, concentrated on cutting-edge aspects of the study of protein-carbohydrate interactions in the adhesion of bacterial pathogens, was chaired by chemist Roland Pieters of Utrecht University, The Netherlands and attracted scientists from as far away as the US west coast.

"Fantastic", is what German biologist A. Salam Khan of the University of Würzburg's Institut für Molekulare Infektionsbiologie had to say about participating and his week shared between the Senegalese capital and the picturesque Gambian countryside, "I would have no hesitation in going back to attend a meeting in this area of West Africa. The quality of talks and participants was at the level of any successful international meeting. The information provided by Mangosteen was excellent and the way that it was provided indicated that the organizer was very much concerned with the well being of the participants."

Finland's Sauli Haataja of the University of Turku found it to be "a unique, touching experience", adding that it "changed many of my thoughts about Africa, poverty, and the Western lifestyle".

Mangosteen's founder sums up, "there are fascinating locations throughout the developing world which are not only perfectly suited to hosting scientific meetings but which need the worldwide scientific community to take an interest in their situations and particular problems. Indeed, it's in all of our best interests that we do so. Who can say how any meeting participant might be affected or inspired by spending time in one of the world’s least fortunate regions? And who knows what problems a young researcher may go on to address in their careers as a direct result of making such a personal connection early on in their studies."

'Bacterial Adhesion and Infection II', the second in the series of international research meetings on this important topic will take place in West Africa in early 2007.

About Mangosteen
Mangosteen exists to organize and facilitate regular series of professional meetings and gatherings in a variety of fascinating yet all too often forgotten parts of the developing world.

Our current focus is on science, scientists and scientific meetings - but not exclusively - contact us about other disciplines.

We work to foster high quality peer-peer interactions of all kinds - from international standard, cutting-edge conferences to smaller workshops - in short all kinds of meetings.

Inexpensive Professional Mettings - In Low-Cost, High Value Locations
Our cost-effective approach ensures that these short business trips address several important issues - all by arranging for hard-working, highly educated individuals to take a cheap, enjoyable and enlightening break away from the daily routine of work.

Not only will meeting participants be treated to a relaxed atmosphere and the time to discuss their work in a stimulating new environment, but they will also be provided with rare opportunities to fully interact with scientists and students from institutes in the developing world.

Ultimately, we believe that the increase in both the quality and quantity of scientific information exchanged between these two disparate communities will unquestionably prove invaluable to both.

In the immediate term, any amount of recognition from the worldwide scientific community is welcomed by those working hard to improve daily life in the developing world. At the same time, visitors from the developed world are unlikely to feel anything other than greatly enriched by the experience. Not only enriched and informed, but relaxed and entertained, with fun and flexibility both being integral elements of our programmes.