Message from Conference Chairs
We are pleased to tell you that plans for the AIDS Vaccine 2008 Conference are well underway. As you will see from the preliminary program we have attracted some of the leading names in the vaccine field to the meeting. Dr Stanley Plotkin, who developed the rubella vaccine and is the author of "Vaccines" a standard textbook, will be giving one of the opening plenary talks together with Dr Alan Bernstein from the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise and Dr Malegapuru Makgoba from the University of KwaZulu Natal. We will have 10 state-of-the-art plenary lectures covering all aspects of HIV vaccine research and including a few speakers from outside the field. There will be a number of Symposia, Roundtables and Special Sessions as well as two Debates on current controversial topics. There is no doubt that the AIDS vaccine field is at a turning-point and we hope that this meeting will help to stimulate new ideas and new directions.
Abstract submission opens on March 10th and will close on May 7th. You will be informed of the outcome by 20th June. Late breaker abstracts open on August 18th and close on the August 29th. We plan to convene around 8 oral sessions and 1 late-breaker session from submitted abstracts that receive the highest scores from the reviewers. Some abstracts in selected topics will be chosen to be part of the poster discussion groups. Posters will be on display throughout the Conference with 2 dedicated poster sessions during the Conference.
In order to encourage young investigators and those from developing countries to attend the meeting we are making a large number of International Scholarships and Travel Awards available. Five young investigator awards will be announced during the Conference to scientists under 35 years of year who submit the strongest abstracts.
We have arranged an exciting social program during this event. The opening plenary session will be followed by a Welcome Reception at the Conference Venue with refreshments and live entertainment. On Tuesday night all delegates are invited to dinner at the Moyo Restaurant at Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, outside Cape Town. This will give you all a chance to enjoy the splendid Cape scenery, sample some of the best wines in the world, savor delicious African cuisine and be entertained in African style. Lunches, teas and coffees will be provided during the Conference.
While you are on our shores don’t miss the opportunity to explore Cape Town and South Africa. We have included a number of day excursions for those bringing partners or to enjoy before or after the meeting. October is springtime so remember to dress for variable weather conditions. Register and make your hotel bookings now to secure your place at this important and exciting Conference.
We look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town in October.
Sincerely,
Prof. Lynn Morris (Conference Chair)
University of the Witwatersrand
AIDS Virus Research Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases
Prof. Glenda Gray (Conference Co-chair)
Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand
Dr. Koleka Mlisana (Conference Co-chair)
CAPRISA, University of KwaZulu Natal
Prof. Carolyn Williamson (Conference Co-chair)
University of Cape Town