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<< back to the 2003 archive listing << Food Protection Trends Thoughts from the President New Orleans is an exciting place with much to offer IAFP Members and their
families. We look forward to seeing you there! Science in a Tavern: Essays and Diversions on Science in the Making” is the title of a small book of essays, published in 1938, by Charles S. Slichter, Professor of Mathematics and, at some time, a Dean at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I picked this up in a used bookstore on State Street in Madison some years ago. The first essay, from which the book’s title comes, is about the beginnings of what was officially known as the Royal Society in England, but also generally and unofficially as the Royal Philosophers. The beginnings lie in a dining club of scientific men, including “…most of the distinguished scientists of Great Britain…” through all of the generations since the club began in 1650. Originally this convivial group met…“every Thursday afternoon, at the Bull-Head Tavern in Cheapside to eat and to experiment and to talk science”. Was this the origin of our modern day scientific conferences? Perhaps not quite, but our conferences today still offer the opportunity to meet, boast about our science, debate and exchange ideas, and eat. This month’s issue of Food Protection Trends gives you a look at what awaits you at IAFP 2003, August 10 – 13, in New Orleans. I think it’s an exciting program, beginning with Dr. Donald Zink’s Ivan Parkin Lecture, “On the Trail of Food Safety – From the Early Days to the Future” (did it all start in a pub?). Dr. Elsa Murano, Under Secretary for Food Safety, will give a Tuesday plenary session presentation on “Breaking the Cycle of Foodborne Illness: The War on Pathogens”. Throughout the meeting there will be many timely and topical symposia, cutting-edge technical oral and poster sessions, and the Exhibit Hall will be packed with the latest in gizmos and gadgets for the lab and the production line. Before the Opening Session on Sunday evening, there are many opport-unities to get involved …work-shops beginning on Friday; the New Member Reception on Saturday (old members are also invited to be part of this welcoming party!); an educational seminar and reception that will be of special interest to officers and delegates of all IAFP affiliates; Committee and Professional Development Group (PDG) meetings on Sunday. Everyone is welcome to attend these activities; come share your ideas, your expertise and your willingness to help your Association grow. Of course, there will be time to socialize and see some of the sights of the
city. New Orleans is an exciting place with much to offer IAFP Members and their
families. We look forward to seeing you there! |