The American Society for Rickettsiology (ASR) is a scientific organization? consisting of scientists from the USA and all parts of the world who are engaged in? research on rickettsiae and rickettsial diseases. Rickettsiales fall under a group of? bacteria which include many pathogenic organisms causing severe infections in people? and many vertebrates, and some of them are listed as potential bioterrorism agents.? The primary mission of the ASR is to promote basic and applied research in all aspects? of rickettsiology and rickettsial diseases. In addition, it fosters exchange of information? among scientists engaged in research on rickettsiae and rickettsial diseases through? periodic meetings and other methods as may be appropriate, and encourages the? recruitment and training of young scientists, including women, minority and disabled? researchers. The ASR mission also includes fostering of scientific exchange between? American rickettsiologists and their counterparts in other countries and with other? scientific organizations as required and desirable.? The next ASR meeting will be held in Pacific Grove, CA (at the Asilomar? conference grounds) from September 2-7, 2006. The meeting will aid in fulfilling the? goals of the ASR. This R13 proposal is prepared to aid in conducting this meeting.? Specifically, the proposal seeks support to encourage junior scientists to attend the? conference by providing travel grants. The junior scientists will include graduate? students, post-doctoral associates and faculty members who are engaged in research in? rickettsia and rickettsial diseases. Funds also are sought to encourage women,? minorities and disabled scientists to engage and actively participate in the ASR? conference. Further, support is sought to foster scientific exchange on emerging? rickettsial diseases that are a potential bioterrorism threat and to aid in arranging invited? speakers to provide overview of new developments in the rickettsial field from all parts of? the world.
