This conference grant supports the travel costs of the PI and eight African environmental physiologists speaking at a research seminar on "The Climatic Environment: Influence on Physiological Functions". This seminar will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, September 21-28, 1992, during the First International Congress of the African Association of Physiological Sciences, a new, continent-wide organization. The congress is sponsored by the International Union of Physiological Sciences. The seminar will address issues currently particularly relevant to African countries, many of which are experiencing unusual weather changes. Besides the scientists funded under this grant, an additional eight scientists from developed countries will participate. The main objectives of the overall congress are to stimulate scientific interchange and cooperative research among African physiologists, and to promote collaborative research between scientists based in developed countries with colleagues in Africa. The seminar promises to be mutually beneficial for U.S. and African scientists by providing a forum for exchange of data on thermal physiology in various species, and advancing understanding of physiological adaptation to drought. The establishment of active Africa- wide professional societies will promote research cooperation and networking throughout the region. This project is relevant to the objectives of the Science in Developing Countries (SDC) Program with regard to strengthening the scientific infrastructure in developing countries, and increasing the level of cooperation between U.S. scientists and their counterparts in developing countries.
