This proposal represents a request that the National Science Foundation help to sponsor a symposium entitled "Mechanisms of oocyte maturation and fertilization" organized for the Seventh International Congress of Invertebrate Reproduction and Development, to be held August 6th-11th, 1995 in Santa Cruz, CA. The symposium considers hormonal and sperm interaction with the egg membrane in invertebrate systems: sea urchins, abalone, etc. While many advances have occuried regarding the molecules that initiate oocyte maturation, the receptor mechanisms and initial mediating steps are still controversial. The applicant makes the case that the time is right for various workers in the field of research to come together to discuss recent progress. Travel expenses are requested. Many of the invited speakers are foreign, and their acceptance is contingent upon at least partial funding of their expenses. Results of the Congress are published as full length, refereed articles in the journal Invertebrate Reproduction and Development. ***
