In the past ten years interest and advances in the molecular biology of streptococci have increased dramatically. Although this broad group of bacteria can have vastly different ecological niches and socio-economic implications, they share unique mechanisms of genetic exchange and modes of gene regulation, and present common technical difficulties to investigators. Based on the past two conferences and a recent poll more than 150 scientists are expected to attend the Third International Streptococcal Genetic Conference to be held in Minneapolis, June 6-9, 1990. The conference will be arranged and administered by the American Society for Microbiology. Its goal is to disseminate the most recent discoveries which impact on the molecular genetics of streptococci important to agriculture, food science and human disease. Speakers will represent those who do the highest quality, most significant work in these fields. Moreover, poster sessions are planned to give others the opportunity to present more preliminary studies. Plans are to publish the proceedings through the ASM Publications Office. Goals of the organizing committee are to create an atmosphere conducive to the development of future collaboration and interaction among the participants, and to expose young scientists, students and postdoctoral trainees to the exciting scientific questions and future of this field.
