Tiny Microbes-Big Data will take place at Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada from June 23-27, 2025. ISTA11/CAP-Niagara will feature a blend of established, early-career researcher and student members of The International Society of Testate Amoeba Researchers (ISTAR) and the Canadian Association of Palynologists (CAP), fostering lively discussions and broadening participation.
This first International Symposium on Testate Amoebae (ISTA) meeting to take place in North America is co-organized by Professors Francine McCarthy (Brock University) and Tim Patterson (Carleton University) will convene researchers studying testate amoebae as well as pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP) across diverse environments such as lakes, peatlands, soils, and saltmarshes. Through thematic sessions and discussions, the conference aims to strengthen connections within this diverse research community, including ecologists, paleoecologists, molecular ecologists, and functional ecologists. Additionally, a planned testate amoebae taxonomic workshop will provide a formal platform for discussions on the practical integration of recent phylogenetic research with traditional taxonomic approaches that in recent years has focused on the sensitivity of distinct phenotypes to the impact of climate change, contaminants and other ecological variables.
Brock University is located within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve with the northern boundary of the campus nestled against the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. St. Catharines is easily accessible by air through Toronto or Buffalo, NY International Airports, by train (VIA/AMTRAK), or by car (just off the QEW highway).
The Niagara Region is an excellent location for a family-friendly scientific meeting due to its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and accessible amenities. Renowned for its stunning Niagara Falls, the region offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and exploring scenic parks, ensuring an engaging experience for attendees of all ages. The area also boasts a rich history with War of 1812 historic sites and vibrant urban attractions, including museums, art galleries, and family-oriented destinations like the Butterfly Conservatory, the cultural kitsch of Clifton Hill, and Marine Land. Additionally, the region is famous for its many wineries, providing opportunities for scenic tours and tastings. The welcoming atmosphere, coupled with a wide array of accommodations and dining options, makes the Niagara Region an ideal setting for a productive yet enjoyable scientific gathering and vacation destination.
Planned excursions include:
- An evening visit to Niagara Falls with optional group dinner in the revolving dining room of the Skylon Tower
- A conference dinner in Niagara-on the Lake’s wine country following a ‘Geology and Wine’ field trip with picnic lunch
- A post-conference visit to Crawford Lake with picnic lunch and optional ongoing transportation to Pearson International Airport less than 40 km from the site. Crawford Lake was selected in 2023 by the Anthropocene Working Group of the International Commission on Stratigraphy as the type locality for the proposed Anthropocene Epoch. This visit will also involve a tour of a reconstructed 15th century Iroquoian Village and discussions with Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers on the importance of the lake to their culture.
Abstract submission deadline
The submission date is April 15th, 2025
A CAD $100 submission fee applies for the first abstract submitted by each first author, and this fee is payable through the conference portal, which is now open. Below are the detailed instructions for submitting your abstract:
Pay the abstract registration fee here: https://brocku.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=2376
Once payment is made by credit card, you will receive a secure link by email with your unique event payment identification number.
Submit your abstract using this unique event payment identification number here: https://scienceapps1.carleton.ca/ista/abstract
Please note: If you are submitting more than one abstract as first author, only one abstract registration fee is required. You may use the same unique event payment identification number for all such abstracts.
Registration:
ISTA 11 registration and on-campus accommodation booking are available through the General Registration page: https://brocku.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=2382
Decisions on abstracts will be made by May 1st, 2025. For further information on the meeting please contact:
Francine McCarthy (fmccarthy
brocku [dot] ca)
Tim Patterson (tim [dot] pattersoncarleton [dot] ca)