EQMal 2010 First Call

Conference of the European Quaternary Malacologists

EQMal 2010

Molluscs and Quaternary Environment of Central Europe

A conference in honour of the 75th birthday of Professor Endre Krolopp

Szeged (Hungary), 15th -18th August 2010

1st Circular

Convener

S. Gulyás (University of Szeged, H)

Scientific Committee:

R.C. Preece (University of Cambridge, UK), T. Meijer (Naturalis, NL), D. Esu (University La Sapienza, I), S. W. Aleksandrowicz (Akademia Górniczo-Hutnicza, PL), F. Magnin (Institut Méditerranéen d'Ecologie et de Paléoécologie, URA, F), J. Kovanda (Charles University, CZ), E. Krolopp (University of Szeged, H), N. Limondin-Lozouet (Laboratoire de Géographie Physique, CNRS, F), D. Mania (Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, D)

Organizing Committee:

P. Sümegi (President & Administration) (Host Institution-Univ. Szeged),
T. Gaudenyi (Vice-President) (Serbian Geol. Society),
D. Molnár (Secretary)(Host Institution-Univ. Szeged),
M. Jovanovic (Serbian Geol. Society-Administration) G. Persaits; K. Náfrádi; G. Pál Dávid (Host Institution-Univ. Szeged, Administration)

Host Institution

The Department of Geology and Palaeontology, University of Szeged (Szeged, Hungary) is proud to announce that it is to host the above meeting in August 2010. The Department of Geology and Palaeontology is part of University of Szeged, dedicated to study the geology and palaeoecology of Late Tertiary and Quaternary of the Carpathian Basin as well as the long-term interaction of man and environment in south-eastern Central Europe.

Objectives

The conference will focus on different aspects of Quaternary environment and stratigraphy, as well as archaeozoological research related to molluscs.

Location

Szeged, the city of sunshine is located in southeastern Hungary. City of 175,000 inhabitants, situated on the shores of river Tisza, about an hour and a half drive (170 km) from the capital Budapest. It has a very enjoyable continental climate with Mediterranean influences. The city itself was rebuilt after the great flood of 1879 and boast with numerous touristic attractions like the famous Open-Air Theatre or the Votiv Church, Tisza Fisherman Festival. The reputation of the University of Szeged, with 30,000 students and 7,000 employees, stems from both the innovative teaching and research activities and the special milieu that characterizes the university. After all, it is primarily for the youth. For the future scientists, inventors, Noble-prize winners, artists and sportspersons who receive here the inspiring education that helps them achieve their goals. Albert Szent-Györgyi's former workplace still holds the fascination of the personality of this brilliant scientist as well as the mission which thinks of science as being both rational and humane.

Program outline:

1^st Day 17h-20h

- Registration

- Ice breaker (social gathering & snacks)

- Official opening

2^nd and 3^rd Day

- Sessions

- EQMal formal meeting (proposed for late afternoon of the 2^nd day)

- Closing Social Event(s)

4^th Day

-Field Trip to the famous Paleolithic site of Szeged-Öthalom

Planned sessions:

1. Quantitative studies studies of Quaternary deposits - Methods and principles (Description and reviews of Quaternary molluscan studies and new developments) - a session with invited speakers

2. Archaeomalacology (Malacology and archaeological investigations or the use of shells in geo-archaeological studies)

3. Molluscs and the environments of the pseudoperiglacial loess area (Molluscan studies from the Mediterranean and Central Europe which was southern from with the periglacial zone -the zone which is not affected with the periglacial influence)

4. Molluscs and the environments of the periglacial of Europe (Molluscan studies related to the periglacial environment of Europe).

5. Molluscs and Quaternary stratigraphy

All communications, suggestions and questions via e-mail:

eqmal2010(at)gmail.com

Official Conference Language: English

Expected costs

The organizers try to cut costs to a minimum (50 EUR/person) including field trip. We are in a stage of applying for subsidy from INQUA and IVF. If proposals are successful participant costs will be around the one mentioned above.

Travel grants

Please mark in the preliminary registration form if you need support for attending the conference!

Deadlines:

1^st November 2009 preliminary registration

March 2010 2^nd Circular, which will include firm registration costs and methods of payment, information on accommodation in and travel to Szeged, preliminary list of contributors and a call for abstracts and format of presentations

31^st May 2010 deadline for submitting abstracts and registration

15^th June 2010 3^rd Circular, which will include a complete list of the oral and poster presentations to be given

We are looking forward to welcoming you in Szeged in August 2010!

Hope you will be able to join us!

Best wishes,

Sándor Gulyás and Tivadar Gaudényi

on behalf of Organizing Committee