The Norway Spruce Genome Project (Sweden)The White Spruce SMarTForests Project (Canada)
The Loblolly Pine PineRefSeq Project (USA)
invite to
The 2013 Conifer Genome Sequencing Summit
June 14 - 17 2013 in Björkliden, Lapland, Sweden
Download pogramme (available soon)
{tab=Introduction}
Several conifer genome sequencing projects are underway or have recently been initiated. With the major advances in sequencing technologies it is likely that many more conifer genomes will be sequenced in the next years. However, enormous challenges remain with the assembly, annotation, and utilization of these large genome sequences.
The 2013 Conifer Genome Sequencing Summit will facilitate up-dates on the most advanced approaches in conifer genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation. An expected outcome of the Summit is coordination of resource and database development for the community to mine the wealth of information from conifer genomes.
The program of the meeting will include overview scientific presentations from the different projects, as well as focused presentations on different aspects of conifer genome biology, and ample time for discussions. The number of participants will be limited (ca. 50 person) with priority being given to those involved with ongoing or newly initiated conifer genome projects and those who can utilize the results of these projects.
The venue of the Summit will be Björkliden (summer.bjorkliden.com) in northern Sweden. Located well above the arctic circle, the mid-June date offers the experience of midnight sun, and falls (somewhat symbolically, given the subject)) into the transition between spring and summer. Skiing in the midnight sun may be possible (if the season is late), alternatively excursions into the early-summer explosion of vegetation and wildlife (if the season is early), or both. The weather this time of the year is somewhat unpredictable, it could be nice and sunny but rain – and even snow – is also possible.
{tab=Practicalities}
Conference costs (including coffee, lunches, dinners with some selection of beverage, some social activities, transportation between Kiruna airport and conference venue in connection with flight mentioned below), will be covered by the Swedish project. You will only have to pay for your own travel and accommodation. Meals will be served at Restaurant Lapporten (summer.bjorkliden.com/sommar/mat-noeje/restaurang-lapporten.aspx)
Organizing committee
Stefan Jansson (Sweden)
Joerg Bohlmann (Canada)
David Neale (USA)
Travel
You fly to Kiruna. For there it is possible to take the train to Björkliden but we will also arrange pick-ups from Kiruna airport. Those travelling from North America are likely to arrive to Stockholm in the morning, and then take a flight SK1042 leaving Stockholm at Friday 14/6 at 11.35 and arriving in Kiruna at 13.30. Optionally leave Stockholm at 20.15 on SK1048 and arrive in Kiruna at 23.35, but then you will miss the first evening. In connection with those flights, we will arrange transportation from Kiruna airport.
For return travel, especially those going to the US may want to leave from Kiruna airport at 6.05 (SK1049) arriving in Stockholm at 7.40. For those that want to leave with this flight, we will arrange a "midnight sun-activity" so you do not have to sleep until the bus departs from Björkliden at ca 03.00 arriving at Kiruna airport in time for the flight. You could sleep later (during the flights), right? Alternatively, take SK1045 leaving 13.35, arriving 15.10. The you should book an additional night at Björkliden (and corresponding addition cost).
Those that want to leave later from Kiruna could (for an additional cost) spend the night in Björkliden and travel to Kiruna by train or bus (ca 90 minutes, departure from airport 14.10 according to current time table).
Accomodation
There are several options for accommodation. All costs are for one person and three nights (arrival Friday, departure Monday). Accomodation should be booked directly with Björkliden (Kristina Einarsson, Email:
The different types of accommodation will be filled on first come/first serve basis. If you would like to share room or cottage with others, sort this out before booking.
1) Stay at the hotel "Fjället"
http://summer.bjorkliden.com/sommar/boende/hotell-fjaellet.aspx
1A) Single room at the hotel 1 778 SEK/person (+12 % VAT?)
1B) Double room at the hotel 1 112 SEK/person (+12 % VAT?)
2) Stay in cottage at "Káppas"
http://summer.bjorkliden.com/sommar/boende/stugbyn-kaappas.aspx
Each cottage has 2 bedrooms (4 beds), sauna and balcony.
2A) Single room in a cottage 2 616 SEK/person (+12 % VAT?)
2B) Double room in a cottage 1 569 SEK/person (+12 % VAT?)
3) Stay in cottage at "Solhyllan",
http://summer.bjorkliden.com/sommar/boende/solhyllan.aspx
Each cottage has 4 bedrooms (3 large and one small) and a large terrace with jacuzzi.
3) Single room in a cottage 3 083 SEK/person (+12 % VAT?)
Breakfast is included in the costs for all types of accommodation