ASM in Peru: Supporting Latin America's Youth

Abstract

The II Latin American Student Congress of Microbiology and Parasitology was held from 4–8 February 2008 in Ica, Peru. The Congress was originally set to occur in the fall of 2007 but was postponed due to a devastating earthquake that damaged 90% of this beautiful city on 15 August 2007. Despite significant obstacles, the Congress's organizing committee, comprised of microbiology students led by Carlos Tipisana from the Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga de Ica, was determined to host this important event. Motivated by their passion for science, an exciting, well-structured, and highly successful meeting was realized. ASM provided strong support through the active participation of three ASM Ambassadors from Latin America and Lily Schuermann, Director of ASM International Affairs. ASM also sponsored two Best Poster Awards and enabled 70 low-income students to attend by covering bus transportation to and from the event. Finally, ASM established an ASM Resource Center at the university, which incurred major structural damage and lost valuable teaching materials in the earthquake.