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About the Congress
We plan to make IGC2013 the best ever as it will be the first time it has been held in southern Australia. Associated with the main Congress in Sydney will be a range of pre- and post-Congress tours, workshops and satellite meetings. Temperate and tropical systems will be on show. This will give you the opportunity to see current research, to enjoy what Australia offers and to hear more detail on specific areas of grassland research. We are pleased that Societies are cancelling, or modifying their normal programs in 2013 so that you can attend the main event, IGC2013. Please ensure that your Societies consider IGC2013 as part of their program.
The theme of IGC2013 is ?Revitalising grasslands to sustain our communities?. This will emphasise revitalising not only your knowledge on relevant grassland R&D, but also the scientific community responsible for this work. A special emphasis will be placed on Young Professionals working on grasslands. Young professionals have a key role in IGC2013 in organising the Congress, giving key presentations and other papers and helping to shape the future of grasslands, for which they will be the future leaders. Come along and hear what the next generation thinks about grasslands.
The Grasslands Congresses have always had a special interest in helping those from developing countries attend the IGC. We are seeking support from various Agencies to ensure that more people have the opportunity to attend IGC2013.
The Grasslands Community is very broad and IGC2013 will reflect that. Grassland ecosystems occupy 40% of the inhabited land surface and directly affect the lives of 1 billion people as well as providing the food, fibre and fuel for many more people. Grasslands are the sustaining basis for much crop production. Grassland ecosystems range from arid to humid zones, from deserts to urban turf and much is always learnt at the IGCs from the cross-fertilisation that such diverse meetings provide.
There has always been close links with the rangelands community and IGC2013 will reflect that, as it will in developing new technologies to improve existing systems. Remember that Grasslands includes all aspects of how these natural and agro-ecosystems function and how people use these resources. This is the main opportunity, held every four years, to find out where grassland R&D is going.
Registration for IGC2013 will open in December 2012. It is anticipated that registration fees will be competitive with similar international meetings.
Put September 2013 in your diary now as when you will be coming to IGC2013 to enjoy contributing to and learning the latest grasslands R&D and to enjoy seeing Australia at the best time of the year. Go to the website, tell us your interests and we look forward to seeing you in September 2013.
Professor David Kemp
Chair, IGC2013 Organising Committee | 
