The 12 year anniversary of the Chemical and Biological Medical Treatment Symposia (CBMTS)

First Announcement

Spiez Laboratory Switzerland
Spiez , Switzerland
30 April - 05 May 2006

_________________________________________________

(from ASA Newsletter 94-4, 11 August 1994)

The ASA Newsletter announces the 1994 CBW Medical Treatment Symposium:

Spiez , Switzerland 5-8 December 1994. “As an outgrowth of an earlier Battelle Memorial Institute/Applied Science and Analysis project to establish a baseline of international antidote efforts including prophylaxis, pre-treatment and therapy, an idea was conceived to bring together the recognized authorities in the field from all over the world for comprehensive discussions across the spectrum of medical treatment for chemical and biological warfare, agrichemical and industrial casualties.

Where are we? Where are we going? What do we need to do to get there? - sums up the overall direction for this, the first comprehensive symposium ever scheduled to specifically coordinate the CBW, agrichemical and industrial medical treatment fields. To ensure the free flow of ideas, the 1994 CBW Medical Treatment Symposium (94 CBW MTS) will use the Gordon Research Conference approach in the conduct of the Symposium. ...

The Symposium is designed for professionals directly involved with the scientific and technical aspects of medical treatment required for CBW, agrichemical and industrial casualties. Contributions from across the spectrum of a research area are solicited. ...”

_________________________________________________

Introduction and Background

          In almost 12 years of meetings and the preparations for meetings, the direction, goals, model and objectives, although now much broader and much more comprehensive, have remained the same. Across the spectrum of CBR and anti-terrorism matters, this CBMTS series has always been at the forefront in science, medicine and technology and its “firsts” are legendary. The CBMTS provided the world community the first in-depth analysis of industry and chemical warfare without chemical weapons, now known in part as TICs and TIMs; the very first comprehensive analysis of casualties and casualty care and the short, mid and long term effects of massive CW use against the Iranian populace by Iraq; the first look at terrorism and its impact on CBW and the international community, both military and civilian; the first forum for pharmaceutical and medical stockpile issues at the international levels; and above all, the CBMTS was the very first to provide and still continues to provide a forum for communications, a venue for professionals in critical CBR disciplines from East and West and North and South to come together for informal, non-attributable discussions.

Spiez, Switzerland.

           ASA is very, very pleased to announce that Dr. Marc Cadisch, Director SPIEZ LABORATORY, has instructed all CBMTS to proceed with CBMTS VI, the sixth plenary and sixth international meeting of the CBMTS, which will take place at the SPIEZ LABORATORY from 30 April to 05 May 2006.

The First Announcement:

The CBMTS VI

          Spiez, Switzerland 30 April to 05 May 2006. The CBMTS and its group of international professionals return to the original CBMTS home, where in 1994 this now well-known and highly respected series began. Dr. Marc Cadisch, Director SPIEZ LABORATORY and his staff will host and provide full support to this 12 year anniversary meeting of the CBMTS. In the CBMTS tradition, all CBMTS VI members and their accompanied guests are invited to be present for the registration and welcome party on Sunday afternoon/evening 30 April.
          Dr. Cadisch will open the CBMTS VI proceedings at 0900 on Monday 01 May.
          The CBMTS VI will explore the scientific, medical and policy aspects of chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) warfare and terrorism and will include accidents and incidents across the CBR spectrum. This meeting will consider the effects of CBR agents wrongly used or abused, whether intentional or accidental, on the community and individuals, military and civilian, and on the infrastructure at each echelon of government. CBMTS VI will further build on the base of knowledge established in the CBMTS Industry series, i.e., an area still not adequately addressed by convention, agreement or treaty: the terrorist or combat threat to the chemical, petrochemical, oil, pharmaceutical, biochemical, and other industries. We will further explore, in-depth, the little understood but increasingly recognized and exceptionally important area of agro terrorism.

A. Objective: (top)

          Bring together the CBMTS professionals most concerned with and directly involved in the scientific and technical aspects of problems associated with the CBR threat to include all actions associated with CBR agent, agrichemical, agrochemical and industrial poisonings. These problems include medical treatment (prophylaxis, pre-treatment and therapy) required for CB agent, agrichemical and industrial poisonings; emergency management required for accidents and incidents; and operational issues from across the response spectrum. Contributions of papers and posters from each research and operational area are solicited. The CBMTS VI is also very pleased to continue with its original efforts of many years on the topic of chemical and biological terrorism and anti-terrorism matters. We will also consider agro terrorism and non proliferation matters, both of which are being looked at within the CBMTS-Industry IV Symposium being held in Dubrovnik in September 2005.

B. Symposium Model: (top)

          To ensure the free flow of ideas, the CBMTS VI will again use the Gordon Research Conference approach in the conduct of the Symposium. We expect this conference to continue with the CBMTS tradition of a relaxed shirt-sleeve environment, a first name basis in very short order, and as always a very enjoyable camaraderie between all participants; professionals from well over 30 countries.

C. Who Should Attend? (top)

          Industry, government and academic professionals with an interest in the chemical, biological, and radiological threat whether the threat is from war, terrorist actions or accidents and incidents, natural or man-made; medical, public health and medical research professionals including primary care physicians, practitioners and veterinarians; local, regional and national laboratory representatives; first responders and HAZMAT specialists including emergency, crisis management and mitigation, and civil defense personnel; industry scientists and engineers; and specialists in computer risk modeling and planning, training and local community interface.

D. Call for papers/topic and theme areas: (top)

          Papers could cover any one or a combination of the listed topic areas and sub-areas as well as areas not listed. For ‘non-listed’ areas, the author should show how the subject does fit with the theme of the CBMTS VI. Please consider the theoretical as well as the practical and the scientific and operational in problem definition, preparation and response. The importance of local, national, regional, and international preparation and response will be of the highest interest to all professionals attending the CBMTS VI.
           The following listed major topic, sub-topic areas will be further updated and changed per participants’ requests and at planned meetings of the CBMTS Planning Group at the SPIEZ LABORATORY in Spiez, Switzerland.
          (Important Note: CBMTS VI will be held under the CBMTS rules that state all participants will present a Science Review Committee approved paper either from the podium or from a poster. Additionally, the CBMTS VI Symposium has a physical limit of approximately 130 participants maximum and this will also limit the number of Papers that may be accepted.)

E. Proposed baskets of major topic areas - a guide for proposed papers: (top)

(Baskets and sub-areas will be added in ASA Newsletter 05-5 in October. Open to suggestions).
1. CB Agents: characterization/mode of action
2. Radiological (includes medical & legal - s ee page 17)
3. Analysis identification and threat assessment
4. Prevention threat considerations, industrial accidents
5. Protection and decontamination includes prophylaxis
6. Mass Casualty Management: from war to terrorist event to accident or incident to epidemic and pandemic
7. Medical Treatment short to long term and follow-up
8. Terrorism issues (to include agro terrorism)
9. Training - from hospital staff to first responders to civil defense to civil and military support
10. Medical issues stockpiles, countermeasures
11. Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and will there be enough?
12. Non proliferation matters

Note: For questions on applicability of proposed papers, the Science Review Committee will determine either the proper basket or will formulate a new basket.

F. Important Dates: (top)

• Pre-registration. As soon as possible after 1 October 2005. This is a notification of intent to Register.
• Early registration - prior to 24 February. Note: An Abstract must be presented and accepted by the Science Review Committee prior to Registration acceptance.
• After 24 February - registration with increased fees
• 31 March. Final papers are due not later than 31 March and preferably earlier.
• 30 April. CBMTS VI

G. Important Numbers: (top)

• The CBMTS web address: http://www.asanltr.com/wbiot.htm beginning 15 September 2005
• For the CBMTS VI team:
• ASA. CBMTS and International: Richard Price at tel: 1-410-638-9480 and fax: 1-410-638-9481 and e-mail: cbmts@asanltr.com and
• SPIEZ LABORATORY and Switzerland. Irma Lehnherr at tel: 41-33-228-1586 and fax: 41-33-228-1402 and e-mail: irma.lehnherr@babs.admin.ch

Note: On all message traffic, please include the ASA and SPIEZ LABORATORY e-mail and/or fax addresses.

H. Pre-registration and information: (top)

          Please forward at earliest time to ASA and to Switzerland, your pre-registration information to include name; organization, tel/fax and e-mail numbers, proposed paper title. The data requested will also be on the CBMTS VI registration form which will be on the web site as of 15 September 2005.

I. Abstract Submission: (top)

          Please forward at earliest time to ASA and to Switzerland, your pre-registration Abstracts on above Topic Areas will be 250 words or less and presented in the following format via e-mail:

1. Title (in bold, 14 point Times, left justified, all caps)
2. Presenting author and organization, address, telephone, fax, and e-mail (Initial cap, bold, left justified, 12 point Times); other authors and organizations (same as above, but not bold)
3. Body of Abstract: No tables, figures or references are to be used in abstract, and, a maximum of five keywords.
4. Each participant with accepted abstract is encouraged to supply, via the internet, a small picture and a maximum of 40 words for a bio sketch. This will be inserted into the Program and Proceedings with the Abstract/Paper. Full information on the Abstract and Paper formats will be located on the CBMTS VI web site:
   
   http://www.asanltr.com/wbiot.htm

J. The CBMTS VI E-mail Network: (top)

          For all prospective participants who would like update information on this CBMTS VI meeting, please forward after 1 October, your preferred e-mail address for entry into the CBMTS Update network. Send your e-mail address to: info@asanltr.com On all messages to ASA and the SPIEZ LABORATORY, put CBMTS VI in subject line.

K. The CBMTS Web-Sites: (top)

          General information, sector, topic and theme areas, pre-registration and registration forms, and abstract/paper submission information, will be at the ASA web site for CBMTS VI (after 1 October). As other web sites become available - prospective participants will be notified.

L. Requirements for Attendance: (top)

          Participation is based primarily on abstract acceptance and/or geographical representation. All participants are expected to submit a paper. After abstract acceptance by CBMTS International Science Review Committee, a notification will be sent that Registration would be accepted.

M. Venue: (top)

          The SPIEZ LABORATORY, Switzerland

N. Host and Sponsor: (top)

          The CBMTS VI will be hosted and sponsored by the Government of Switzerland and the SPIEZ LABORATORY.
          The SPIEZ LABORATORY CBMTS team is providing the in-depth operational, planning, and administrative support that is very crucial to the success of CBMTS VI.

O. Symposium fees/living costs for CBMTS VI: (top)

•• Payment Information: Registration and other fees. Credit cards (AMEX, VISA, MC); bank transfer, bank check. Contact ASA for details (cbmts@asanltr.com).

Registration Fees:

The Registration Fee will include:

• all lunches at the Laboratory Dining Room from Monday 1 May through Friday 5 May 2005
• all dinners at the Hotel Metropole in Interlaken from Monday 1 May through Friday 5 May 2005
• Welcome Party on Sunday evening
• Symposium Dinner
• Excursion and Farewell Party with dinner
• Program, Proceedings, Symposium bag, local transportation for scheduled events and other items

Accompanying Persons Fees:

P. Accommodations: (top)

          All members of CBMTS VI will be accommodated in Interlaken, the world-famous, scenic village situated between two magnificent lakes (approx. 20 km from Spiez). There will be a CBMTS shuttle bus between Spiez and Interlaken.

CBMTS VI Hotels in Interlaken:

Q. Refund Policy: (top)

          1. Hotels: Hotels will be guaranteed upon receipt of the symposium registration fee from each individual. If an individual does not show for his hotel reservation date and has not provided at least 24 hours notice prior to the ‘no-show’ then one night hotel fee will be taken from the individual’s symposium registration fee.

          2. Registration Fees and Refunds

1. Until 09 March 2006 = 90% refund
2. From 10 March until 05 April 2006 = 75% refund
3. From 06 April until 22 April 2006 = 50% refund
4. After 22 April = no refund

R. Registration/other fees (Payment and Bank data): (top)

          Payments are accepted by credit cards Visa, Master Card, EuroCard, Diners Club and American Express. Payment is also accepted via bank transfer or bank check, or by cash at registration if prior approval has been obtained.

• Bank data for CBMTS VI Switzerland:
  • Address: Berner Kantonalbank, Filiale Spiez, Kronenplatz, CH-3700 Spiez, Switzerland
  • Account No. 42 3.694.965.22
  • Swift code: KBBECH2237A
  • Bank Clearing No. 79030

S. Registration Forms: (top)

           Registration Form

T. Fellowships: (top)

           Assistance for individuals to attend CBMTS VI. Limited support of professionals from developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
            The requirements for fellowship consideration are that the individual submit a paper to be presented at the CBMTS VI and that paper be approved and accepted by the Science Review Committee. The goal for the CBMTS Organizing Committees is to be able to provide as needed:
           Registration Fee, Accommodations, Return fare to Zurich or Geneva and train to Spiez.
           Recognizing that available funds for Fellowships will be very limited, the CBMTS Organizing Committee will more favorably consider specific requests for the minimal amount from individuals wishing to attend.

U. Information on Sponsors/Sponsorship: (top)

           Crucial to the success of the CBMTS VI are the sponsorship of the Government Organizations, Institutions and Industries that are a vital part of these CBMTS Symposia. Sponsorship funding provides the primary source of revenue used to assist many of our CBMTS professionals to attend the CBMTS meetings. To date, these funds have been used to assist participants from developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The CBMTS VI is hosted and in part sponsored by the SPIEZ LABORATORY with the Government of Switzerland. The CBMTS International Organization, with the CBMTS series originator, Applied Science and Analysis Inc., work in partnership with the host to ensure that each meeting meets the goals and objectives of the Swiss Laboratory and the CBMTS.

There are three sponsorship levels for CBMTS meetings:

1. Co-sponsor. Includes up to two industry registrations, plus half page advert space in the Program and Proceedings plus one half page space in the ASA Newsletter. Includes a booth space at the CBMTS SPIEZ LABORATORY.
2. Sponsor. The above, plus full page in Program, Proceedings, ASA Newsletter, plus up to three industry registrations.
3. Major Sponsor. Above plus up to four Registrations.

Note 1: Please contact ASA for Sponsor letter which outlines the many benefits of sponsoring the CBMTS.

Note 2: To be fair to our Major Sponsors, Sponsors, and Co-sponsors, these three categories will be the only participants permitted to import, display and discuss their products at CBMTS VI.

Return to the ASA CBMTS webpage