The 14 year anniversary of the Chemical and Biological Medical Treatment Symposia (CBMTS)

SPIEZ LABORATORY Switzerland
Spiez , Switzerland
13 April - 18 April 2008

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(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. ...”

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Introduction and Background

          In almost 14 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 VII, the seventh international plenary of the CBMTS which will take place at the SPIEZ LABORATORY from 13 April through 18 April 2008.

The CBMTS VII

          Spiez, Switzerland 13-18 April 2008. 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 14 year anniversary meeting of the CBMTS. In the CBMTS tradition, all CBMTS VII members and their accompanied guests are invited to be present for the registration and welcome party on Sunday afternoon/evening 13 April.

          Dr. Cadisch will open the CBMTS VII proceedings at 0900 on Monday 14 April.

          The CBMTS VII will explore the scientific, medical and policy aspects of chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) warfare and terrorism, including accidents and incidents across the CBR spectrum whether by man or nature. This meeting will consider the effects of CBR agents wrongly used or abused, intentional or accidental, on the community and individuals, military and civilian, and on the infrastructure at each echelon of government. CBMTS VII 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 also explore the little understood but increasingly recognized and 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 CBRN threat to include all actions associated with CBR agent, agrichemical, agrochemical and industrial poisonings and terrorism aspects as they relate to WMD. 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 VII 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 were also looked at within the CBMTS-Industry V Symposium being held in Cavtat in April 2007.

B. Symposium Model: (top)

          To ensure the free flow of ideas, the CBMTS VII 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 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 fits with the theme of the CBMTS VII. Please consider the theoretical as well as 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 VII.
          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 VII will be held under the  CBMTS rules that state all participants, except sponsors, will present a Science Review Committee approved paper either from the podium or poster. Sponsors may present Science Committee reviewed papers if desired. The CBMTS VII Symposium venue does have a physical limit of 130 participants.

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

1. CB Agents characterization/mode of action
2. Radiological  (includes medical & legal)
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
9. Training from hospital staff to first responders to civil defense to civil and military support
10.  Medical issues stockpiles, countermeasures
11.  Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines
12.  Non-proliferation  and counter-proliferation matters

Note to the above: The following are expanded/additional  areas emerging for Sectors/Sessions at the CBMTS VII:

1. Radiological/Nuclear Preparedness: Medical Countermeasures and Biodosimetry for Radiological/Nuclear incidents, accidents, terrorists and other attacks and resulting medical treatment requirements.  We were very pleased with the greatly increased interest and the several outstanding presentations in this area at CBMTS Industry V.
   
2. Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Response, Crisis and  Mass Casualty Management, Medical.  Preparedness is key. We look forward to our continued lead in procedures and technology brought to us  by our CBMTS members.
   
3. Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID). Of the most intense interest worldwide. The CBMTS has considered this area since 1994. What are the preparations for possible emerging infectious diseases such as H5N1? How best do we approach the EID from an emerging/developing country perspective?
   
4. Dual Use, Biosafety and Biosecurity, Commercial.  Scientific and Technical Realities. Consider technology transfer and its implications to security; how best to balance non- proliferation and commerce and science and technology development; the growing number of high biosecurity level (BL3 and BL4) facilities around the world and security implications and problems with broader control. Dual Use could be good or bad. NASA is looking to use Dual Use to transfer technology developed for space into technology to be used on the ground.
   
5. Counter-proliferation. As always the CBMTS takes a more realistic approach and considers not only the military efforts to combat WMD proliferation but we include the country, area, regional efforts across the full arena of CBRN to include border control and security, as well as export control and licensing, and the legal framework required to effectively enforce counter-proliferation efforts.
   
6. Agro-terrorism.  Introduced at CBMTS-Industry IV in 2005, this area has international attention. Food safety and food chain protection will be included.
   
7. Pharmacological Aspects to include equipment.

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

F. Important Dates: (top)

• Pre-registration. As soon as possible. This is a notification of intent to Register.
  
• Early registration - prior to 04 February. Note: An Abstract will be presented and accepted by the Science Review Committee prior to Registration acceptance.
  
• 18 January - final Abstracts due in. Will be reviewed by meeting of Planning and Science Review Committees during week of 28 January 2008.
  
• After 03 February - registration with increased fees
  
• 16 March. Final papers are due not later than 16 March.
  
• 13 April. CBMTS VII

G. Important Numbers: (top)

• The CBMTS web address: http://www.asanltr.com and then go to CBMTS.
  
• For the CBMTS VII team:
  
  • ASA. CBMTS and International: Richard Price at tel: 1-808-235-8010 and fax: 1-808-432-9670 and e-mail: cbmts@asanltr.com and
    
  • SPIEZ LABORATORY and Switzerland. Ms 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. A must, include CBMTS VII in the subject line.

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 is on the CBMTS VII registration form at http://www.asanltr.com and then go to CBMTS.

I. Abstract Submission: (top)

          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/organization, address, telephone and e-mail (Initial cap, bold, left justified, 12 point Times); other authors/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 from 40 - 75 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 is located on the CBMTS VII web site: http://www.asanltr.com and then go to CBMTS.

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

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

O. Symposium fees/living costs for CBMTS VII: (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:

Individual Members           through 03 Feb    after 03 Feb
Government/Academia          CHF 1040         CHF 1240
Industry                                   CHF 1300         CHF 1500

The Registration Fee will include:

• all lunches at the Laboratory Dining Room from Monday 14 April through Friday 18 April 2007
  dinners and special events as below:
  
  • Welcome Party on Sunday evening
    
  • Symposium Dinner on Tuesday evening           
    
  • Excursion and Farewell Dinner on Thursday evening
    
  • Other dinners: Buffet dinner at Metropole Hotel on Monday and Wednesday evenings
    
• Program, Proceedings, Symposium bag, local transportation for scheduled events and other items
  

Accompanying Persons Fees:  To be supplied

P. Accommodations: (top)

                    CBMTS VII participants will be accommodated in Interlaken, the world-famous, scenic village situated between two magnificent lakes (approximately 15 km from Spiez). There will be a CBMTS shuttle bus between Spiez and Interlaken.

CBMTS VII Hotels in Interlaken:

Note:
(a) All rates listed below are per room per night and include breakfast and all taxes.
(b) And New for 2008 and the CBMTS VII:
We shall be sending a separate hotel booking form with details of the cancellation policy and hotel payment.

For the CBMTS VII we are delighted to be able to offer you hotel rooms in Interlaken for the same rates as in 2006.
(a) Hotel City (3-star) (http://www.city-hotel.ch)
Double for single use  CHF 130.00
Double for 2 Persons  CHF 170.00
           
(b) Hotel Chalet Oberland (3-star) (http://www.chalet-oberland.ch)
Double for single use  CHF 120.00
Double for 2 Persons  CHF 160.00
           
(c) Hotel Metropole (4-star) (http://www.metropole-interlaken.ch)
Single or Double for single use  CHF 140.00
               Double for 2 Persons  CHF 240.00

•• The special CBMTS VII Tour and Farewell Dinner

On Thursday afternoon we have another wonderful tour arranged for the CBMTS family! Our route will take us along the beautiful Lake of Thun and the deep blue Lake of Brienz, driving over the scenic Brünig Pass into the birthplace of Switzerland and the canton of Lucerne. Here we will stop at the world famous 190 year old Hergiswil Glass Factory, where we will have a tour and watch the glass artisans at work. The Hergiswil Glass Museum was given an award by the Council of Europe as one of the most beautiful museums in Europe.
     Afterwards we will have the Farewell dinner and then return by bus to Interlaken.

Note 1. We will leave the Laboratory immediately after lunch on Thursday and stop in Interlaken for a few moments to bring on board the buses the accompanied persons who would care to join us for this really nice CBMTS VII tour.

Q. Refund Policy: (top)

1. Hotels: See above information
   
2. Registration Fees and Refunds
   (a) Through 25 February 2008 = 90% refund
   (b) From 26 March until 20 March 2008 = 75% refund
   (c) From 20 March until 03 April 2008 = 50% refund
   (d) After 03 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 VII Switzerland: (To be supplied upon request)

S. Registration Forms: (top)

          The Pre-Registration/Registration Form can be found at the CBMTS web site via http://www.asanltr.com 

T. Fellowships: (top)

           Assistance for individuals to attend CBMTS VII. 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 VII 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 available: Registration Fee, Accommodations, Return fare to Zurich or Geneva and train to Spiez/Interlacken.
           Recognizing that available funds for Fellowships will be limited, the CBMTS Organizing Committee will more favorably consider specific requests for a minimal amount from individuals wishing to attend.

U. Information on Sponsors/Sponsorship: (top)

           Crucial to the success of the CBMTS VII 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 VII 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 VII.

SPONSORS to date:

The Government of Switzerland and the SPIEZ LABORATORY, the OPCW, Battelle Memorial Institute, US AID, MacB, E-Z-EM, Drager Safety Schweiz AG, Dey LP (Dey Pharmaceuticals)

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