The 16 year anniversary of the Chemical and Biological Medical Treatment Symposia (CBMTS)

The CBMTS VIII

SPIEZ LABORATORY Switzerland
Spiez , Switzerland
02 May - 07 May 2010

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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 16 years of meetings, the direction, goals, model and objectives for the CBMTS, although now much broader and more comprehensive, have remained the same. In CBR and anti-terrorism matters, this series remains 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, West, North and South.

Spiez, Switzerland.

The CBMTS VIII

          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 16 year anniversary meeting of the CBMTS. In the CBMTS tradition, all CBMTS VIII members and their accompanied guests are invited to be present for the registration and welcome party on Sunday afternoon/evening 02 May.

• Dr. Cadisch will open the CBMTS VIII proceedings at 0900 on Monday 03 May.
  

          CBMTS VIII will explore the scientific, medical and policy aspects of chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) warfare and terrorism. It 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 of government. CBMTS VIII will further build on the base of knowledge established in the CBMTS Industry series, i.e., an area still not fully 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 increasingly recognized area of agroterrorism.

Proposed Papers and Abstract Titles and Authors

A. Objective: (top)

          Bring together the CBMTS professionals most concerned with the scientific and technical aspects of problems associated with the CBRN threat. This includes actions associated with CBR agent, agrichemical, agrochemical and industrial poisonings and terrorism as they relate to WMD. These problems include medical treatment (prophylaxis, pre-treatment and therapy), medical countermeasures, emergency management required for accidents and incidents, and operational issues across the response spectrum. Contributions of papers and posters from each research and operational area are solicited. The CBMTS VIII will continue its original efforts of many years on the topic of chemical and biological terrorism and anti-terrorism matters. We will consider dual use items, emerging threats, and non-proliferation matters, which were also looked at within the CBMTS-Industry VI Symposium held in Cavtat in April 2009.

B. Symposium Model: (top)

          To ensure the free flow of ideas, the CBMTS VIII 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 within the CBMTS VIII theme. 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 interest to all professionals attending the CBMTS VIII.

• Important Note: CBMTS VIII 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 VIII Symposium venue has a physical limit of 130 participants.

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

          The below listed major topic and 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.

1. CB agents characterization/mode of action
   
2. Radiological agents characterization and defense(includes medical & legal)
   
3. CBR analysis, identification and threat assessment
   
4. CBR threat prevention, considerations, industrial accidents, modeling
   
5. CBR protection and decontamination
   
6. Mass Casualty Management: from war to terrorist event to accident or incident to
   epidemic and pandemic
   
7. CBR Medical Treatment short to long term, follow-up
   
8. CBR Terrorism issues
   
9. CBR Training from hospital staff to first responders to civil defense to civil and
   military support
   
10. Medical issues manufacturing, supplies and stockpiles
    
11. Pharmaceuticals, vaccines and biologicals
    
12. CBR Non-proliferation, counter-proliferation matters
    Note to the above: The following are expanded and/or additional topic areas
    emerging for Sectors/Sessions at the CBMTS VIII:
    
13. 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 both CBMTS VII and CBMTS Industry VI.
    
14. 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.
    
15. 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/H1N1? How best do we approach the
    EID from an emerging/developing country perspective? How best do we handle
    pandemic situations?
    
16. 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.
    
17. 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.
    
18. Agroterrorism. Introduced at CBMTS-Industry IV in 2005, this area has
    international attention. Food safety and food chain protection should be included.
    
19. 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)

1. Pre-registration. As soon as possible. This is the initial and non-binding notification of intent to Register.
   
2. Early registration - prior to 20 March 2010. Note: An Abstract will have been presented and accepted by the Science Review Committee prior to Registration acceptance.
   
3. 04 February - final Abstracts due in. Will be reviewed by meeting of Planning and Science Review Committees during week of 08 February 2010.
   
4. After 19 March - registration with increased fees
   
5. 16 April. Final papers are due not later than 16 April.
   
6. 02 May. CBMTS VIII

G. Important Numbers: (top)

• The CBMTS web address: http://www.asanltr.com and then go to CBMTS.
  
• For the CBMTS VIII team:
  
  • ASA. CBMTS and International: Richard Price at tel: 1-808-235-8010 cell or 1-808-203-9750 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 VIII 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 VIII 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.

          The size of the poster is 1.00 x 1.40 m maximum

Full information on the Abstract and Paper formats is located on the CBMTS web site: http://www.asanltr.com and then go to CBMTS.

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

          For all prospective participants who would like update information on this CBMTS VIII 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 VIII 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 VIII. 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 Government of Switzerland and the SPIEZ LABORATORY are the host and a major sponsor of the CBMTS VIII. The spiez laboratory cbmts team is providing in-depth operational, planning, and administrative support crucial to the success of CBMTS VIII.

Major sponsors to date include:

• the Government of Switzerland/SPIEZ LABORATORY
• the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
• Bracco Diagnostics/RSDecon (Italy/US)
• Mettler Toledo (US)
• Meridian Medical Technologies (US)
• and ICx (tentative)

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

Registration Fees: through 19 March from 20 March

The Registration Fee will include: all lunches at the Laboratory Dining Room from Monday 03 May through Friday 07 May 2009 and will also include:

• Dinners and special events as listed below:
  • Welcome Party on Sunday evening
    
  • Symposium Dinner on Tuesday evening. Always a very, very special event
    
  • Excursion and Farewell Dinner on Thursday evening
    and the
    
  • Program, Proceedings, Symposium bag, local transportation for scheduled events
    and other items
• Dinners on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to be determined/supplied

Accompanying Persons Fees: To be supplied

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

P. Accommodations: (top)

          CBMTS VIII participants will be accommodated in the very beautiful village of Spiez and the stunning small city of Thun. Both are on Lake Thun. And both have 1,000+ year old castles and churches. There will be a CBMTS bus service to/from SPIEZ LABORATORY and the hotels in Spiez and Thun. SPIEZ LABORATORY will start sending Hotel Confirmation forms in September.

Notes:

1. All rates listed below are per room per night and include breakfast and all taxes.
   Rates are special CBMTS rates. The CBMTS VIII SPIEZ LABORATORY team will
   arrange for each reservation via your Registration Form.
   
2. We shall be sending a separate hotel booking form with details of the cancellation
   policy and hotel payment.
   
3. Tentative hotel requests will be accepted by the ASA/CBMTS SPIEZ LAB team
   with your Pre-registration. Hotel Confirmation will be provided and confirmed by
   completion of the hotel booking form when these forms are distributed via e-mail to
   all starting in September 2009. The Hotel Booking form will explain the Hotel Deposit.

CBMTS VIII Hotels in Spiez and Thun:

1. Spiez:

1. Hotel Belvedere (4-star) (http://www.belvedere-spiez .ch).
   Single room - CHF 140., Double room for single use - CHF 195.
   Double room for 2 persons - CHF 280.
2. Hotel Bellevue (3-star) (http://www.bellevue-spiez.ch).
   Single room - CHF 85., Double room for single use CHF 135.
   Double room for 2 persons CHF 150.
3. Hotel Seegarten (3-star) (http://www.seegarten-marina.ch).
   Single room - CH 90., Double room for single occupancy - CH 110.
   Double room for 2 persons - CH 150.

2. Thun:

1. Hotel Freienhof (4-star) (http://www.freienhof.ch).
   Single room - CH 130., Double room for single occupancy - CH 160.
   Double room for 2 persons - CH 200.
2. Hotel Holiday (3-star) (http://www.holidaythun.ch).
   Single room - CH 70.
   Double room for 2 persons - CH 100.

Q. Refund Policy: (top)

1. Hotels: See above information
   
2. Registration Fees and Refunds
   (a) Through 26 March 2010 = 90 % refund
   (b) From 27 March until 24 April 2010 = 75 % refund
   (c) From 25 April 2010 = no refund

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

• Payments are accepted by credit cards Visa, Master Card, EuroCard, 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 VIII Switzerland: (To be supplied upon request)

S. Registration Forms: (top)

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

T. Fellowships: (top)

           Assistance for individuals to attend CBMTS VIII. 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 VIII 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. 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 VIII 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 VIII 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, ASA, 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:

• 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.
  
• Sponsor. The above, plus full page in Program, Proceedings, ASA Newsletter, plus up to three industry registrations.
  
• 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 VIII.

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