Message - 7th IAL Symposium

Opening Address
The 7 th International Association for Lichenology Symposium 2012
Chairman, The Executive Board of the National Research Council of Thailand
Dear Professor Crittenden– The President of IAL, Dr. Lumbsch- The Vice president of IAL,
Assistant Professor Wutisak Lapcharoensap- The President of Ramkhamhaeng University, Distinguish
IAL participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you on behalf of The National Research
Council of Thailand (NRCT), and on behalf of my own. I am delighted, this symposium is convened
in Thailand, and for the first time in Asia. This symposium will be another great event which inspires
and encourages scientists from different parts of the world to carry on lichen research for the benefit
of the globe. The NRCT functions involve promoting and supporting cooperation among international
researchers and research institutes by providing research grants to government and private sectors,
coordinating with national and international organizations on research projects, as well as being a center
of exchanging the research information and researchers in Thailand.
Being the part of this symposium as the main supporter of lichen research in Thailand, I am
grateful to know that over three hundred abstracts from over 50 countries will be presented. I have no
doubt that this symposium will be a great forum to create collaboration, exchange experiences as well
as establish a lichen research network among international researchers in the near future.
Finally, I wish all symposium objectives will be accomplished and wish the participants a very
fruitful and productive symposium.
Professor Dr. Thira Sutabutra
Chairman, NRCT Executive Board
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