NemaSym is an NSF Research Coordination Network created to achieve four primary goals:
- foster growth and advancement of the field of “nematode-bacterium symbioses”
- build a multidisciplinary forum that will facilitate communication, exchange of ideas, and the establishment of strong links for developing long-term collaborations within this research area.
- promote training of a new cadre of scientists with the skills necessary to fully exploit the advantages of studying nematode-bacterium symbioses.
- and, develop and promote the use of nematode-bacterium symbioses as a tool to educate the broader public and community about basic biological principles.
Nematodes and bacteria are ubiquitous, and abundant members of the biosphere, and engage in diverse associations with each other. The formation of a network is justified by the fact that as yet unrecognized common themes governing nematode-bacteria associations will emerge from increased communication between scientists from diverse disciplines. The willingness of leading researchers in this field to participate in a network promises to promote the rapid expansion of fundamental and applied knowledge of how nematodes and bacteria engage in symbiotic and biologically relevant associations.
Through NEMASYM we will build research and communication bridges between researchers who have historically been separated by categorization of the nematode-bacterium system they study. Furthermore, as a group, this RCN network will exchange knowledge and ideas with scientists in broader relevant fields of symbiosis, ecology, evolution, physiology, parasitology, bacteriology, and nematology, both contributing to and learning from these disciplines
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