• Genome Sequencing and Mapping
• Comparative Genomics, Evolution and Phylogeny
• Post-genomic and Functional Genomic Tools and Applications
• Development and Differentiation
• Endocrinology, Physiology and Biochemistry
• Receptors and Ligands
• Immunity
• Neurobiology
• Transgenesis and Paratransgenesis
• Viruses, Other Pathogens and Pest Control
• Chemical Ecology

Although by necessity we are keeping the titles of the sessions short, we are inviting your abstracts for presentations for a range of topics to be grouped under these session headings. Examples of such topics include the following:

• Genomics and Genetics
  • Genome and chromosome structure and evolution
  • Population genetics and systematics
  • Genomics-based tools for trait identification and population diagnostics
  • Positional cloning
  • Molecular mimicry and adaptation
  • Mono-, oligo- and polyphagy of herbivores
  • Insecticides, resistance and detoxification
  • Species adaptation, invasiveness and control
• Development and Physiology
  • Cell differentiation
  • Endocrinology and hormonal control of development and metamorphosis
  • Wing patterning
  • Sex determination
  • Reproduction
  • Immunity
  • Neurobiology and behaviour
• Functional genomics and post-genomic tools and applications
  • Tissue and cell-specific transcriptomics and proteomics
  • Basic regulatory mechanisms
  • Epigenetic control of gene expression
  • RNA-guided genome editing
  • RNA-mediated control of gene expression
  • RNA delivery tools (nanoparticles, RNPs, aerosols)
  • Recombinant protein expression and post-translational processing systems and applications
• New molecular tools (optogenetics, high throughput (nanopore) sequencing and DNA methylation, fluorescence tags for imaging and macromolecular interactions, genetic and optogenetic cell ablation)
• Parasite and microbiotic control of insect physiology (Wolbachia, Polydna viruses, gut flora)
• Pathology and pest control (pathogens, parasites and viruses)
• Genetic manipulation for plant eaters – understanding fundamental mechanisms
• Chemical ecology (olfaction, gustation, host plant recognition, other forms of chemical communication, interference with chemosensation)

We also wish to organize a number of special afternoon sessions (to last from 1-2 hours each) with dedicated abstracts on the following topics:

• Progress on RNA-mediated control of gene expression (coordinator TBA)
• Genetic manipulation tools: progress, applications, problems and prospects (TALEN, CRISPR, off-target effects, improvements, somatic mutagenesis, etc.) (coordinator TBA)
• Environmental perspectives for genome editing and gene drive for pest control (coordinator TBA)
• Basic and applied research on genetically modified insects (Bombyx mori and other species) (coordinated by Toru Shimada)
• Networking and funding initiatives for emerging agricultural and forest pests and systems for pest control (coordinated by Emmanuelle d’Alençon, Astrid Groot and Michel Cousson)

The meeting has an informal format. There are no invited speakers or plenary sessions. All attendees are encouraged to give a talk or present a poster. With the exception of session opening presentations, for which 30 min (25 min with 5min of discussion) will be allowed, talks will be limited to 15 minutes including 5 minutes allocated for discussion (see program page as well). There will be two poster sessions (Monday and Tuesday) with 2 min oral previews in advance (2 slides maximum). Abstracts will be organized in a booklet (see title and abstract submission page for details) and will be distributed on site.

Due to limited facilities, attendance is limited 150 participants. On-site registration is not possible and only online registration will be accepted. Please fill in and submit the registration form. Attendees who will give talks or present posters must also fill in the title and abstract submission form. Confirmation of acceptance will be sent upon receipt of registration payment and all forms related to abstract submission. 

The deadline for the discounted Early Registration is March 30, 2018 with later registrations accepted until June 18, 2018 as space permits.

In the case of over-subscription of the meeting, participants with accompanying guests may be housed in the village, about 1-2 km from the Academy. For this reason it is important for participants with accompanying guests to register as early as possible because August is the high tourist season in Crete and securing reservations in the village may be problematic if registration is left to the last minute.

All quoted prices are in € (Euro). The basic registration fee entitles each participant to a copy of the book of abstracts, opening and closing receptions, 6 nights of accommodation in a single room or a room shared with another participant or accompanying person, all meals (traditional Cretan cuisine), coffee and refreshments during the breaks, and a group excursion to a destination to be announced. All accommodation rooms have their own bathroom.  WiFi access is also available for free around the venue. There is also a computer room with networked computers available for free use.

Most of the participants will be housed at the conference centre of the OAC and only a limited number will be accommodated in hotels in walking distance from the OAC. The majority of participants at the OAC will be housed in double/shared rooms. During the registration process, participants will have the option to specify someone as their roommate and, wherever possible, these requests will be honoured. Meeting organizers, members of the international program committee and those with special needs will have priority to single room accommodations. For extra days of accommodation before or after the meeting, participants should contact Kostas Iatrou <iatrou@bio.demokritos.gr>.

Participants choosing to arrange accommodation outside the Academy on their own will pay a reduced fee that entitles them to everything except accommodation.

Bank Wire transfer

The registration fee should be paid by bank wire transfer using the following bank information:

As reference please use CRETE and add your full name: “CRETE   Firstname Lastname”.

To receive confirmation of payment, please send a copy of your receipt electronically to Dr. Kostas Iatrou <iatrou@bio.demokritos.gr>.

Please note: All payments have to be done in Euro and all charges for bank’s services and transactions have to be paid by the participant of the workshop.

Participants will arrive and finalize registration on Sunday, August 19, 2018; sessions begin Monday morning.

Crete is served by two international airports, the “Nicos Kazantzakis” airport of Heraklion and the “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” airport of Chania. The latter is by far the most convenient airport as the “Orthodox Academy of Crete” is only 47 km (29 mi) away and it is well served during the summer.

Because most attendees will arrive at the airport in Chania on Sunday August 19, buses will meet selected flights. Details will be provided as we come closer to the time of the conference. Participants arriving at other times should take a taxi to the Academy. For the return flights from the Chania airport on Saturday August 25, pooled taxi rides to be paid by the participants will be organized by the OAC staff.

Participants arriving at the Chania airport may also take a bus into the city of Chania and then take a bus or a taxi to Kolympari. They may also take a taxi from the airport straight to Kolympari. The cost will be about 50-60 Euro. Renting a car from the Chania airport is also an option – the drive to Kolympari is about 45 min to 1 hour.

Participants arriving at the Heraklion airport may take a bus to Chania and then a bus or taxi from there to Kolympari. Taking a taxi from Heraklion to Kolympari is not recommended as it is a 2.5 hour drive and thus very expensive. Participants arriving at the Heraklion airport may also rent a car at Heraklion airport and drive to Kolympari.

Meeting room
The meeting room is a tiered amphitheater, equipped with video projector, overhead projector, slide projectors, a large screen and microphones.

Computer projection
The Academy’s projection equipment supports Power Point Presentations. Participants can bring their presentations in a number of media types (flash drives or other media types) or they may use their own computers. 

Poster boards
The Academy has available (pin-type) poster boards that come in two sizes, with regard to usable surface area

1. 145 cm X 145 cm
2. 145 cm (height) X 95 cm (width)

Colleagues who present posters are requested to post their presentations on the poster boards in the late evening preceding the scheduled day for their presentation. The posters may stay on the boards throughout the workshop.

Coffee breaks
Coffee breaks will be held near the meeting room.

Phone calls
Facilities are available for international phone calls. All phone calls should be settled with the conference center before departure. The Academy’s contact numbers are Tel: +30-28240-22245 or +30-28240-22500;
Fax: +30-28240-22060; and email: oac@otenet.gr. 

Photocopies and faxes
Photocopies may be made and telefaxes sent and paid for via the reception.

Internet access
There is a Wi-Fi internet connection through the Academy and computer facilities on the Ground Floor.

Banking facilities and currency exchange
Currency can be exchanged in the village of Kolympari. Cash dispensers are also available in the village.

At the conference center
There are possibilities for walks and the village of Kolympari is nearby. A beach is accessible just across the road from the center as well as at village.
The Orthodox Academy also has a library and a plant museum open to conferees in the daytime.

In the surrounding area
Built on the ancient city of Kydonia, the old city of Chania has preserved entire Venetian, Turkish and Jewish quarters. Places worth a visit are the Public Market, the church of Aghios Frankiskos (which houses the Archeological Museum), the renovated Fort Firkas and its lighthouse (built in the 16th century).

Excursion
An early afternoon boat trip or excursion to an area of interest on the island will be included in the workshop schedule and the cost is included in the registration fee. A small additional fee will be assessed on site for guests who would like to join the excursion.