English Summary
THE ICELANDIC BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY
The Icelandic Biological Society was founded in Reykjavik in 1979. It's purpose, as stated in the
Society's charter, is to "promote biology, facilitate contact and discussion among members, as well as
among members and foreign individuals with similar interests".
Although it could be said that the Internet and e-mail have since taken over the latter, the Society is
nevertheless alive and well. Present membership is around 400, members being mostly biologists,
graduate and undergraduate. Membership, however, is open to anyone interested in biology and related
disciplines.
Lectures and slide shows form the basis of the Society's activities, and are held regularly during the winter months. Biologists, however, are well known for their partying proclivities, and accordingly the Society sponsors an annual autumn celebration. This, of course, is the (bio)social event of the year, since it gives Icelandic biologists the opportunity to meet and enjoy themselves among others of their species (i.e. the party animal,Animal convivialis).
As might be expected, attendance is high.
Additionally, the Society organises regular conferences on topical biological issues. Seventeen conferences have been held since the Society was founded, most recently in 1998 ("Genetically Modified Organisms"). To celebrate the Society's 20th anniversary this year (1999), the Society's largest conference yet: "Biological Research in Iceland", will be held in November.
The Society also offers its members occasional short practical courses, most recently a short photography course.
The Society publishes a regular newsletter (in Icelandic), in which upcoming lectures, courses and other events are announced. The newsletter also contains news about new Icelandic biology publications, special offers to members, and of course, the ever popular editorials ...
If, after all this, you are interested in joining the Icelandic Biological Society, please send us e-mail with your name, address and e-mail address. Membership fees are currently ISK 900 (USD 14) per year. If, on the other hand, this sounds like your worst nightmare, this probably is not the Society for you ...
Naturally, the Society is an enthusiastic supporter of active democracy,
the free flow of information, freedom of speech online, etc., etc., so if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send us mail: biologia@centrum.is
If, for any reason, you are unable to send e-mail, you may write to:
The Icelandic Biological Society
P.O. Box 5019
IS-125 Reykjavik
ICELAND