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History of the International Society for Molecular Plant-Microbe InteractionsThe International Society for Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions developed as a result of the success of the biennial symposium series. These began in Bielefeld in 1982 when Alf Puhler organized a meeting to bring together scientists interested in applying molecular genetics to problems of interactions of microbes with plants. Our area of science grew rapidly, shown by the increase in numbers of participants at successive symposia, and informal discussions were held about the founding of a society to promote the advancement of the science. An Interim Board was established following a ballot of the participants at the 1988 Acapulco symposium. The Board took on the task of establishing the Society. Much of the work of negotiating and drafting the Bylaws was undertaken by Desh Pal Verma, the founding President of the Society. The Board approved the Bylaws at its meeting in Interlaken in 1990, and the Society was formally inaugurated on 7th September 1990. The administration of the Society is carried out by the Business Executive, Steven C. Nelson, who is also Executive Vice-President of the American Phytopathological Society (APS). As is usually the case when a new Society is established, most of the work in drafting Bylaws and establishing operating procedures fell upon the shoulders of a few individuals. The Board recognizes that it may not have got everything right, and it urges any members who perceive defects in the structure of the Society to express their views by writing to the President. The Bylaws provide for a procedure to change the rules. Copies of the Bylaws have been distributed at Symposia and are available by clicking here. The Board is anxious to develop further activities and services to members, and would welcome suggestions for new ventures. Up to now we have been constrained by lack of funds. However, an agreement has been reached with APS which will give the Society a modest supplement to subscription income in the form of royalty payments based on subscriptions to the journal Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions. This arrangement recognizes the crucial role that Society members have played in establishing the journal, as editors, referees and contributors.
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