Here is a Statement from the President of FAOBMB, Professor Akira Kikuchi, announcing the cancellation of the 28th FAOBMB Conference that was to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, during June 2020.
The Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB) Executive Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel the 28th FAOBMB Conference, which was scheduled to take place from 11 – 13 June 2020 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The FAOBMB Executive Committee did not reach this decision easily or without careful research and serious consideration. With the uncertainty of the weeks and months ahead, we believe it is most prudent to cancel this meeting. This decision was made after a thorough review and discussion of all factors impacting the conference, including advisories from the World Health Organization (WHO) and State and Federal governments of our members, and, coupled with the extensive travel restrictions our members and colleagues must observe.
The FAOBMB Executive Committee also discussed the possibility of postponing the 28th FAOBMB Conference to early 2021. However, as the 16th FAOBMB Congress will be held in November 2021 in New Zealand, the Committee noted the logistical issues in arranging two FAOBMB meetings in the same year. It is clear that all of these elements significantly affect the ability of delegates, speakers, presenters of proffered papers, and exhibitors to participate fully in this important annual event of the FAOBMB. The health, safety, and security of all conference attendees are the FAOBMB’s highest priorities. FAOBMB Award winners for 2020 and 2021 will now be invited to speak at the Congress. The 16th FAOBMB Congress will be an exciting meeting.
The FAOBMB Executive Committee extends its heartfelt appreciation to the College of Biochemists Sri Lanka and members of the Conference Organising Committee for their judicious efforts and extensive preparations for the conference. The Committee also acknowledges the contributions and support from the Government of Sri Lanka and the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka.
Please refer to the conference website (faobmb2020.com) for detailed instructions regarding hotel reservation cancellations, registration refunds and meeting logistics which will be made available as soon as possible.
The FAOBMB’s heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone impacted by this global health crisis.
Professor Akira Kikuchi
President of FAOBMB
1 April 2020