On the Brazilian Fish Cytogenetics and Genetics Symposium

Cytogenetics of Neotropical fish, which began in the 1970's, currently gathers one of the largest groups of Brazilian cytogeneticists focused on a same field of interest, with research laboratories distributed among the different states of Brazil, from Amazonas to Rio Grande do Sul, some already very consolidated alongside others more recent and in the consolidation phase. This group is reinforced by fellow researchers of other South American countries, especially Argentina.

For historical reasons, most of the species currently studied are from freshwater environments. However, the interest in marine species has also increased, with a growing number of new information on the cytogenetics of this fish group. Undoubtedly, the progressive improvement/refinement of various research methodologies was a preponderant factor for the advance of fish cytogenetics, passing through traditional study techniques, chromosome bandings, analyses of synaptonemal complexes and use of molecular cytogenetics with special attention to the fluorescent in situ hybridization.

In 1986, an activity of fundamental importance for the development of this area was originated: the Symposiums on Evolutionary and Applied Cytogenetics of Neotropical Fish. The first reunion, which took place in the Federal University of São Carlos, SP, gathered many Brazilian researchers, graduates and undergraduates interested in these fields of studies, offering a greater integration between the different research groups and related areas, such as systematics and taxonomy. The obtained success justified the continuity of these gatherings every two years in different cities and regions of Brazil, occurring, progressively, in the State University of Maringá, PR (1988); the Paulista State University - Botucatu campus, SP (1990); the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ (1992); the Paulista State University - Botucatu campus, SP (1994); the Federal University of São Carlos, SP (1996); the State University of Londrina, PR (1998); the National Research Institute of Amazonas, AM (2000); the State University of Maringá, PR (2002) and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, RN (2004). During this series of symposiums, an ever-growing number of participants was observed, including researchers from other South American, European and North American countries. At the same time, the interest expanded from fish cytogenetics to fish genetics, notably molecular genetics, conservations genetics and biotechnology. This is why the new denomination "Fish Cytogenetics and Genetics Symposium" was adopted ever since the 8th reunion held in 2000 in the National Research Institute of Amazonas, persisting in the posterior symposiums.

In the present year of 2006, the "XI Fish Cytogenetics and Genetics Symposium" will take place in the Federal University of São Carlos in commemoration of the 20 years of its implantation, concomitantly with the "I International Congress of Fish Genetics". We hope that these meetings may further integrate the national and international scientific communities, propitiating new opportunities for the development of the study areas.

On the I International Fish Genetics Congress

For many years, a good part of the international research community of the fish cytogenetics and genetics areas have had a few opportunities of encounters in different genetics, ichthyology and aquaculture congresses, among others, in different continents. Many researchers have already visited other laboratories in unique interchange opportunities. Many rich contributions have derived from all these meetings.

The accomplishment of the I International Fish Genetics Congress is an important step in this process of scientific relations. Therefore, the construction of a specific forum is intended for the discussion of current themes, methodological enhancement, knowledge universalization and experience exchanges. We hope to shed a light upon all that is more recent, more interesting and more prospective in the study area, and hope to build a rich reunion.

The Brazilian scientific community is proud to participate actively in these objectives and invites all colleagues interested in fish genetics to come to São Carlos between October 10th and 13th, 2006, and seize this great opportunity.

Located in the central region of São Paulo State, São Carlos has gained projection in the national and international scenery as a technologically leading city. With two large public universities and two private university centres, São Carlos is a city of young talents and of good and consolidated research. The Federal University of São Carlos will host our meeting within its wonderful campus, home of an excellent infrastructure and a rustic landscape that charms every visitor.