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About

ISAC 2008

The International Society for Analytical Cytology (ISAC) is the leading professional organization for scientists developing and utilizing multidisciplinary, advanced technology for the measurement of cells and cell processes. ISAC defines analytical cytology (or cytometry) broadly as the characterization and measurement of cells and cellular constituents for biological, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and embraces the fields of cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, cell physiology, pathology, immunology, genetics, biotechnology, plant biology and microbiology. ISAC publishes Cytometry Part A, the journal of record for papers describing development and application of cytometric technologies, and Current Protocols in Cytometry, a comprehensive repository of detailed protocols for cell analysis.

ISAC Congresses grew out of an important series of conferences sponsored by the Engineering Foundation. The first of these was held at New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire, July 26-30, 1971 and was chaired by K. Preston, Jr. Over the years, the Congresses have shifted from an initial focus on image-based cytometry to an emphasis on the exciting developments in flow cytometry during the 80’s and 90’s, especially driven by HIV/AIDS research. Recent Congresses have increasingly emphasized image cytometry, especially driven by developments in automated microscopy and high content analysis.

The 2008 Congress will highlight the most important current hardware and software advances in all areas of cytometry, including measurements of properties of whole cells (whether in flow or on a substrate) and analysis of subcellular patterns (whether for adherent cells or cells in suspension). A major emphasis will be placed on the critical role cytometry is playing in the growing field of systems biology, which seeks a comprehensive understanding of the behavior of biological processes at all levels.

A highlight of the Congresses is the impressive set of exhibitions by both new and established companies. Attendees can learn first-hand about the most recent instruments and software. The atmosphere at the meeting is very conducive to discussions among participants and facilitates cross-fertilization between flow and imaging approaches to cell analysis. The Congress also presents a number of formal educational opportunities, including short courses, tutorials and workshops.