Significant progress has recently been made in the physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genomics and proteomics of the insect midgut. This international global research effort has contributed to a better understanding of insecticide mechanisms of action, resistance, insect-plant interaction and vectors of human and plant diseases. We have, therefore, decided to organize an International Symposium on Insect Midgut Biology to provide a platform for the scientific community to bring together the various aspects of midgut-related research and discoveries. We believe this symposium will present a holistic view and will benefit the research community in exchange of ideas and insights of insect midgut biology.

The five-day meeting will include the following topics related to midgut biology: 1) In vitro systems and cell culture; 2) Structure, physiology and molecular biology; 3) Peritrophic membrane and insecticide targets；4) Interaction between insects and plants; 5) Interaction with insecticides; 6) Interactions with pathogens; 7) Functional genomics; 8) Proteomics.

The symposium is organized by SCNU and co-organized by the Special Academic Committeesof Insect Physiology and Biochemistry and Biological Control of The Entomological Society of China (ESC), Entomology Institute of Zhongshan University, the Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology and South China Agricultural University. The meeting is sponsored by《Insect Science》. It will be held at South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China, from April 7-11, 2008.