Welcome to the inaugural meeting of the Marmoset Research Group of the Americas (MaRGA). MaRGA is modeled after the European Marmoset Research Group and like the EMRG, we intend to provide a forum for bringing together people from a wide variety of disciplines and types of institutions to improve the understanding of marmoset biology, and in turn, the quality of research conducted using marmosets. The integration and coordination of efforts by those in both North and South America is necessary to support the expanding use of these primates in research. We are particularly pleased about the diverse make-up of the registrants for this meeting and have high hopes that this diversity will foster true interdisciplinary exchange. In addition, we are delighted to be able to host two colleagues from Brazil, Drs. Sousa and Yamamoto. MaRGA gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Harlan, Inc. in sponsoring Drs. Sousa, Yamamoto and Genain.
In addition, the Steering Committee wishes to thank:
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center at the University of Wisconsin for providing all
local arrangements.
- Southwest National Primate Research Center for providing the program/abstract book and
travel support for Dr. M. Power.
- New England National Primate Research Center for providing travel support for Dr. Austad.
- University of Nebraska at Omaha, for providing travel support for Dr. Ferris.
We hope you will find the meeting informative and stimulating. Your input will play a critical role in how this young organization develops and matures. We do want MaRGA to be your organization. We have, therefore, left large blocks of time in the meeting for discussion and urge you to participate with your knowledge, questions and concerns.
Thanks to everyone for your interest in MaRGA and have a great meeting.
Suzette D. Tardif for the MaRGA Steering Committee*
*Steering Committee Members:
- David Abbott, Ph.D.
- Jeffrey French, Ph.D.
- Donna Layne, B.S.
- Elisabeth Ludlage, D.V.M.
- Keith Mansfield, D.V.M.
- Rachel Power, Ph.D.
- Nancy Schultz-Darken, Ph.D.
- Suzette Tardif, Ph.D.
- Jeffrey French, Ph.D.