Released: June 25, 2001

Food Microbiologists to Convene in Manhattan July 6-13

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Food scientists from around the world will convene in Manhattan in July to learn the latest on food microbiology.

The 21st Annual International Workshop in Rapid Methods and Automation in Microbiology is scheduled for July 6-13 at Kansas State University. The workshop, which will bring approximately 70 participants from at least ten countries, offers seminars and hands-on experience in food microbiology. It is coordinated by Kansas State University food scientist Daniel Fung, who is world-renowned for his research and teachings of food microbiology.

"The workshop was started in 1980 as a university class and was opened up for international [participants] in 1981. In its 21 years, we have had participants from 55 countries and 46 states in the U.S. attend the workshop," Fung said. "The first two days of the workshop are talks and lectures. Then we go to the laboratory for hands-on work with the newest technologies to detect bacteria, yeasts, and many foodborne pathogens."

According to Fung, workshop attendees leave Manhattan with more than a bag full of handouts; they leave with knowledge of the latest microbiological technologies and techniques.

"They will know all the newest developments in detection technology of foodborne pathogens," Fung said. "We try to improve conventional methods, experiment on new technology and improve new detection methods, including some methods never shown before the workshop. Most methods used today in the field were first tested in this workshop."

The workshop not only tests participants, but also tests techniques.

"Testing is good for the new technologies. Many companies send their best scientists to this workshop, so the technology must be perfected before being brought to the workshop."

Attendees also leave Manhattan with long-standing friendships.

"The group of people who attend the workshop spend about 12 hours a day for eight days working together, so we become close friends. We also have what we call ‘Rapid Reunions’ for those who have attended the workshop. It’s like a big family. We try to make it a fun thing in addition to being educational."

And participants testify to the workshop’s benefit and familial atmosphere. As part of the 20th anniversary celebration last year, Fung compiled a directory of previous workshop participants, as well as some prose and prone from attendance. Vince Attrache, who traveled from Australia to attend the workshop in 1987, summarized his experience at the workshop in this way:

Aussie come, Aussie go

Conventional methods are so slow.

Rapid methods are much faster

Taught by Fung the great Master.

For more information on the workshop, interested persons may call 1-800-432-8222 in the United States, or 785-532-5575. The workshop’s web address is www.dce.ksu.edu/dce/cl/microbiology.

-30-

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Linda Sleichter, Communications Assistant
lsleicht@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News