ANDREW ROEBUCK
News Writer

Traditionally the University of Saskatchewan Biology Club hosts Bioscan every three years in an effort to create a “hands-on public event for all ages that explores and brightens all aspects of biology.”

Although originally scheduled for early next year, Bioscan will be postponed until 2012. Instead the Biology Club will be focusing their efforts on hosting the Prairie University Biology Symposium.

The Sheaf caught up with Cody Manchester, Biology Club president and the organizational head of PUBS to discuss the reason for this decision.

The Sheaf: What was the reasoning behind hosting PUBS in lieu of Bioscan?
Cody Manchester: Well, Bioscan is traditionally aimed at showing off biology to the general public and those not already involved with the department. PUBS, however, gives current undergrad and graduate students a chance to see what a real biology conference is like. And we decided that attempting to host both in the same year would split the focus.

Sheaf: So what then does PUBS entail?
Manchester: PUBS is basically a three-day biology conference held at the U of S every six years or so. We bring in researchers from across Canada and the U.S. and they present their research and findings. It also gives students a chance to attend a conference and hear about new cutting edge research without the costs associated with traveling to other universities.

Sheaf: Is it beneficial for research-oriented students?
Manchester: Yes, there are a lot of students at the U of S who are doing masters programs or taking classes like 480 and 481 [the biology research courses] that may not have had the chance to ever attend an event like this before. It gives them a chance to see a bit about what the academic life is like and to network with people from other universities.

Sheaf: Is the conference’s focus strictly biology?
Manchester: No, not entirely. While PUBS is presented with the support of the bio department there will also be presenters from many associated colleges such as biochemistry and agriculture.

Sheaf: It sounds like it would be beneficial for anyone interested in academia.
Manchester: Yes definitely! It gives students the chance to meet people from other universities and gives them a real idea of what the research world is all about. The benefit of course being that they can see all this at their own institution. It will also give students who have begun research a chance to present their findings even though they may not yet have enough to publish them in a [scientific] journal.

Sheaf: Will many U of S students and faculty be presenting?
Manchester: In the coming weeks there will be a call for all those wanting a chance to show their stuff. They can simply contact the PUBS committee.

Sheaf: So when exactly is PUBS being held?
Manchester: The actual conference takes place Feb. 24 to 26, right at the end of the break. No one will have class and we have the whole bio building to host it in. But before that we will be looking for volunteers to help get everything set up.

Sheaf: Sounds likes it’s going to be a great event. Anything else to add?
Manchester: I just want to encourage students to get involved with PUBS, as it’s a really good opportunity for everyone on campus. It really gives them a chance to see what the research and conference world is like without having to travel across the country. Oh and don’t worry, Bioscan will be back next year!

Sheaf: How can students and faculty get involved?
Manchester: Anyone interested in presenting, helping out or just looking for information can contact me at cwm087@mail.usask.ca or drop by the bio lounge. It’s a huge event to put on so we will be looking for looking for lots of help with preparation and fund-raising and of course we will need people to help run the thing come conference time.

– –
image: renjith krishnan