GEORGETOWN, PENANG, July 2016 - As scientists we can only create a better world by practicing our science and being united together in a common cause to solve global problems, said the newly elected President of Unitas Malacologica (UM), Dr. Terry Gosliner.

Speaking at the World Congress of Malacology (WCM) 2016 Farewell Dinner held at the St. Giles Wembley Hotel here recently, Gosliner said that he was very impressed and happy to be able to witness personally ‘unity in diversity’ in action among the malacologists and all those who shared the same passion and vision on molluscs (soft-bodied animals with shells) research during this congress.

“We look forward to building future bridges for Unitas Malacologica (UM) as we extend this invitation to all scientists and all those involved to overcome the barriers and challenges we are facing now and bound to face in the future.

“In fact we have scientists in every continent working on molluscs research, and this is a very good global representation to practice and apply our science for the benefit of mankind,” said Gosliner, who will lead UM for the next three years (2016-2019).

Gosliner, a marine biologist and senior curator at the California Academy of Sciences Invertebrate Zoology and Geology department, hoped that this good work will continue to grow as collaborations among scientists in the field of malacology flourish until everyone meets again in the next WCM in California in three years’ time.

The WCM 2016 Farewell Dinner also marked the end of a hugely successful congress co-organised by the School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Unitas Malacologica (UM), held from 18-24 July at Hotel Jen, here.

In the week long Congress, over 300 delegates representing 41 countries shared knowledge concerning molluscs through 191 oral presentations and 88 poster presentations, making it the largest ever gathering of international scientists working on molluscs under one roof.

The outgoing UM President (2013-2016), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aileen Tan Shau-Hwai, also gave a speech expressing her heartfelt gratitude to all those present especially the UM Council Members for their advice, support and trust in her leading the organisation.

“It is my sincere hope that UM will continue this good tradition and relation of providing a platform for malacologists from around the world to guide more young scientists to be involved and lead the research work in their respective countries.

“I am confident and believe that the new President will lead UM to new heights and therefore UM is in good hands,” said Aileen Tan before handing over the Presidency to Gosliner.

Aileen Tan was the first woman to be made president of this international society.

At the end of her speech, Aileen Tan received a standing ovation from the guests, among them were USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed and wife; Dean of USM School of Biological Sciences, Prof. Dr. Amirul Al-Ashraf Balakrishnan Bin Abdullah and wife; and WCM 2016 sponsors which included Toray Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd., Sky Resources Sdn. Bhd., Turut Mekar Sdn. Bhd., Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Penang Global Tourism and MMICARE Association.    

Texts: Tan Ewe Hoe