Bolton heads phycology society

Algal biologist Professor John Bolton of the department of botany has been elected president of the International Phycological Society.

Phycology is the scientific study of algae, important primary producers in aquatic systems.

The aims of the society are the development of phycology, distribution of phycological information, and international co-operation among phycologists and phycological organisations. This is mainly carried out through the publication of an international journal, Phycologia, on algae as well as running the International Phycological Congresses.

The latter are held every four years, and the last one took place in Durban in 2005. Bolton will preside as president over the 9th IPC, which takes place in Tokyo in August, 2009.