TOKYO--Scientists from over 20 institutions in eight Pacific Rim nations met here last month to discussion the formation of the International Molecular Biology Network (IMBN), an Asian counterpart to the European Molecular Biology Organization. Participants represented South Korea and Japan, the meeting's organizers, plus China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand.
The network would be designed to foster communication and cooperation among member nations through such programs as fellowships, conferences, workshops, and training courses. Yet to be resolved are such critical areas as funding and membership criteria. A seven-member task force representing Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New Zealand will seek $2 million in seed money to get the network running.