EU COST Action FP1002 PERMIT (Pathway Evaluation and pest Risk Management In Transport): the Action which deals with pathways for international movement of pests (both insects and pathogens) and what generic risk mitigation measures can be applied to reduce pest transfers. We are also looking at how people through their behaviour and perceptions can influence pest risks. More information can be found on the Action website (http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/permit).

For those readers in COST countries (see http://www.cost.eu/about_cost/cost_countries) there is the opportunity of Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) for Early Stage Researchers (i.e. within 8 years of post doctorate or equivalent qualification) to spend time in other COST countries to gain experience and work on topics related to the aims of the Action. Essentially, a grant of up to 2500 Euros can be offered to fund travel and subsistence. More details can be found on the Action website or by emailing me or the STSM coordinator, Dr Rimvys Vasaitis in at SLU in Sweden (Rimvys.Vasaitis(at)slu.se). - Officeholders of Units 7.03.04, 7.03.12 and 7.03.13 are involved in PERMIT.

• Southwide Forest Disease Workshop; Conecuh National Forest, Andalusia, Alabama, USA; 14-16 January 2014. Conference homepage
  
  
• Southwide Forest Disease Workshop; Greenville, South Carolina, United States; 29 June - 2 July 2009. Conference homepage

The 7.03.04 Working Party was first organized by Dr. Jack Sutherland in 1988.  Dr. Sutherland hosted the first meeting in 1990 Victoria, BC (Canada).