The 2002 ISSOL OPEN BUSINESS MEETING took place at Oaxaca, Mexico during the 10th ISSOL Meeting, on July 5, 2002, 15:00-16:30 h. The meeting was chaired by the president of ISSOL, A. Lazcano. It was attended by about 100 members.
ad 1. A. Lazcano opened the meeting and welcomed the about 100 members. He mentioned his 3 responsibilities he had in the past as (i) ISSOL Vice president, (ii) Chair of the ISSOL 2002 LOC. and (iii) ISSOL president elect. He promised to commit all his efforts to the new task to serve the Society.
ad 2. G. Horneck gave the report of the activities of the Society for the last three years, the number of members and the 2002 ISSOL Executive Council election results (see 2002 ISSOL Executive Council Meeting minutes and issol.org).
ad 3. A. Brack gave a report of the status of the ISSOL budget (see 2002 ISSOL Executive Council Meeting minutes).
ad 4. A. Schwartz gave a report of the status of OLEB and the favorable development of its Impact Factor. He encouraged the members to consider OLEB for their publication. This includes also manuscripts on astrobiology (see 2002 ISSOL Executive Council Meeting minutes).
ad 5. J. Dworkin was introduced to the members as the ISSOL web master. He gave several suggestions on improving the web page and the interaction between the ISSOLians. These are among others: (i) setting up a chat club, (ii) having links to other organizations of related terms of reference (see 2002 ISSOL Executive Council Meeting minutes). J. Ferris suggested to give the members a short note by e-mail on "hot stuff" appearing on the web. (This will be done via the chat club -Jason)
ad 6. F. Raulin informed that since 3 years the ISSOL NL has appeared on the web and this has well perceived by the members. The new NL editor will be D. Deamer.
ad 7. A. Lazcano announced the new Stanley Miller Award to recognize young scientists that have contributed significantly to the Origin of Life research (see 2002 ISSOL Executive Council Meeting minutes).
ad 8. A. Lazcano gave a report of the 2002 ISSOL meeting. There were 260 abstracts accepted, 180 registered attendants plus students resulting in more than 200 participants. This is a remarkably high number considering the fact, that this year this meeting was no. 26 on Origin of Life topics. After having received all grants the budget appears to be balanced.
ad. 9. A. Lazcano reported that ISSOL has received 3 excellent proposals for the next meeting coming from China, France and Japan. The Executive Council has elected China for the next meeting with Bejing being meeting site (see 2002 ISSOL Executive Council Meeting minutes). The chair of the Chinese LOC, Y, Zhao, invited all ISSOL members to the next meeting.
ad 10. a). J. W.Schopf expressed his gratitude to the Mexican LOC for the excellent organization, especially concerning the facilities, the food, and the scientific program, also in the name of all ISSOLians.
ad 10. b). J. W. Schopf reported that the Executive council has decided to establish the position of a Senior Manager for ISSOL, to give continuity through time.
ad 10. c) J. W. Schopf introduced his proposal to discuss a stronger involvement of the emerging astrobiology community in ISSOL which might also require changing the name of ISSOL and OLEB. It was concluded that this topic will be a subject of further discussion among the ISSOLians during the next 3 years, e.g., in the discussion forum to be established.
