International Symposium

Host Organisations

Supporting Organisations

Important Dates:

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: Printable PDF version available here

SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT: Printable PDF version here

REGISTRATION BROCHURE: Printable PDF with details of Programme and Pre-Conference Tour and a host of general information for attendees here. ...essential reading....

Symposium Joint Convenors

Symposium Scientific Committee Chairman

Scope and Objective

The 6th International Walnut Symposium will be an important event in the lives of walnut researchers from around the globe. The Symposium will communicate the most recent and exciting advances in research and development in the Genus Juglans.

In Europe and Asia, production and consumption of walnuts started many centuries ago and walnuts are always present in the Christmas fruit bowl. Walnuts are a world commodity that can significantly benefit human health. Recent scientific evidence suggests health benefits result from including even a small amount of walnuts in the daily diet. Walnuts improve human health through lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduced chance of heart disease. Australia, Chile and South Africa have become important walnut producers over the last few years and will contribute to the world export trade.

In Australia's arid environment efficient use of water is an important area of investigation. Other Australasian research work aims at developing new varieties of high productivity and suited to local market demands. Value-adding and improving processing and packaging efficiency are also under investigation. Australia also has extensive research in the above areas on tree fruit and other nut crops that has relevance for the walnut industry.

Walnuts are a new industry for Australia. The hosts for the 6th International Walnut Symposium will demonstrate to delegates the issues and challenges in establishing a new industry

The objective of this Symposium is to provide a forum for the exchange of scientific research results. Areas of particular interest include; walnut breeding, diseases affecting optimum production, orchard practices, processing and marketing.

The symposium will deliver information through oral presentations, poster sessions, a field trip, discussions, proceedings, trade contacts and social events. The symposium will provide all attendees with the opportunity to capture the most up to date results from current and recent research projects. This knowledge will ultimately assist growers to produce crops with better quality and increased production and will further strengthen the industry.

The topics and keynote speakers will be selected in consultation with leaders in the walnut industry. They will therefore address current global industry priorities. The Symposium will allow participants to understand and help plan the industry's strategic direction and establish priorities for future research and development. The Symposium will also provide the opportunity for delegates to meet and benefit from contact with numerous international visitors. As a result all attendees will gain a broader understanding of global issues facing the overall walnut industry. Call for Abstracts Abstracts are invited for oral and poster presentations on the following topics:

We also welcome other topics that are directly relevant to current production, processing or marketing of walnuts.

All abstracts submitted must be original work and not previously presented in any form at other Symposia. Abstracts should be a maximum of 250 words.

If you wish to submit an abstract for consideration by the Scientific Committee, you will need to register for the Symposium. Only papers presented at the Symposium will be included in the published proceedings.

Abstract Submission

On-line submission (this link) is the only method of receipt of abstracts. Please visit this site for more information regarding the format of abstracts. If you experience technical difficulties with on-line submission, please email your query to program@icms.com.au. Submissions must be lodged by 30 September 2008.

Poster Presentations

The Scientific Committee of the 6th International Walnut Symposium strongly encourages authors with research abstracts to submit them as poster presentations. Posters will be on display at the Symposium and authors will be allocated a time to discuss their work.

Presentation Format

The Scientific Committee reserves the right to decide the format of presentation on the basis of time and space available.

Confirmation of Receipt of Abstracts

You will receive an acknowledgment confirming receipt of your abstract, immediately after submission. The acknowledgement will including a submission reference number and confirmation of your personal password. These details should be used if you wish to edit your abstract up to and no later than the submission deadline 30 September 2008. No changes will be possible after this deadline.

Host City

Melbourne is recognised internationally as one of the world's 'Most Liveable' cities. Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city of about 3.5 million people situated near the south eastern corner of the Australian mainland.

The symposium will be held in the centre of Melbourne. Melbourne is regarded as the cultural and fashion capital of Australia. It is renowned for its fine restaurants, gardens and parklands, food precincts and arcades and great sporting facilities. Most of these attractions are situated around the Central Business District or within an easy tram or train ride. to sites with additional information can be found at: The people of Melbourne come from many diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. English is by far the main language spoken. Melbourne is as far south of the equator as Athens is north. Hence Melbourne has a warm 'Mediterranean' climate. In summer, Melbourne is generally both hot and dry with low humidity.

The local currency is the Australian Dollar. Most items/goods can be purchased on any internationally recognised credit card but it is advisable to have some local currency for smaller purchases.

Sponsorship Opportunities

For more information please contact the Symposium Organiser at sponsorship@icms.com.au

Australian Walnut Industry Association

6th International Walnut Symposium

First to be held in the Southern Hemisphere

25 - 27 February 2009 RACV Club, Melbourne, Australia

Come and enjoy the Australian summer down under!