ARCHIVAL CONFERENCE · OWERRI, NIGERIA
Mission to Mars:
The African Perspective
International Conference · October 22–23, 2007 · Concorde Hotel Owerri
This page preserves the conference’s historical overview, scientific themes, committee information, abstract guidance, registration details and programme archive.
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
Mission to Mars: The African Perspective
October 22–23, 2007 · Owerri, Nigeria · Venue: Concorde Hotel Owerri
Mars is very dusty and cold and has a thin atmosphere that is saturated with carbon dioxide gas. Facts point to a climate change on Mars. Mars could have had an Earthlike climate. The climate change could be as a result of natural processes, which among other things dried up flowing water. There is a possibility that life existed there and might exist even at present. The study of Mars provides us with a useful model to study the effects of climate change on Earth.
The adaptational neurophysiology of human is key to survival in the event of climate change on Earth. With the effects of global warming apparent in the artic, Africa could experience a transition from warm to cold climate as iced-water shifts occur. Two major extreme condition effects need to be studied for a successful exploration of Mars. First, the effects of microgravity, and hypothermia on neuropsychophysiology.
The conference focuses on the effects of microgravity on human higher cognitive functions including general intelligence, facial processing, language processing, color processing, and motor function. Other topics include issues on adaptational neurophysiology and neurobiology. Studies using animal models that help to elucidate these issues are welcome. Studies on the effects of hypothermia on human neurophysiology are of interest. Panel discussions will be held on the issues of human cognitive function in Space, integration of Africa into the Peaceful Exploration of Space and Adaptive Space technology from spinoffs used in Space.
This is a historical conference archive. Dates, fees, contacts and arrangements shown below relate to the 2007 event and should not be treated as current offers or instructions.
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM
Subthemes
Environment and Climate Change
Extra-terrestrial Microbial Lifeforms
Third World and Space and Science Development
Gender and Space Exploration
Space Technology and Spinoffs for Use on Earth
Space Food Support
Studies using animal models that help elucidate the conference themes were welcome. Studies on the effects of hypothermia on human neurophysiology were also of interest.
ORGANIZATION
Conference leadership and organizing committee
Prof. Celestine Onwuliri
Conference President · Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
Prince Dr Philip C. Njemanze
International and Local Organizing Committee Chairman · Institute of Space Medicine and Terrestrial Sciences, International Institutes of Advanced Research and Training, Chidicon Medical Center, Owerri.
Prof. Felix Nweke
Michigan State University, Michigan, USA.
Prof. Masamichi Yamashita
Institute of Space and Astronautical Sciences / JAXA, Japan.
Other listed participants and committee members
- Dr. Polycarp Nwoha — Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Ife.
- Prof. Ben Jiburum — Imo State University, Owerri.
- Dr. Ifeanyi Okoro — Imo State University, Owerri.
- Prof. Uche Osunkwo — Chairman, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, and NIPRD Abuja.
- Prof. George DeVries — University of Illinois, Chicago, IL.
- Prof. Gwendolyn Kartje — Loyola University of Chicago, IL.
- Dr. Alphonsus Ekwerike — Science medicine, Dallas, TX.
- Dr. Chuma Okere — Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Prof. Amagh Nduka — Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- Prof. Alex Anumalu — University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
- Prof. Gozie Asiabaka — Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- Prof. C. Akujor — Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- Dr. O. C. Abanobi — Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- Mr. U. M. Chukwuocha — Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- Dr. I. N. Dozie — Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- Dr. Jones Lemchi — Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- Ms. Onyii Akagha, Ms. Ngozi Nwachukwu, Mrs. Mercy Onwunali, Ms. Patience Ikeh, Ms. Adaeze Chukwu, Ms. Constance Peters, Ms. Ola Ukanacho, Ms. Patricia Alakwe, Ms. Gina Ibechukwu, Ms. Chika Ugwo, Ms. Stella Ugo and Ms. Faith Oluigbo — Chidicon Medical Center, Owerri.
International links
- Aerospace Medical Association, Alexandria, VA, USA
- International Neurotoxicology Association
- Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS
Abstract guidelines
Abstracts should be typed in single space 12 point font. The abstract should include a maximum of 250 words with the following subheadings: Background; Methods, Results and Conclusion. There should be no images attached to the abstract, and no reference section.
Abstracts could be assigned for poster or podium presentation by the scientific committee.
Deadline: 15th September, 2007.
Format: All abstracts should be prepared with MS WORD processor and attached as a file to an email sent to: philip.njemanze@chidicon.com
All presenters of accepted abstracts would be required to pay registration fees.
Registration fees (2007)
Nigerians
N10,000.00
Africans
US$100.00
Others
US$250.00 or EURO 200
Students
N5,000.00
Advanced registration — historical payment details
Foreign transfers: Bank of America · Bank Number: 063100277 · Account Number: 3515405755 · Account Name: Philip C. Njemanze MD, Conference Int'l and LOC Chairman, Chairman Institute of Space Medicine & Terrestrial Science, Chidicon Medical Center, No. 1 Uratta Road, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Local transfer: Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. · Bank Branch No. 0571 · Account Number: 5502323110 · Account Name: Chidicon Medical Center.
These are historical 2007 conference payment details reproduced for archival reference only. Do not send money to these accounts based on this page.
VENUE AND ACCOMMODATION
Concorde Hotel Owerri
The main venue of the conference is Concorde Hotel Owerri, Imo State. About 30 minutes drive from Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, Imo State. This is a Five Star Hotel with very modern facilities including room internet connections.
Imo Concorde Hotel
Concorde Boulevard
Off Owerri-Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.
Tel: +234-83 231409, 231371 · Fax: 231961
Rates per night: N12,000 or $100
Other hotels listed in the original conference information
- Bonbolini Hotels — Off Concorde Avenue, Owerri. Tel: +234-83 234603, Mobile: +234 8033598325. Rates: N5950–6,950 or $50.
- All Seasons Hotel — Off Concorde, Owerri. Rates: N10,500–12,000 or $100.
- Owerri Hotel Plaza — Plot 80 Port-Harcourt Road, Owerri. Tel: +234-83 231807, 234538. Rates: N4,700–5,900 or $50.
- Dreamland Hotel & Casino Ltd — Area A, Plot C12, Whiteman Street Junction, World Bank House Estate, Owerri. Tel: +234-83 233589, 232431. Rates: N4,200–4,500 or $40.
- Newcastle Hotel — Whiteman Street, World Bank Housing Estate. Rates: N4,800–6,500 or $50.
- Villa Marie Hostel — Wetheral Road, Owerri. Rates: N1,000 or $10.
Hotel rates and contact details are reproduced from the 2007 archive and are not current travel information.
OPENING ADDRESS
Address by Professor C. O. E. Onwuliri
Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, and President, International Conference on Mission to Mars: The African Perspective, 22–23 October 2007. Delivered at the opening ceremony at Imo Concorde Hotel Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Protocol as recorded in the original: His Excellency, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria; His Excellency, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, KSc, Executive Governor, Imo State; Members of the Imo State Executive Council; Members of the Diplomatic Missions here represented; Fellow Vice-Chancellors and Heads of Higher Institutions in Nigeria and from abroad; His Royal Majesty, Eze Emmanuel Njemanze Ozurigbo V of Owerri; our visiting international scientists; other distinguished participants; Gentlemen of the Press; Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am delighted to welcome all our distinguished participants in this international conference with the theme “Mission to Mars: The African Perspective” to Nigeria and to Imo State. This conference was initiated by a group of eminent Nigerian scientists and co-sponsored by the Institute of Space Medicine and Terrestrial Sciences, International Institutes of Advanced Research and Training, Chidicon Medical Center Owerri, headed by Prince Dr Philip Njemanze (the LOC Chairman), and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, where I preside as the Vice Chancellor.
As Vice Chancellor of a University of Science and Technology, it falls within my scope of duty to sensitize and help our politicians define challenges that will spur sustainable national development through various technological innovations. Investment in the Space programme has helped to revolutionize science and technology, bringing about satellite telecommunications, Global Positioning Systems we use in our cell phones today, rapidly advanced medical technology, specifically accelerated development of magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography, as well as development of telemedicine.
The history of science and technology has borne witness to the fact that without set high goals, human development would be stalled. Earlier explorers from Britain, France and Spain set out to discover new worlds, and by so doing spurred development of the industrial revolution in Europe. In recent times, both advanced nations and developing nations have set their goals on conquering the Space frontier. Rapidly developing nations like China, India, and Brazil have set very high goals in their Space programs, and by so doing advanced their science and technology, which has consequently transformed their economies. On January 14, 2004, President Bush of the United States of America set a new agenda for the American Space Program. The Russian, European and Japanese Space agencies have joined. The conquest of Mars though several years away would be the greatest milestone of achievement for humanity. Regrettably, Africa would not be represented on this mission as was originally designed. In my view therefore, this conference is timely and most appropriate on the theme “Mission to Mars: The African Perspective”.
Part of our vision at FUTO is to develop space-based technologies, particularly remote sensing and geographic information system technologies, in partnership with other institutions under our new initiative tagged “Imo Research Triangle” involving FUTO, Imo State University Owerri and the Institute of Space Medicine and Terrestrial Sciences, International Institutes of Advanced Research and Training, Chidicon Medical Center Owerri. Already, we have started collaboration with the Institute on health applications using these new technologies. Another major challenge at FUTO is to develop full capacity in biotechnology and nanotechnology faculties that have space applications and spin-off technologies for use in industry. We hope to develop high-technology manpower in these fields in the next decade, in order to provide Nigeria with the much-needed workforce that will promote international competitiveness.
During this conference, you would witness that our present collaboration with the Institute of Space Medicine and Terrestrial Sciences, International Institutes of Advanced Research and Training, Chidicon Medical Center Owerri, is providing high-technology research that are first class in world literature. Many would not know that the first published literature in 1999 on risk analysis technique called probabilistic layer analysis for the prevention of diarrhoeal diseases was developed in Imo State, at the Institute of Space Medicine and Terrestrial Sciences, International Institutes of Advanced Research and Training, Chidicon Medical Center Owerri, with participation of FUTO graduates. Similarly, our graduates are participating in neuroscience developments at the Institute, which was ranked one of the best in World, and won a place in the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) project on the study of the brain in Space.
We are also expanding international collaborations, for example, we are initiating collaboration with the Japanese Space Agency on Space agriculture that will support the further development of cassava, as one of the crops to be used on Mars. We hope to add to efforts towards the genetic improvement of cassava yield and resistance to disease on earth. We also hope to develop astronomy and build an observatory for Space related research activities. We already have astrophysicists working in our faculty and look forward to obtaining national and international grants to support an earth observatory. We are also developing theoretical and solid state physics and mathematics that would one day make it possible to have vehicular systems for launching our satellites into space.
We join the laudable call at this conference for the establishment of Federal Research Granting Agencies such as the National Science Foundation of Nigeria (NSFN) and the National Institutes of Health of Nigeria (NIHN). These granting agencies would provide the necessary funds to support research in our institutions for nation building.
Once more, I welcome all our distinguished participants, especially those that have come from outside Nigeria, to this two-day conference in Owerri, Imo State, a state noted for hospitality, peace and tranquility, and wish you very successful deliberations. Please I encourage you to make time out of your crowded schedule to embrace the rich social and cultural endowments of Imo State Nigeria.
Thank you and May God Bless us all.
Professor C. O. E. Onwuliri KSJ, JP
Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.
ORIGINAL ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT · 58 PAGES
2007 Programme and Abstract Book
The original AFRICA’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MISSION TO MARS: THE AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE programme and abstract book is displayed below directly from Chidicon’s original PDF file. The original PDF preserves its page order, text, programme entries, abstracts and document layout.