About the ICS

The First International Chrysophyte Symposium was initiated by Annette Coleman, President of the Phycological Society of America in 1982, who asked Robert Andersen to organize a chrysophyte meeting in conjunction with the Botanical Society of America and the Phycological Society of America meetings to be held at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Financial support was secured from the USA National Science Foundation (NSF), which provided a travel fund specifically for foreign attendees. This is an example invitation letter to Jørgen Kristiansen.

Past Congresses

Timeline with Photographic Highlights

1^st International Chrysophyte Symposium, Grand Forks, ND, USA, 1983

The 1^st International Chrysophyte Symposium, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA 1983
This photograph captures many of the pioneering scientists who attended the inaugural meeting, including Jeremy Pickett-Heaps, Frank Round, John Smol, Barry Leadbeater, and numerous others who helped shape early chrysophyte and protist research. The gathering brought together an extraordinary group of researchers whose work influenced phycology and protistology for decades to come.

Informal discussions during the early days of ICS
Beyond formal sessions, the symposium was remembered for its lively and often humorous informal interactions. As recalled by participants, memorable moments included late-night fire alarms that turned into spontaneous protist discussions, and lighthearted toasts that reflected the close-knit and collegial atmosphere of the meeting.

Scientific exchange and the beginnings of long-term collaborations
The first symposium fostered enduring scientific relationships and collaborations. Invited talks, such as Frank Round’s presentation on heterokont phylogeny, led to future visits, collaborations, and divergent yet complementary research paths. Over time, figures such as Jørgen Kristiansen emerged as central contributors to the continuing International Chrysophyte Symposium tradition.

Field excursion to Lake Itasca during the First International Chrysophyte Symposium
The field trip provided opportunities for informal interactions and lasting professional connections. It was here that participants met colleagues such as John “Platt” Bradbury, relationships that later developed into long-term collaborations in fields including paleolimnology. These excursions exemplified the hands-on and collegial spirit of the early ICS meetings.

Informal moments reflecting mentorship, friendship, and shared memories
Beyond science, the 1^st ICS was shaped by mentorship, student involvement, and memorable personal moments—from hosting students, visiting scientists and organizing events, to friendships formed across generations. The symposium concluded with participants contributing personal messages to a commemorative booklet, a lasting reminder of the human connections that defined the meeting.

2^nd International Chrysophyte Symposium, Berlin, Germany, 1987