The uniqueness of every symposium is based on the individual ideas and perceptions of the organizing country. This always creates a very diverse and unique event with its own individual focuses.

In the past it has been shown that there are some important and necessary points that should be taken into account when organizing a symposium:

• The symposium should contain lectures, excursions and scientific discussions - the topics for these are based upon trends in research emphasizing local institutions and resources.
• There should be a place in the timetable for discussion groups that deal with student matters.
• During the symposium, meetings consisting of one or two representatives of each country should take place regularly. These meetings are essential to discuss organizational, SymBioSE-related topics.
• It should also be possible to gain an insight into the student life of the host country.

Important things to organize:

• Written invitations to all biology faculties in Europe that include:
  • an overview of SymBioSE in general
  • a small poster sample for advertising purposes
  • and a letter to the faculty administration with a request for advertising and a forward to the students.
  This has to be done by the end of March!
• The prospective place and date have to be published on the homepage as early as possible - best before Christmas.
• In the registration confirmation, participants should be encouraged to suggest discussion topics.