Dear Students,
It is with regret that I write to inform you that the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is cancelling the following 2020 Courses: Analytical and Quantitative Light Microscopy, Frontiers in Reproduction, Workshop on Molecular Evolution, Neural Systems and Behavior, Neurobiology, Embryology, Biology of Parasitism, SPINES and Physiology. As I am sure you are aware, the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus global health emergency have triggered a series of events that require travel constraints and social distancing. Given these circumstances, the MBL has a responsibility to protect the health and safety of the entire MBL community, and therefore, has chosen to cancel these courses following guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Given that there are hundreds of participants (and equipment and supplies) to coordinate, many of whom would be unable to come to the MBL even if we did hold the courses, it is clear that it would not be possible to recreate the full experience this summer.
For those of you who have submitted payment(s), you will reimbursed in full. Wire transfers will be refunded via wire transfer; checks and/or on line credit card payments will be reimbursed via check to whomever made the payment.
If you are interested in taking the course in 2021, you will be invited to do so. We will contact you later this year to inquire about your continued interest and availability and relay any additional relevant information. In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact education@mbl.edu.
The decision and steps being taken to mitigate the spread of the virus are disruptive to all of us and I thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
I hope that most of you will be able to join us in Woods Hole next year.
Regards,
Nipam H. Patel
Director