Dear colleagues, As you may know, from April 10-13, 2012 the University of Antwerp will host the 9th World Bamboo Congress. All information can be found on our website : http://www.worldbamboocongress.org. More information on background, organising and scientific committees is at : http://www.worldbamboocongress.org/about In Antwerp the focus will be on science, for a very specific reason: The potential of bamboo in forestry and ecosystems or as raw material remains high, but sound scientific methods and data are needed to back up strategies and policies. We hereby invite you to submit your research paper : the deadline for submission is November 1, 2011. All necessary information is provided at http://www.worldbamboocongress.org/call . We look forward to many interesting and valuable contributions. Yours truly, Walter Liese and Johan Gielis, on behalf of the scientific committee. Geert Potters and Frances Schutte, on behalf of the organizing committee WBC Belgium Secretariat Ms. Frances Schutte is the WBC Belgium Secretariat. If you have queries, please contact Frances via her email address: secretariat(a)worldbamboocongress.org