"The largest gathering of scientists and engineers from around the world to discuss the effects of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill kicks off in New Orleans on Monday, with more than 800 people from universities, state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and industry expected to attend. The three day Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference is aimed at understanding the impacts of pollution resulting from the spill and its effect on natural systems in the Gulf and along the shoreline, and on the people who live and work there."

"The conference is aimed at providing an update on the status of research into the effects of the spill, with the results of many studies expected to be released during panel talks."

Mark Schleifstein reports for the New Orleans Times-Picayune January 21, 2013. [2]