Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is ISCB?
A: The International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) is the parent organization of the annual conference on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB). The ISCB is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of living systems through computation. The ISCB communicates the significance of our science to the larger scientific community, governments, and the public at large. The ISCB serves a global membership by impacting government and scientific policies, providing high quality publications and meetings, and through distribution of valuable information about training, education, employment and relevant news from related fields. ISCB membership offers many benefits including reduced conference registration fees to several high impact events and reduced subscription prices for a selection of journals of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Members are from more than 50 countries and include over 800 students and nearly 500 post doctoral researchers. A member's meeting and a meeting of the Board of Directors for the Society are held annually in conjunction with the ISMB conference.
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Q: What is the ISMB conference?
A: Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB) is the annual meeting of the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB). Over the past eighteen years the ISMB conference has grown to become the largest bioinformatics conference in the world. The ISMB conferences provide a multidisciplinary forum for disseminating the latest developments in bioinformatics. ISMB brings together scientists from computer science, molecular biology, mathematics, and statistics. Its principal focus is on the development and application of advanced computational methods for biological problems.

ISMB 2014 will offer the strongest scientific program and the broadest scope of any international bioinformatics conference in 2014. Building on past successes the Boston conference is designed to cater to variety of disciplines within the bioinformatics community. ISMB 2014 will be the largest and most important computational biology event globally in 2014.
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Q: Who are the ISMB 2014 Conference Chairs?
A: The conference chairs for ISMB 2014 are:

  • Conference Co-chair: Bonnie BergerMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
  • Conference Co-chair: Janet KelsoMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary  Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany

Q: Who do I contact for information on the conference?
A: You can get information on the conference from:

Steven Leard
ISMB Conference Manager
Phone: +1-780-414-1663
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Q: Where will the conference be held?
A: The conference will be held at the John B. Hynes Memorial Convention Center, referred to as the Hynes Convention Center by the organizers.
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Q: What is the address of the Hynes Convention Center?
A: 900 Boylston Street
Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 02115
http://massconvention.com/planners/hynes/facility-info
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Q: What are the conference hotels?
A: The ISMB organizers through ISMB's official housing partner, onPeak, have reduced hotel rates for your trip to Boston. Book through the simple-to-use reservation website or with helpful and friendly booking agents.  Full details available at:

http://www.iscb.org/ismb2014-general-info/ismb2014-housing


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Q: Who should I contact about childcare?
A: The following companies provide childecare

Parent's in a Pinch:
617-739-5437
www.parentsinapinch.com
 
Best Baby Sitters:
617-268-7148
www.bbbabysitters.com
 
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Q: Where is  Boston, Massachusetts?

A: Boston is located in the United States of America on the east seaboard. Boston is the capital and largest city in the state of Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is considered the economic and cultural center of the region and is sometimes regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England".
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Q: Do I need a visa to visit Boston?
A: International travelers should  check with the United States of America diplomatic representative in their home country to confirm status of entry to the USA. IMPORTANT: If you require a visa to attend the conference please allow 3- 4 months for processing. Details on entering the USA can be found on the conference registration page at:
http://www.iscb.org/ismb2014-registration#travel


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Q: Boston's Logan International Airport
A: Boston's Logan International Airport is approximately a 30 minute taxi ride to the conference hotels and Hynes Convention Center. Details on the airport can be found by visiting: www.massport.com/
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Q: What is the local Time Zone?
A: Boston is in the Eastern Time Zone and during the conference will be UTC/GMT -4 hours
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Q: What is the Electrical Current?
A: The normal electric current in the United States is 120 volts AC in 60 cycles. Plugs and sockets may differ from those in other parts of the world, so travelers should bring adapters or transformers for electrical appliances such as hairdryers and shavers. A diagram of the most common plugs and sockets is available at: http://www.eurocom.com/support/plugs.htm
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Q: What is the International area code?
A: The area code for Boston is 1 + the 10 digit number - Information on calling from your country can be found at: www.countrycallingcodes.com
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Q: What language is spoken in Boston?
A: Boston is an English speaking city.
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Q. In what language will the conference sessions and materials be presented?
A. All conference presentations and materials will be presented in English.
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Q: What is the climate?
A: Boston's summers are typically warm and humid. It is best to bring a light water repellent or water proof jacket. 
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Q: Where can I find medical information?
A: In all cases, except for emergencies, look in the phone book provided in your hotel or with the front desk. In case of an emergency requiring ambulance, fire or police dial 911.
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Q: What can I do to ensure my personal safety?
A: Emergency phone calls Dial 911 for emergency assistance from police, fire, ambulance etc. If you are unfamiliar with the city check with the hotel front desk to enquire about restaurants, tourist venues, etc. Use the hotel safe to store valuables including laptops, cameras, important papers that you may not be using.
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Q: What is the custom on tipping?
A: A gratuity is generally not included in bills (unless added automatically for group dining) - as a general guideline tips are provided for meals, taxi and hotel bellman. The general rule of thumb for tipping is 12% - 18% and a dollar a bag for bellman.
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Q: What is the currency?
A: The monetary unit in Boston is the United States dollar ($).
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Q: How can I pay to register for ISMB?
A: Delegates can pay on-line using the following credit cards or mail in a Check. Accepted credit cards are: Mastercard, Visa and American Express.
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Q: How do I get from the airport to the Hynes Convention Center?
A: Travel from Boston's Logan International Airport to the Hynes Convention Center and the conference hotels can be completed in a number of ways. Information on available transportation can be found at: http://www.massport.com/logan-airport/to-and-from-logan/public-transportation/


Shuttle Service **NEW**

Boston announced a new Shuttle Service between Logan Airport and Hynes Convention Center.  Service will be seven days a week starting at 5:00 am until 9:00 pm from Back Bay and 6:00 am until 10:00 pm from Logan Airport. The fare will be $5.00 payable with a credit or debit card or free for riders with a valid MBTA pass.  Full details area available here.

 

GO Boston Shuttle:
GO Boston shuttle service between Boston Logan International Airport and the conference hotels at the rate of $15 per person, each way. Reservation and additional details available here.


Taxi
Boston taxis are available at Logan terminals 24 hours a day and service all of New England. Areas within a 20-mile radius of downtown Boston are charged a metered rate. Beyond the 20-mile radius the charge is a flat rate. All fares are based upon the occupancy of one to four passengers per taxi. For full details on rates visit: http://www.massport.com/logan/getti_typeo_taxis.html

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Q: Where do I register when I arrive?
A: Conference Registration is available from Thursday, July 10 to Tuesday, July 15 at the Hynes Convention Center, Hall C, Pre-function space.
Registration Desk Hours:

 
Registration Desk Hours – July 10 – 15
Hynes Convention Center – 200 Level – Hall C Pre-function Space
 
Thursday, July 10 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, July 11   7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 12   7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 13 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Monday, July 14  7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 15 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
 

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Q: What should I do if I lose something at the conference venue?
A: A conference lost and found will be located at the information booth located at the Hynes Convention Center.
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Q: What sightseeing opportunities are available in Boston?
A: Boston is a wonderful city and has a great deal to see - the following link provides options on the many tourist activities available www.bostonusa.com