The 2nd International Symposium of Integrative Zoology, organized by the International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS), hosted by Institute of Zoology (IOZ), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and sponsored by International Bureau of Chinese Academy of Science, was held in Beijing from December 8 to December 10, 2007. Over 150 experts and scholars from 24 countries were invited to attend this symposium, including Professor John Buckeridge, Chairman of International Society of Zoology Committee (ISZS) and Chairman of International Union of Biological Science (IUBS); Professor Zhibin Zhang, Vice Chairman of ISZS and Director of IOZ; Professor Jean-Marc Jallon, Vice Chairman of ISZS; and Professor Jeffrey A. McNeely, Chief Scientist of International Union of Protection of Nature (IUCN).

At the opening ceremony, the honorary chairman of ISZS, Vice-president of CAS, Professor Jiayang Li, brought forward the proposal of harmonious coexistence of the animals, human beings, and the environment. He declared that CAS would further enhance the cooperation with ISZS and offer more important supports to the establishment of ISZS’ secretariat and journal office in Beijing. Chairman John Buckeridge from ISZS emphasized the importance of education and international cooperation in the development of integrative zoology. Chief Scientist Jeffrey A. McNeely from IUCN pointed out that international cooperation was very important when facing the challenges of climate change and crisis of energy resources. He submitted the application to ISZS on behalf of the IUCN, the IUCN applying for joining the ISZS with group membership. Vice-chairman of ISZS, Director Zhibin Zhang, extended his welcome to all the guests and introduced the development of ISZS in the past three years. The official journal INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY and website of ISZS were specified by Dr. Yan Xie, the Secretary of ISZS. After the coffee break, Professor Jean-Marc Jallon, Vice President of ISZS, introduced the preparations being made for the 20th International Congress of Zoological Sciences, which will be held in Paris in next August.

Ten reports of plenary sessions and over 60 session reports were made on the symposium from December 8 to December 10, 2007. These reports involved many zoology related fields, including molecular biology, microbiology, integrative methodology, conservation biology, evolutionary biology, systems biology, biodiversity, ecology, taxology, and ethology. Professor Edwin Cooper from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), made the first report in the plenary session, entitled Comparative Immunology: From ASZ to ISZS, an International View. He introduced his research in comparative immunology on the basis of looking back his research experiences in UCLA in 42 years and his achievements. Professor Yi Rao from the School of Life Sciences, Peking University, delivered a lecture about the molecular mechanism research of the animal social interaction in the model of drosophila. Professor John MacKinnon from UK made a report about the species richness and adaptive capacity in animal communities. Professor Xing Xu from Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, CAS, introduced the recovering phylogenetic signals from subtle morphological variations. Doctor Daiqin Li in National University of Singapore made a report entitled UV vision and reflectance in sexual selection of jumping spiders. The Greek professors, Rosa Maria Polymeni and Sophia Rhizopoulou, introduced their research in the field of art imitating nature. Professor Michael Schmitt from Germany gave a lecture entitled Carl Linnaeus - systematist between Aristotle and Willi Hennig. Professor Buckeridge and Professor McNeely respectively gave their presentations on bioethics and conversation biology, pointing out the long-term goals of Integrative Zoology and the ISZS: not only to integrate all the branches of Zoology and Biology, but also to enlighten people to think about the great impacts of human activities on the earth and to find out the solutions. All the experts and students attending the symposium listened to the vivid reports with great interests.  

Presentations and discussions in eight sessions included eight different topics: Organelles, Development and Environment; Integrative Approach and Methodology;  Protected Area Action Plan in the East Asia Region; Role of ISZS in linking zoological societies cross the world; Animal Ecology; Biodiversity and Conservation; Evolution and biodiversity; and Behavior and Reproductive. Each session was chaired by two well-know experts. The presentations can be either researches on specific species in the countries or regions of speakers, or innovative researches on some common creations. The speakers can be either renowned professors, or PhD students. The wonderful presentations drew forth enthusiastic applause of the audience.

The closing ceremony was held in IOZ on December 12, 2007. Vice Chairman of ISZS, Director Zhibin Zhang announced the TOP 10 downloaded papers published in INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY in recent two years. Chairman John Buckeridge of ISZS announced the student prizes and the best poster. Over 30 committees and institutions, such as IUCN, IOZ and China Zoological Society, became the new members of ISZS.

In recent years, ISZS had an increasing influence in the world. The joint efforts of all the ISZS members would ensure a better development of the ISZS and INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY.