1st Annual UK-Southeast USA Symposium on Structural Genomics and Proteomics of Membrane and Metalloproteins

Background

Now that scientists have unravelled the DNA sequences of many organisms, the next step is to understand how the proteins coded by those sequences function and interact. This new type of research, often referred to by the overarching titles of "genomics" and "proteomics," provides the basis for the new drugs and therapeutics of the future. In recent years, it has become clear that genome-directed structural research, such as structural genomics and proteomics, requires an integration of expertise, complementary technologies and funding on an unprecedented scale. Large sums of money are now being spent because of the importance of this research. Throughout the world, scientific programmes are being developed to keep countries at the forefront and these efforts often result in duplication and missed opportunities. Now more than ever, structural genomics and proteomics require large-scale international collaboration.

In order to move in this direction, we are honoured to host the First Annual UK-Southeast USA Symposium on Structural Genomics and Proteomics of Membrane and Metalloproteins, as an extension to our current activities related to the NIGMS Protein Structure Initiative. By bringing together experts from the US, UK and China we hope to exchange ideas and to develop the framework for international collaboration.

This symposium aims to disseminate information on the current advances in membrane and metalloprotein structural biology to the scientific community. It also aims to build a partnership between researchers in academia, industry and instrumentation to review current information and address future needs in these diversified, but complementary fields for supporting the advances in structural and functional biology at the next level. Invited speakers consist of leading scientists from over 23 institutions in the U.S. (10), Britain (10), China (1) and Japan (1). Topics will include discussions on the efforts already underway in the United Kingdom, the United States and in China, and information on membrane and metalloprotein research, computational and biophysical methods, crystallomics, crystallography, and other relevant high-throughput and novel methods related to crystal structure determination of macromolecules.

The symposium will be held on October 14-16, 2005 at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education at the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia and is jointly sponsored by the UK Consul-General in Atlanta, Georgia, and the University of Georgia.

1st Annual UK-Southeast USA Symposium on Structural Genomics and Proteomics of Membrane and Metalloproteins
Contact E-mail: horanyi@uga.edu