Archive for the ‘Conferences’ Category

70th Harden conference – Synthetic Biology

70th Harden Conference
Synthetic biology: design and engineering through understanding
Keele University, UK
22-26 August 2011 

Application is still available!

Synthetic Biology is the design and construction of new biological systems not found in that configuration in nature. The overarching aims of Synthetic Biology are to develop a firm basis for the design and engineering of new biological and biologically inspired molecules and collections of molecules (so-called systems), and to put these to useful purposes.  By applying engineering principles to biology, scientists hope to generate new molecular systems, and perhaps even new basic life forms, that are radically different from those that can be generated by more-traditional chemical synthesis and genetic engineering.

Despite much hype in the scientific and popular press, major obstacles towards these goals remain, however. The potential of Synthetic Biology will not be limited by the imagination of the researcher but rather by the suitability, quality, variability and compatibility of the ‘parts’ (genes, promoters, proteins and other biomolecular components) that they choose to engineer; the complex and often unwieldy circuitry of complex biological systems; the incompatibility of new parts with a new or existing biological contexts (so-called chassis); and the noise, variability and uncertainty, or emergent properties, inherent in biology.  Furthermore, the problems are not only scientific but also sociological, ethical and cultural: just because we can do this type of biological engineering, should we open this particular Pandora’s box?

The 70th Harden Conference will illustrate the potential of this emerging cross-disciplinary area; showcase current successes; and present the underpinning biology, engineering and systems understanding necessary to design synthetic biological systems reliably and predictably.

 

You may also be interested to know that conference organiser Dek Woolfson (The University of Bristol, UK) has guest edited a themed issue (alongisde Rein Ulijn, The University of Strathclyde, UK) on “Peptide- and protein-based materials” for ChemSocRev, in issue 9, 2010. 

 This is a nice themed issue that covers the design, synthesis, engineering, characterisation and functionalisation of materials composed of peptides or protein components. It features some top reviews from researchers including Molly Stevens, Alison Rodger, Jan van Hest, Bing Xu, Anthony Weiss, Joel Collier, Alexander Kros, both guest editors and more…

So, if you’re interested in peptides or proteins take a look at the peptide- and protein-based materials themed issue today!

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)

Shanghai and Beijing welcome the Editorial Board

The very first Chem Soc Rev Symposium was held at Fudan University on 22nd June, hosted by Professor Guo-Xin Jin. 11 members of Chem Soc Rev’s Editorial Board each gave 30 minute presentation to delegates from local universities. The day also included plenty of time for interaction and discussion.

The Chem Soc Rev Editorial Board at Fudan University with host Professor Guo-Xin Jin

The following day, a group of the Editorial Board members visited the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry at the invitation of Professor Shuli You. Professors Huw Davies and Helma Wennemers gave presentations to the department about their work then the group attended a formal lunch joined by Professor Tong (Vice Dean),  Professor Dai and RSC Chief Executive Office Richard Pike.

The Editorial Board then jetted off to Beijing for the final part of their visit to China. The Chem Soc Rev Beijing Symposium was held at Beihang University on 24th June, hosted by Professor Lei Jiang. An audience of 200-300 scientists were treated to 18 talks covering the whole spectrum of the chemical sciences, from both Editorial Board members and leading Chinese researchers. Richard Pike closed the symposium, highlighting the success of event, in terms of both scientific dissemination and international collaboration.

Professor Lei Jiang opens the Chem Soc Rev Symposium in Beijing

The Chem Soc Rev Editorial Board and Editorial Offiice would like to thank everyone involved in the organising of these symposia for their help and hospitality.

If you are interested in writing for Chem Soc Rev please contact the Editorial Office  for more information. 

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)