Vector Biology Representation at the 2015 Arthropod Genomics Symposium

Kansas State University, Manhattan KS

Investigators

Abstract

? DESCRIPTION (provided by the applicant): This application requests funds to support vector biologists to attend the 9th annual Arthropod Genomics Symposium (AGS) hosted at the Kansas State campus in Manhattan, KS from June 17 -19, 2015. The AGS is the international forum for arthropod genomics research and fosters technology and knowledge exchange between bioinformatics, genomics, and fundamental and applied arthropod research. While the philosophy of the symposium is to cover a broad range of phylogenetic arthropod groups, a substantial focus has been on arthropod vectors of human disease. The 2015 symposium will be an open meeting of approximately 250 participants. The meeting agenda offers a keynote speaker, Dr. David O'Brochta, U. Maryland and invited speakers presenting in sessions the areas of i5K/Emerging Genomes, Medical Vector Genomics, Agricultural Vector Genomics, Population genomics, Epigenomics, and Microbiomes. The program will be augmented by shorter talks chosen from submitted poster abstracts, and two poster sessions for which we anticipate 60-70 posters based on past participation. WE will provide two workshops, one on Insect Genetic Tools with the participation of the IGTRCN representatives (http://igtrcn.org/) and a workshop on bioinformatics tools with leading experts in the field to train attendees, particularly young scientists and established investigators moving into the insect genetics and genomics field. Our over-arching goal remains to increase genomics research in the field of vector biology. Progress towards this goal will continued to be made through the following specific aims: (1) supplementing genomics training for early stage vector biologists; (2) Recruiting arthropod genomics researchers to the vector biology field; and (3) exposing nonvector arthropod genomics researchers to the field of vector biology we propose to support the travel of accomplished vector biologists working in the genomics field to present their work. The significance of this application lays in the key function of genomic information to modern vector biology research. Its innovation is the AGS's unique ability to bring together experts in vector biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and genomics technology developers. The meeting is public health relevant as research capacity building in cutting edge genomics research is crucial for the development of novel tools to combat and prevent vector-borne diseases.