Conference: The Gordon Research Conference on the Molecular Basis of Microbial One-Carbon Metabolism; July 7 - 12, 2002, New London, Connecticut

Gordon Research Conferences, East Greenwich RI

Investigators

Abstract

The Gordon Research Conference on the Molecular Basis of Microbial One-Carbon Metabolism will be held this coming summer. This will be the third such meeting to be held as a Gordon Research Conference, but it is the eleventh in a twenty-seven year old tradition. This meeting brings together a diverse group of researchers who study a wide variety of microbes from the Eucarya, Archaea and the Bacteria that are unified by their metabolism of one-carbon compounds, and thus often use common genes and enzymes. The C-1 compounds metabolized by these organisms are of global environmental impact and many are of industrial interest. The pathways studied have implications for studies in evolution, structural biology, enzyme mechanism, gene regulation, ecology, and applied biology. With recent advances in the biochemical, molecular biological, genetic, and genomic techniques used to examine C-1 utilizing microbes that have greatly augmented recent fundamental discoveries, the field is robust, and this vigor is reflected in the diverse selection of speakers representing different disciplines interested in microbial C-1 metabolism. Previous year's conferences have been resounding successes, and have provided impetus and inspiration to both the established scientist and to those who are still in training. The dedicated nature of the conference to microbial C-1 metabolism provides a otherwise unavailable opportunity for the attendees to meet and interact with those sharing similar interests from around the globe. The auspices of the GRC provide an excellent environment in which the interaction of younger and more established scientists is fostered, and concerted efforts have been made by the organizers to have junior scientists share the main speaking platform with more seasoned workers. Partial funding for the conference is sought which will be used to establish a fellowship fund for those younger scientists who otherwise might lack the means to attend the conference. In addition, support is needed to in part defray the registration costs of speakers and discussion leaders.