(2010.07.06)

6th Australian Developmental Biology Workshop - deadline approaching!

Dear colleagues

Just a word about the 6th Australian Developmental Biology Workshop, which will be held in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, October 24th to 26th.  

As you may know, the workshop aims to promote Developmental Biology by providing an opportunity to gain knowledge and practical skills. It is an intimate and highly interactive meeting that allows scientists at all career levels unparalleled access to some of the world's leading lights in Developmental Biology. The workshop will consist of in-depth plenary research talks by high profile international speakers, round table discussions on experimental approaches, analysis of model systems, and mentoring for Developmental Biologists.

Specific topics to be covered include:

  1. Evolution of developmental mechanisms
  2. Systems biology of development -- the genomic information machine, bioinformatics, and building pathways
  3. Developmental genetics -- forward screens, reverse genetics, epigenetics, microRNAs, chromatin
  4. Cellular basis of development -- signalling, imaging, epithelial and tissue morphogenesis
  5. Stem cells and regeneration
  6. Organogenesis
  7. Experimental embryology
  8. The relevance of developmental biology in biomedical research, and career issues for developmental biologists

This year's invited speakers include Austin Smith (Edinburgh; stem cells, iPS cells), Margaret Buckingham (Paris; muscle and heart development) and Steve Cohen (Singapore; miRNA in development).
The cost is low, and the workshop represents extremely good value for money. Feedback from past participants indicates a high level of satisfaction.

Applications close at the end of July.  As always, we hope to attract the best and brightest at the workshop. I attach a poster that outlines the application procedure. Perhaps you could send it on to your lab members or to anyone else you think might be interested.

It's been three years since this workshop was last held, and early feedback indicates a high level of interest for the 24 available places.

I hope you will consider applying, or nominating your students or postdocs.

Many thanks
Koops

Common misconceptions

  1. Lab leaders can't apply - WRONG! We welcome lab leaders from within and outside the field. It is a great way for non-developmental biologists to learn about developmental biology.
  2. Previous attendees won't get in - WRONG! Obviously you will need to articulate why you would benefit from a second time around, but that should not be too hard.
  3. It's too expensive - WRONG! This workshop is heavily subsidized - all you basically need to cover is travel and accommodation, but the valuable content is essentially free. A bargain!
  4. It's too hard to apply - WRONG! This year we have streamlined the application process so applicants do not need to provide so much detail.
  5. I can't go to everything - RIGHT! But this is a very different style of meeting; small, interactive and personal, not a one-way information flow like at a conference. You will have lots of opportunity to spend quality time with the best in the business.
  6. Overseas applicants need not apply - WRONG! We have had participants from several countries in the past, and are particularly keen to serve the Asia-Pacific research community. 


party202
Update 2010.07.06