Conference brings researchers together for discussion on the applications of microcalorimetry and provides practical information via presentations and tutorials on current techniques and methodologies
Held on 27-30 July 2005 in Boston, USA, the annual Microcalorimetry Conference attracted leading microcalorimetry experts from international academia, government and industry and this year an impressive 25% of the registrants were new to microcalorimetry.
Sponsored by MicroCal and endorsed by the Protein Society and the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF), the conference has been continually growing over the past three years.
It aims to bring researchers together for extensive discussion on the applications of microcalorimetry and provides valuable practical information via presentations and tutorials on current techniques and methodologies.
This year's extensive and interactive program was compiled by organisers Jim Thomson, senior principal scientist in the department of biochemistry for Pfizer, and Brad Chaires of the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville.
This combination of academic and industrial expertise was no doubt key to the ideal balance of revered, well-known speakers and young research scientists present from both sectors, says MicroCal.
Thomson said: "I feel the overall success of this meeting was due to the increased amount of audience participation, engagement and enthusiasm".
Chaires added: "This was by far the largest attendance for any of these microcalorimetry conferences and one of the best features for me was the spirited discussions that followed almost every presentation.
"This annual meeting has become perhaps the premier venue for the discussion of applications of calorimetry to biological and pharmaceutical systems.
"MicroCal gave us the independence to select the scientific programme and its generous support is to be applauded".
The four day meeting began with tutorials on experimental design and data analysis for isothermal titration (ITC) and differential scanning (DSC) calorimetry, providing up to date information for researchers new to the field or wanting a refresher.
Topics covered at this year's event included drug discovery and pharmaceuticals; molecular stability; protein and nucleic acid binding and macromolecular interactions.
Outstanding keynote presentations from Adrian Parsegian, National Institute of Health, and Alan Cooper, University of Glasgow, both stressed, from different perspectives, the key role of water as a participant in biochemical reactions.
Kathryn Armstrong from the department of chemistry and biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, won an award for the most outstanding poster presented by a student with 'Calorimetric characterisation of a TCR-peptide/MHC interaction'.
Armstrong commented: "The conference was very informative and the best I have attended to date.
"The people were relaxed and approachable - I received extremely helpful feedback from leading researchers on my experimental setup and data interpretation".
MicroCal has not only supported these microcalorimetry conferences but is also extremely committed to sponsorship and education in biomolecular techniques worldwide.
Involved with a range of initiatives throughout 2005, It has provided full assistance for no-cost educational symposia in the USA, advanced training courses in Europe, and financial support to the Gibbs Conference, Gordon Conferences and CalCon, alongside more diverse small meetings.
This strong stance on the expansion of educational programmes is ongoing and will no doubt bring more exciting opportunities in 2006, it says.
The 2006 conference 'Applications of BioCalorimetry' will be held on the 4-7 July 2006 at the Hotel Melia, Zaragoza, Spain.
MicroCal develops and manufactures what it says are the most sensitive and reliable microcalorimeters available, primarily for use in the life sciences.
Founded in 1977, MicroCal is an ISO 9000 certified facility dedicated to providing quality management systems for the design, production, sales and service of products in the field of microcalorimetry.
The technology base for the instruments offered by MicroCal is protected by a strong patent portfolio and years of expertise.
MicroCal's current product offering also includes the VP-DSC microcalorimeter, VP-ITC microcalorimeter and the high-throughput VP-capillary DSC platform.
