An International Symposium on “Solvation and Ionic Effects in Biomolecules: Theory to Experiment”
We are delighted to announce the international symposium “Solvation and Ionic Effects in Biomolecules: Theory to Experiment” to be held in Tsakhkadzor, Armenia from 17 to 21 May 2010. The meeting will be a forum for broad-range discussions centered on the role of solvent and its components in modulating the thermodynamics and kinetics of biomolecular processes including conformational interconversion and binding.
Scientific Organizing Committee:
Max Berkowitz (UNC Chapel-Hill)
Nikolay V. Dokholyan (UNC Chapel Hill)
Robert B. Macgregor, Jr. (University of Toronto)
Tigran V. Chalikian (University of Toronto; Symposium CoChair)
Samvel Haroutiunian (Yerevan State University
Symposium Goals
This site was designed and is maintained by Garegin A. Papoian.
Last updated: June 10, 2009
Solvent effects exert a predominant influence on virtually every aspect of the molecular events that take place in solution. Because of its importance in biology, there has been much focus on understanding of the role of water and ions in the energetics and kinetics of biochemical processes. These studies have required a systematic and concerted effort of theoreticians and experimentalists. Perhaps the main on-going challenge of thermodynamic studies of biological objects rests in providing reliable microscopic interpretation of the measured macroscopic quantities. Coordination of the efforts of researchers working in different fields of physics, chemistry, and biology is needed for the further exploration of the possibilities provided by structural and thermodynamic studies. This symposium will provide an important and timely opportunity for scientists with different research interests to assemble and exchange ideas.
Topics
The Symposium is organized with the intention of encouraging discussions between scientists with different backgrounds and research interests. Although the meeting will focus mainly on the solvation and ionic effects and thermodynamic properties of biological objects, complementary biophysical and structural approaches also will be discussed. The topics of the Symposium will include:
(i)Protein folding and other transitions of biopolymers
(ii)Molecular recognition and bio-sensing
(iii)Hydration and ionic effects in biological systems
(iv)High pressure and volumetric studies
(v)Novel theoretical and experimental approaches and instrumentation
Venue
The symposium will be held in the convention/recreational center of the Yerevan State University in Tsakhkadzor. Tsakhkadzor is a picturesque mountain resort located 40 km north of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Please visit (http://www.tsakhkadzor.am/winter/en/) for more information.
