26 November 2007
Conference to showcase contemporary molecular bioscience
From individual molecules to whole organisms, biological systems will be the focus of a conference that will gather
scientists from academic, government, industrial and clinical institutions tomorrow.
Victoria University is hosting the 2007 conference of the New Zealand Microbiological Society and the New Zealand
Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from November 27-30
The conference will showcase modern New Zealand and international research in microbiology, biochemistry and
biotechnology. School of Biological Sciences senior lecturer Dr Ronan O'Toole says the conference will focus on advanced
approaches to understanding complex biological systems and the wider impact of new knowledge generated on human health,
technologies and the environment. It will bring together scientists to share novel techniques and the many exciting
developments and opportunities taking place in the molecular biosciences.
The conference will be attended by more than 270 researchers from New Zealand, Australia, Europe and North America who
will be welcomed to Victoria University by the Dean of Science, Professor David Bibby.
Keynote speakers at the conference will include:
Professor Bryan Winchester, Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College London:
Professor Winchester is a world leader on the use of biomarkers for the early diagnosis of disease.
Professor Chris Griffith, School of Health Sciences, University of Wales Institute: Professor Griffith is a renowned
international researcher on improved hygiene and safety measures for the control of healthcare-associated infections.
Professor Philip Hugenholtz from the Joint Genome Institute, US Department of Energy: Professor Hugenholtz is an expert
on the use metagenomic techniques for analysing entire populations of micro-organisms living in a range of environments.
ENDS