The field of Bioanalytical Sensors can be broadly described as development and application of devices that use a biological recognition event to produce an optical or electrochemical signal that can be measured in real-time. The GRC on Bioanalytical Sensors seeks to inform participants of the latest research in systems and materials development, systems integration and automation, and relevant supporting technologies that will impact biosensor technologies in both the near and far term. The 2008 Bioanalytical Sensors GRC will address the following general themes: Molecular recognition (e.g., molecularly imprinted polymers, natural and synthetic receptors, aptamers); Signal transduction/Platform development (including optical, magnetic-based, and electrochemical sensors); Supporting/Enabling technologies (e.g., microfluidics, nanoparticles, MEMS); and Real-world Detection. At least one oral session will be devoted to each general thematic area.

In addition, a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will be held in conjunction with the Bioanalytical Sensors GRC and will start the Saturday preceding the main GRC. The GRS is organized and conducted by graduate students and postdocs, with limited guidance from the associated GRC chairs. Only graduate/postdoctoral research is presented and discussed; in this way, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students can present their own research in this open, but less intimidating, forum.