Dear Colleagues,

The 2008 Medicinal Chemistry Gordon Conference will be held August 3rd through 8th at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire. Vice-Chair Al Robichaud is putting together the program, which will feature talks on cutting edge applications of medicinal chemistry to drug discovery programs as well as new technology that will play a role in advancing the field. The 2007 program will give you an idea of the topics typically covered. We encourage attendees to bring poster presentations, this is a great way to introduce your work to colleagues and solicit their feedback. The poster sessions will be organized by Young Shin Cho at Novartis. The conference scientific sessions will end with a Special Topics Session, comprised of late-breaking results from recent clinical compounds. This session will be organized by Lori Krim Gavrin of Wyeth. Please contact her with any suggested contributions for Special Topics. Finally, the conference will wrap up on Thursday evening with the traditional lobster dinner and Chair's Talk, which will feature a talk on general aspects of the medicinal chemistry discipline.

The Medicinal Chemistry GRC will continue the tradition of outstanding science presented in a relaxed atmosphere. Social events for the week will be organized by Vice-Chair Elect Mary Mader of Lilly and will feature the Monday Hike to the peak of Mt. Kearsarge, the Tuesday East/West Softball Game (Krantz Cup) and the Wednesday Vice-Chair Elect Golf Tournament. Please contact Mary with any questions or suggestions for activities.

I would like to specifically encourage the application and attendance of scientists from a diversity of backgrounds and experience. In particular, women, minorities and younger scientists in the early stages of their careers as medicinal chemists should consider application. I am looking forward to an outstanding conference in 2008 and thank you for your interest in the Medicinal Chemistry GRC.

Les McQuire
Chair, 2008 GRC on Medicinal Chemistry
Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research