The Indispensable Role of Metals in Medical Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Beyond

Metals in Medicine is a cross-cutting field that incorporates scientific advances in inorganic chemistry, cell and molecular biology, advanced spectroscopy and biophysics, nuclear medicine, medicinal chemistry, clinical medicine, and other disciplines in ways that leverage knowledge of metals to prevent, diagnose, and treat human disease. Recent discoveries in the field have advanced our collective understanding of the role of metals in medicine, bioinorganic chemistry, and imaging technologies, which in turn enhances the potential for the development of metal-based drugs and drugs that act on metallobiological targets.

The objectives of the 2018 Metals in Medicine GRC: The Indispensable Role of Metals in Medical Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Beyond are reflected in the following specific aims: 1) Leverage the properties intrinsic to metals and inorganic materials to develop transformative new chemical and nanoscale entities for use in the diagnosis, imaging, and treatment of disease; 2) Understand the roles of metals in the pathological basis for disease and medical treatments through the development of new systems and optimization of existing technologies; 3) Provide a stimulating and dynamic gathering to engage and inspire young scientists.

Importantly, the program provides a very strong clinical and translational focus for this rapidly developing field. This will be facilitated by the assembly of scientists with expertise ranging from fundamental inorganic principles to clinical application, continuing the development of a strong, collaborative, interdisciplinary community of researchers dedicated to advances in human health. The meeting also provides a unique opportunity for leading researchers and early-stage investigators to discuss their latest research results in an open forum that will foster productive discussions and provide opportunities to create new collaborations.