From Molecules to Systems - Visualizing Biological Complexity

The 2012 Gordon Research Conference on Three-Dimensional Electron Microscopy (3DEM) will present leading research in three-dimensional structure determination of biological entities. The meeting will highlight recent progress in the areas of single particle/multiparticle cryo-EM, electron tomography, and electron microscopy of ordered assemblies/2D electron crystallography. As seen by the rapid increase in the number of structures determined, 3DEM is a key method in structural biology and cell biology and is unique in allowing determination of structure and conformational dynamics of a wide variety of specimen ranging form macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies to viruses, organelles and whole cells in their native environment. A focus at the conference will be on technological advances in instrumentation, software development, data processing, and tools for interpretation and validation that lead to improvements in quality, resolution, and reliability of the EM maps. Ample time will be given to demonstrating how 3DEM studies provide structural framework for our understanding of biological processes.

The 2012 GRC conference on 3DEM will be held for the first time in Les Diablerets in the beautiful setting of the Swiss Alps. The Conference will bring together world-leading experts in the field, junior researchers and also representatives of industrial partners. Following the tradition of previous conferences the program will offer an attractive combination of lectures and poster sessions. There will be two sessions with poster presenters selected for short talks. The program will also provide excellent opportunity for discussions and informal gatherings. Due to limited attendance (~150 participants) early registration is encouraged.