7th International Yeast 2.0 and Synthetic Genomes Conference 2018
Abstract
7th International Yeast 2.0 and Synthetic Genomes Conference The Yeast2.0 project is an international collaborative project aimed at assembling the first entirely synthetic bespoke eukaryotic genome in the model organism Saccharyomyces cerevisiae. Over the duration of the project, annual conferences have been held progressively at each of the global consortium member cities: 2013 Taormina (Italy), 2014 Taormina (Italy), 2015 New York, 2016 Edinburgh, 2017 Singapore and 2018 meeting held in Sydney, Australia. Whilst this meeting was the 7th for the Yeast2.0 Project it also attracted other individuals interested in the field of synthetic biology. The first objective of this conference was to reinforce the connectivity within this truly collaborative project and extend interconnectivity with the greater synthetic biology community. Keynote speakers and the delegation were an international mix. Rotation of this conference location from New York increases accessibility and diversity of delegates, especially for the higher postgraduate students, and enables far-reaching connections. The second objective of the conference is to explore future directions inspired by the shared knowledge to date. By increasing the breadth of this meeting from a sole focus on Yeast 2.0, we were able to direct the focus from current capabilities to forward thinking applications. A concurrent theme of Ôsynthetic genomesÕ covers basic biological understanding of gene regulation, evolutionary processes and the exploitation of these processes for the development of novel systems with desired features. To achieve a breadth of scope at this meeting we invited several international thought leaders and experts in synthetic biology to complement the members of the Yeast consortium and Australian leaders in the field. The event received 210 registrations, and delegates came from five continents and 15 countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, United Kingdom and United States. Guiding the development of the conference was an International Advisory Committee (membership from Australia, China, France, Singapore, United Kingdom, USA) and a Conference Planning Committee. The conference was held over three days: Monday, 26 November through to Wednesday, 28 November 2018 at two locations. The conference comprised the following components: ¥Plenary program (Conference Program) ¥Poster display ¥Exhibitors and Sponsors ¥Social functions ¥Graduation Ceremony Conference Location:International Convention Centre Sydney, Australia. Date:26-28 November, 2018. Description:The Yeast 2.0 consortium historically holds an annual meeting. The decision to increase the breadth of the conference to be an inclusive synthetic biology meeting is based on the advanced stage of the project and interest in the directions for this future-defining scientific frontier. Special Event Location:Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Date: Evening of 25 November, 2018. Description:A special graduation ceremony will acknowledge Professor Jef BoekeÕs leadership in this ambitious project and bestow a Doctor of Science honoris causa from Macquarie University. The event will include a public address by Prof. Jef Boeke, a cocktail reception for participants followed by a dinner. Synthetic biology is widely believed to have the potential to make the most profound impact on the way we solve the many grand challenges facing humanity over the next 50 years. The aim of this conference was to bring together the brightest minds in this field from around the world, to supercharge the intellectual horsepower required to Ôjoin the dotsÕ. From all feedback received, post-event, this goal was achieved, with many new collaborations formed and existing partnerships strengthened.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 25, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810231
Entities
People
- Isak S. Pretorius
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Macquarie University
- United States Navy