Apply for a grant to participate in the fourth edition of the highly well-received "Molecular Biosystems" Conference on Eukaryotic Gene Regulation and Functional Genomics.
Precise control of gene regulatory programs is key for proper development and homeostasis, and gene expression dysregulation is known to lead to numerous diseases. Studies with different model organisms at various scales are key to characterizing the mechanisms underlying normal and disease cell states. Further, a detailed understanding of these mechanisms is key for potential biotechnology innovations and applications. As such, and as in previous editions, the Molecular Biosystems Conference will cover a wide variety of topics centered on eukaryotic gene expression and function, from detailed molecular analyses to genome-wide studies. The conference topics include but are not limited to Transcriptional Regulation & Chromatin Structure, Epigenetics, Evolution, Posttranscriptional Regulation, Development & Cell Signaling, Regulatory RNAs, and Genome-Scale & Integrative Biology. In all, and through an interdisciplinary lens, the conference highlights transformative methodologies of interest to biotechnology, including genome sequencing and analysis; characterization of gene expression, regulation, and function; creation of novel tools (e.g., via synthetic biology); single-cell genomics; and genome engineering (via CRISPR-based applications), among others. In addition, the conference regularly features exhibitors in the fields of high-throughput sequencing (e.g., 10X Genomics, Oxford Nanopore, Macrogen, Novogene), DNA synthesis and synthetic biology companies (e.g., Twist Bioscience), and biotechnology companies (e.g., Meristem, Kura Biotech), among others, who showcase their latest products in these areas. Being exposed to the breadth of science that is typically presented at the Molecular Biosystems Conference can help trainees make better decisions about what to pursue in their careers (e.g., a postdoctoral fellowship in a field different from their own or a position in industry), highlighting the career development role of the event.
While the conference has a regional focus, this meeting aims to bring together scientists from all over the world, at different stages of their scientific careers, to discuss recent advances in this active and rapidly evolving area of research. In its fourth edition, the conference continues to promote collaborations between Latin American and international researchers and provides a platform for regional researchers to present and discuss their work in a global forum.
The conference organizers are firmly committed to supporting early career researchers (ECRs), particularly those in the region. For this, we will again have a "New PI" Session, which is exclusively devoted to researchers with less than 5 years as lab heads. Moreover, we will invite additional ECRs as plenary speakers for other sessions, and we will select ECR authors of outstanding abstracts for short talks. Indeed, while several speakers have been invited, ~40% of oral presentations will be drawn from openly submitted abstracts. In addition, we will once again feature our "topical lunches," where trainees can discuss relevant topics with various experts (e.g., establishing a lab, finding a postdoc position, women in science, careers in industry and biotech, etc.).
The target audience is researchers, academics, and professionals specializing in molecular biology, genomics, gene regulation, and related fields in various systems (plants, fungi, animals). This encompasses individuals from academia, industry, and government sectors interested in advancing knowledge and innovation in eukaryotic gene regulation and functional genomics and facilitating interactions between researchers in these areas. In all, the Molecular Biosystems Conference is a significant learning experience for scientists at all career stages, which is why it continues, since its first edition, to be attractive to trainees as well as to established investigators, in Latin America and beyond.
The Molecular Biosystems Conference offers a variety of awards and financial aid alternatives to offset conference travel costs for early-career researchers and help support parents and caregivers. Scholarships are available for early-career researchers who will present an abstract at the conference.
General Information (applies to all fellowship programs)
Applications are limited only to students and postdoctoral researchers who will submit an abstract and give a presentation (poster or talk) at the meeting.
- The application form and all supporting documents must be completed in English.
Judging process, criteria, and notification
The organizers will award fellowships based on the submitted abstract and the reasons the applicant gives to attend the meeting, including how the meeting will help them achieve their career goals. In addition, the selection process will consider gender balance and equitable representation across different labs and research institutions.
Timeline:
- Mar 7, 2025: Application opens.
- Apr 30, 2025 Application deadline.
- May 12, 2025: Application decision.
Please visit the Conference's webpage for more information and application links.
