FASEB SRC: The Nuclear Bodies Conference: Hubs of Genomic Activity

项目总结

PROJECT SUMMARY This is an application for partial support of the 2022 FASEB-sponsored Science Research Conference “Nuclear Bodies: Hubs of Genome Activity”, the first meeting solely devoted to this topic. A key objective is to provide a platform for presentation of cutting-edge, interdisciplinary discoveries, connecting nuclear bodies to cancer biology and eukaryotic genomics. Another major objective is to provide abundant opportunities for postdoc and graduate student trainees, especially women and members of groups underrepresented in science, to present their research and to engage in career development and mentoring opportunities. Nuclear bodies are essential for cellular growth and proliferation, and are involved in genome organization and regulation of gene expression. Notably, study of these bodies has included the development of broadly useful genomic tools. Dysregulation of nuclear body structure and function is strongly associated with developmental abnormalities, diseases, and cancer, which are profound global health concerns. Interest in the mechanism of nuclear body formation and in their roles in normal and disease states have intensified over the past decade. Thus, the topic of our conference is both timely and highly relevant. The conference will provide a unique platform that brings together interdisciplinary expertise, fostering synergistic and cooperative investigations of nuclear bodies. We will also promote mentorship of trainees and junior investigators, and provide networking/collaboration opportunities for all participants. There will be two poster sessions and two special initiatives for stimulating interactions with junior scientists, including a Career Mentoring session and a “Speed Networking” opportunity for junior scientists to individually interact with established faculty. The three co-organizers are Dr. Paul Kaufman (Professor, University of Massachusetts Medical School), Dr. Sui Huang (Associate Professor, Northwestern University School of Medicine), and Dr. Thoru Pederson (Professor, University of Massachusetts Medical School). They are deeply committed to diversity and promotion of broad participation of women scientists, researchers from under-represented individuals (UIs), international attendees and persons with disabilities. We have confirmed oral presentations from 36 renowned scientists, of whom 17 are women, 4 are UI investigators, and 13 are international colleagues. In selecting abstracts for oral presentations, priority will be given to new investigators (especially women and UIs). Indeed, 100% funds from this grant will be allocated for supporting participation of women, junior and UI colleagues: travel awards for 25 chosen abstracts by junior investigators, child care grants, plus funds requested for participants in these groups with especially high travel costs or other special needs. Individuals with disabilities will have complete access to all aspects of the meeting program, and child-care services will be available.