7th NCCR Practical Course and EMBN Summer School

This course will cover key topics in the area of membrane protein visualization by electron crystallography (EM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The course format includes morning lectures by experts in the field that alternate with afternoon practicals.

2D crystallization of membrane proteins offers the advantage of obtaining samples of membrane proteins in close to native enviroments for the visualitzation by electron micrscopy and atomic force microscopy. Since X-ray crystallography of membrane proteins often fails due to hurdles in sample preparation, this technology is a promising alternative in many cases.

Topics include
Membrane protein expression, solubilization and purification | detergent properties and interactions with lipids and proteins | functional analysis of membrane proteins | 2D-crystallization of membrane proteins | electron microscopy of 2D crystals | image processing | application of other techniques: AFM, IR-spectroscopy, solid-state NMR |

Marie Curie Fellowships
This course is a part of the EMBNTrain initiative and is supported by the European Union Marie Curie Conferences and Training Courses Program, as well as by the Swiss NCCR Structural Biology. A limited number of EU grants is available for the support of junior scientists attending this course.

• Theory and practice. Morning theory lectures by leading experts in the field will alternate with afternoon practicals. The course will cover all relevant aspects of memrane protein 2D crystallization and visualization by EM and AFM.
• Own proteins. Participants will be invited to bring their own research proteins for course experiments.
• Intensive Learning.The maximum number of participants is limited to 25. Practicals will be held in small groups to ensure intensive learning. The course set-up offers a good environment for discussions and ample opportunities for exchange with other participants and experts.

October 20 - 24, 2008
Department of Biosystems Sciences and Engineering, Basel, Switzerland
Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel

The course is primarily directed to PhD students and postdocs with some previous experience in the structural biology of membrane proteins or related fields wishing to learn more on 2D crystallization and EM/AFM observation technologies. In agreement with EU guidelines we would like to particularly encourage female scientists to participate and to apply for financial support.

Fees and accommodation costs include attendance of the course, course material, accommodation in the course hotel (5 nights in a shared double room), meals, coffee-breaks, get-together, mobility ticket for the Basel public transport system, and VAT. Extras will have to be paid by participants. Upgrade to single-room accommodation or additional nights may be requested at own costs.

Relief from course fees
A limited number of Marie Curie Fellowships are available for junior scientists attending this course, which will cover course fees, accommodation costs including all meals and provide support towards travel costs. Candidates of all categories (including NCCR Members) that are eligible may apply for a fellowship. Details >>

Cancellation fees
Cancellation fees will be CHF 150.- (after September 15, 2007), and CHF 370.- (after October 10, 2008) for participants of all categories.