Description
Conference Host and Organizer: 'GPCR Pharmacology: Activation, Signalling, and Drug Design'. Riddel Hall. October 28-30, 2019. The inaugural meeting of the European Research Network on Signal Transduction (ERNEST) was funded by COST (Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action (CA18133).150 delegates from 31 countries attended the meeting, which made our conference a truly international event. This meeting focused on recent advances in knowledge and technology in the field. The conference began with a welcoming talk from Dr. Irina Tikhonova. She was followed by Prof David Jones, who spoke about development strategies, the importance of networking with scientists from different countries, and the worthwhile tourist attractions of the host city.
The President of the British Pharmacological Society, Prof Steve Hill (University of Nottingham) gave the Opening Talk. He emphasized the new technologies available for the study of GPCRs, current challenges in pharmacology, future strategies for the community, and the importance of supporting early-career scientists.
Scientific highlights of the meeting included recent advancements in cryo-electron microscopy, which is currently revolutionizing the field; how artificial intelligence and big data could drive pharmacology; the development of a multi-dimensional map of GPCR signal transduction and an overview of the IUPHAR / BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY database.
The meeting had great networking opportunities and cultural experiences. On the first evening, a Welcome Reception with Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Peter McReynolds took place at the Belfast City Hall. Michael Livingstone, a local historian, and Dr. Aidan Seeley from the British Pharmacological Society gave the welcoming lectures. On the second evening, the Conference Dinner with traditional Irish dancing and music took place at the Great Hall.
External sponsors sponsored the conference: Belfast City Hall, Visit Belfast, British Pharmacological Society, ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science, Boehringer Ingelheim, Sosei Heptares, Nanotemper Technologies, and Crelux, WuXi AppTec Company.
| Period | 28 Oct 2019 → 30 Oct 2019 |
|---|---|
| Event type | Conference |