Published by the Communications
and Development Department
24 November 2002
The future of meningococcal vaccines…risks of gene transfer…..
and research into new hiv/aids treatment. These are just some of the
‘hot science’ issues which will be covered in three days
of intense discussion at the Microbes and Molecules 2002 Conference
in Christchurch from November 26-29.
Nearly 300 top scientists from New Zealand and around the world will
gather at the University of Canterbury to share information about
leading-edge research into Physiology, Health and the Environment.
The Microbes and Molecules 2002 Conference addresses major scientific
discoveries and areas of research at the very frontiers of science.
Some of the key themes to be discussed are plants and human health,
genetics and the biology of BSE, the genetic basis of disease, horizontal
gene transfer, GE and biosecurity, antibiotic resistance.
"This meeting is an exciting grouping of our leading ‘life
scientists’ and will feature research which is shaping our world
and our health, and which will have a profound effect on our lives
in years to come," Dr Margret Vissers, from the organising committee,
said.
Microbes and Molecules 2002 brings together leading scientists representing
the NZ Society for BioChemistry and Molecular Biology, the N.Z. Microbiological
Society and the N.Z. Society of Plant Physiologists.
Seven international speakers will also address the conference on
leading-edge developments in their areas of research interest and
the impacts these are having on science, health and the environment
world-wide.
Keynote speaker is the 1997 winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry,
Sir John Walker from Cambridge University, UK. Sir John played a key
role in unravelling the enzyme mechanism behind the formation of the
whole basis of biological energy in cells, adenosine triphosphate
or ATP. ATP is vital for all physiological functions, including the
building of cells, muscle contraction, and transmission of nerve messages.
Every day one person uses a quantity ATP the equivalent of one and
a half times their body weight.
Sir John Walker will speak at the opening of the conference on Wednesday
27 at 0900 where he will describe the work that led to the Nobel Prize.
Other key speakers at the conference of public interest are:
Professor Philip Hogg, University of New South Wales, Sydney.
Prof. Hogg has designed and developed an oral compound that inhibits
the exchange of proteins involved in HIV-AIDS and cancer. This could
have a significant effect on the treatment of HIV. Clinical trials
will start next year.
Dr Rino Rappuoli, Iris/Chiron, Italy.
Dr Rappuloi is an expert on commercial vaccine development and will
speak on the future of Meningococcal B vaccines and the Meningococcus
genome. This is of topical interest with N.Z. now trialling a meningococcal
vaccine. Thursday 28. 1430
Dr Peter Pockley. Science Writer and Broadcaster, Sydney.
Dr Pockley is the former Australia and New Zealand correspondent for
‘Nature’ magazine and contributes to a wide range of print
and broadcast media on science issue. Recently he covered the Royal
Commission on Genetic Modification. He will speak on how regulations
and the law affect scientists in the laboratory . Session Thursday
28. 1600-1730
Howard Pharo. National Adviser,Risk Analysis, MAF, Wellington
Dr Pharo has wide international experience in veterinary medicine
and provides technical advice in such critical areas as disease control
and risk analysis. He will speak on regulations and the scientist,
and measures in place to avoid a foot and mouth epidemic in N.Z. Thursday
28. 1500
Dr Jack Heinemann. University of Canterbury
Dr Heinemann will chair a session on the controversial subject of
horizontal gene transfer with GMOs and the risks involved. Areas covered
will be conditions that create the opportunity for HGT, how it happens,
techniques for monitoring and assessing impacts. Session Friday 29,
1030-1200
Microbes and Molecules 2002 will also present three National Award
lectures:
“The Riddle of Rheumatic Fever- Does N.Z. Provide Some Answers?”
Diana Martin. N.Z. Microbiological Society. Wednesday 27. 1630.
“Genetic Analysis of Ovine Reproductive Traits”
Dr Sue Galloway. N.Z Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
“Topic: Plant stress responses”
N.Z. Society of Plant Physiologists. Dr Andrew Allan.
Other areas of possible public interest are sessions on Plants and
Human Health, Campylobacter and Public Health, BSE and Prion Diseases,
Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance, Resistance and Antifungals.
The conference is being held in the Commerce Conference Centre at
the University of Canterbury. A programme can be downloaded from the
website www.conference.canterbury.ac.nz/microbes2002 or obtained from
contacts below.
For further information, abstracts of papers, and
interviews contact:
Dr Margret Vissers
Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences
University of Otago.
Ph: work (03) 364 0577, home (03) 385 6796
margret.vissers@chmeds.ac.nz
or
Conference Administration (03) 364 2645
or
Contact for Conference dates 26-29th November
University of Canterbury (03) 366 7001 ext 4804 025 364 167
