Florida Tech Set to Host 2015 Florida Worm Meeting
Gathering on Nematode Used for Renowned Research Draws 80 Scientists
MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Institute of Technology will convene the first-ever meeting of 18 different research laboratories from 11 different institutions in Florida to discuss C. elegans, the nematode worm. An estimated 80 scientists, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students are expected to attend.
The 2015 Florida Worm Meeting will be held in the auditorium of the Olin Life Sciences Building on the Florida Tech campus on Saturday, May 16. The event opens at 10 a.m. with registration and refreshments, and the final session concludes at 6:30 p.m.
The nematode worm, C. elegans, is one of the most studied and best understood animal models for genetics, aging, development, neurobiology and parasite-related research. Research using C. elegans has led to many scientific advances and has been recognized with three Nobel Prizes.
The meeting will feature scientific talks, a poster session and networking opportunities, all helping to bring together a community of researchers using a common model system. Additionally, the meeting will provide an important educational and training experience for students in broad and cutting-edge research areas.
“I have been overwhelmed by the level of interest and excitement for this meeting,” said Eric Guisbert, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Tech and a meeting co-organizer. “Gatherings like this have the potential to generate new ideas and new collaborations, re-energize scientists and inspire the next generation of researchers.”
It is anticipated that this meeting will serve as the first of many annual meetings for the C. elegans research community in Florida and eventually the Southeastern region.
Support for the meeting has been provided by the Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Knudra Transgenics, and the College of Science and Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Tech.
The meeting is open to the public. Find more information at http://floridawormmeeting.weebly.com/.
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