Entropy in Biomolecular Systems

August 10th – 16th, 2008

Abstract:

Entropic contributions to protein folding, enzymatic activation or ligand binding are notoriously difficult to treat and conceptualize both experimentally and theoretically. Indeed, the majority of mechanisms in structural biology are still inferred from single static X-ray structures or from computer simulations of single events. The concept of the thermodynamic ensemble for conformations or transition paths is thus often disregarded and enthalpic contributions are overemphasized over the equally important entropic ones. By bringing together experts from computational biophysics, structural biology, statistical mechanics and mathematics, this summer workshop aims at addressing some of the central challenges inherent in experimental and theoretical treatments of entropy in biomolecular systems. Particular focus will be on computational approaches to calculate different entropic contributions peculiar to biomolecular systems such as, for example, the conformational entropy of proteins. Overall, the workshop will attempt to define, probe and critically assess those areas where a synergy of experimental and theoretical/computational approaches might bring about the most significant advances.

Lecturers and moderators:

Arieh Ben-Naim, Hebrew University, Israel
Hagai Meirovitch, University of Pittsburgh, USA
Paolo de los Rios, EPFL, Switzerland
Jürgen Schlitter, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
Chris Oostenbrink, Vrije Universiteit, The Netherlands
Michel Cuendet, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Switzerland
Riccardo Baron, University of California at San Diego, USA
Bojan Žagrović, Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences, Croatia

Workshop programme:

Entropy Workshop Programme

Prerequisites:

Senior researchers, postdocs or graduate students (Masters or PhD) in biophysics (computational or experimental), structural biology, biophysical chemistry, statistical mechanics and related areas.

Fee:

300 Euro before July 1st

500 Euro (late registration)

The fee includes 6 days of full-board accommodation with 3 meals (+ coffee/snacks) per day.

Lack of financial support should not prevent you from applying! A limited number of fellowships will be available. Applicants seeking a fellowship should explain the reasons for that in their motivation letter.