European Young Investigators Workshop

“Deciphering the Glycome – from synthesis to applications”

17th – 20th March 2013 – Berlin, Germany

Held jointly with the 7th Glycan-Forum

REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN

Chairs: Dr. M. Carmen Galan (University of Bristol, UK), Dr. Bruce Turnbull (University of Leeds, UK) and Dr. Daniel Varon Silva (Max Plank Institute, Germany)

Carbohydrates are one of the most diverse and important classes of biomolecules in nature. Oligosaccharides found on the surface of cells as part of glycoproteins and glycolipids play key roles in the control of a myriad of normal and pathological processes in living organisms. In order to understand glycan diversity and function, it is essential to have access to structurally defined oligosaccharides in sufficient purity and quantity. However, this is still a very challenging task. In recent years, advancements in carbohydrate synthesis, analysis and glycoarray technology have facilitated the development of chemical approaches to “glycomics” that provide a better understanding of the biological processes involving complex carbohydrates.

The main aim of the workshop is to foster a strong network of young carbohydrate chemists and glycobiologists who will form the next generation of European leaders in glycoscience. The meeting will bring together young European investigators (junior academics, young glycoscientists from industry, post-doctoral fellows and PhD Students) and internationally recognized leaders in the field of glycoscience to discuss the latest developments in oligosaccharide synthesis and its application to glycobiology and drug discovery, and future challenges for the field.

LIST OF TOPICS:

• Recent developments in chemical oligosaccharide synthesis
• Enzymatic oligosaccharide  synthesis
• Total syntheses of complex carbohydrates
• Unnatural oligosaccharides (C- and S- Glycosides, Fluorinated Oligosaccharides, imino sugars)
• Carbohydrate mimetics (Enzyme inhibition, new drugs)
• Carbohydrates as chiral synthons in natural product synthesis
• Carbohydrates and catalysis (ligands, solid supports, organocatalysts)
• Supramolecular chemistry and recognition of carbohydrates
• Multivalent glycoconjugates
• Glycopolymers
• Biomass energy from carbohydrates
• Glycobiology
• Glycoarray technology Glycomics