The protein databases contain an exponentially growing number of sequences as a result of the recent increase in ease and decrease in cost of genome sequencing. The rate of data accumulation far exceeds the rate of functional studies, producing an increase in genomic 'dark matter,' sequences for which no precise and validated function is defined. Join the Enzyme Function Initiative (EFI) at the IGB to learn how to use the tools they developed to identify, explore, and leverage the protein and genome databases for discovery of the in vitro activities and in vivo functions of novel enzymes and proteins belonging to the 'dark matter.'

Register here to attend.

Learn about IGB research, hear about current issues in the life sciences, and connect with other students on campus at the annual Fellows Symposium. With keynotes lectures from Dr. Elaine Ostrander, Chief & NIH Distinguished Investigator, National Human Genome Research Institute and former IGB Fellow Dr. Sarah London, Department of Psychology, University of Chicago. Register for free at fellows.igb.illinois.edu.

Opening Keynote: May 1, Symposium and Workshop: May 2-3, Hackathon: May 3

Registration through cropsinsilico.org/2019-annual-meeting

Cari Vanderpool, PhD
University of Illinois; Department of Microbiology; IGB Faculty, Microbiome Metabolic Engineering

"Exploring Bacterial Gene Regulatory Networks - From Molecules to Cells"

The IGB’s Art of Science program celebrates the common ground between science and art, comprising images from IGB’s research portfolio. This year’s exhibit takes place in a new venue and centers around a theme of comparisons.

Paul Jensen, PhD
Professor, Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
UC San Diego

"Natural Products and the Gene Cluster Revolution"

Kingsley Boateng
Senior Research Specialist, IGB Core Facilities

"3D Serial Blockface – SEM & Amira Segmentation"

Robert S. Altman, PhD
Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneur-In-Residence
Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Chicago

“A Scientist Can Make a Great Entrepreneur”

Mikel Hernaez
IGB Director of Computational Genomics

"Reverse Engineering the Human Transcriptome and its Future Applications to Metastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer"