National Science Foundation (NSF) funded workshop on

gene expression, metabolome analysis and data evaluation

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), the University of Illinois and the International Potato Center (CIP) are organizing a workshop on gene expression, metabolome analysis and data evaluation (bioinformatics) with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) open for Peruvian nationals.

DateMay 2006 (to be confirmed)

Duration4 weeks

VenueVirginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA, and University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA

LanguageEnglish and Spanish

CostsAll costs (travel, accommodation) are covered by the National Science Foundation (NSF)

Research topicDrought response candidate genes, pathways, and metabolites of Andean Solanum subspecies compared to those in S. tuberosum. Comparison of gene expression and metabolome patterns in greenhouse-stressed versus field –grown genotypes.

GoalThrough working on a real world research project, participants will learn and apply techniques used in gene expression, metabolome analysis, and bioinformatics.

ProgramGenotypes selected for differing drought tolerance are grown in a greenhouse at Virginia Tech, and subjected to drought stress. In parallel, the same genotypes are drought stressed under field conditions in Peru.

In the first 3 weeks, the workshop participants will isolate RNA from the experimental plants, perform microarray and Real Time PCR experiments, learn different techniques of data analysis, and will apply the data mining tool EXPRESSO.

The last week will be spent on metabolome analysis in Andean potato at the University of Illinois..

PrerequisitesWorkshop participants should have:

University degree in biology or in a related field

Basic laboratory skills

Skills in spoken English essential.

Peruvian nationality

ParticipantsWe welcome applications from the following:

Priority is given to graduate students who are working in gene expression analysis (biology or bioinformatics) and can apply the skills acquired during the workshop directly in their work.

 Post-doctoral fellows in plant sciences

Scientists who have recently accomplished their University degree are also welcome.

ApplicationPlease fill out the attached application form and send it by e-mail to Dr. Thomas Zschocke () with the subject “NSF workshop”

DeadlineFriday, December 16, 2005

AnnouncementThursday, December 22, 2005

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Application form

Personal information

Name

Date of birth

/ (Month, Day, Year)

Gender

/ (Female) (Male)
Mailing address
City
Phone
E-mail
Academic background
University degree
Name of university
Field of study
Date of graduation
(Month, Year)
English language proficiency
(Excellent) (Good) (Fair)

Current employment information

Professional status
Research field
Name of employer
Name of supervisor
Mailing address
City
Phone
E-mail

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Personal statement
Please give details of any technical expertise you have with gene expression, metabolome analysis and data evaluation (bioinformatics).
Please explain how you could apply the genomic, bioinformatic and metabolomic skills acquired in this workshop in your professional work.

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