Harnessing interdisciplinary education in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Abstract

The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) is excited to announce their 2019 Education Conference! This conference will be held on November 13–15, 2019 at The Manila Hotel, Manila City, Philippines with a theme, Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. IUBMB is committed to improving education and training in biochemistry and molecular biology at all levels throughout the world—IUBMB aims to champion and enhance education. After the tremendous success of the 2017 “New Horizons in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Education conference” that was held in Israel in conjunction with the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) and the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel), IUBMB is dedicated to supporting a biochemistry and molecular biology education conference every 2 years. These education conferences will engage a range of biochemistry and molecular biology societies and organizations in different geographical regions of the world. The 2019 conference is being organized in conjunction with the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB) and the Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSBMB). The organizing committee is Prof. Janet Macaulay (Chair, IUBMB Committee for Education and Training), Prof. Gracia Fe B Yu (FAOBMB Education Chair), and Prof. Francisco M. Heralde III (President PSBMB). This 3-day event will provide a great venue for educators to meet, discuss, and build international collaborations. The conference will be an exciting opportunity to gain new insights and for planning biochemistry and molecular biology education in the future under an interdisciplinary background. Education at all levels will be discussed—from K-12 to undergraduate and onto graduate and post-doctoral levels. Highlights will include plenary lectures from world-renowned educators, interactive round table discussions, mini lectures, and open discussion forums. Session topics include the challenges and innovative solutions in teaching biochemistry at different levels and in study programs with varied vocational outcomes, the increasing need for continuing education in industry, publishing in education, and the future of science education. Confirmed speakers include: Prof. Gisela Concepcion, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines; Prof. Paul Craig, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA; Prof. Hakan Orer, Koc University Istanbul, Turkey; Prof. Phillip A. Ortiz, Editor-in-Chief, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education; Prof. Phil Poronnik, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Prof. Joseph Provost, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA; Prof. Anat Yarden, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel; Prof. Rongwu Yang, Nanjing University, People's Republic of China; Prof. Evelyn Mae Mendoza, University of the Philippines, Los Banos, Philippines, and Prof. Xiaoyun Lu, Chinese University of Hong Kong. Additional speakers will be selected from the abstract submissions. Details of other speakers and sessions are available on the conference website. Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay. It is the center of economy, culture, education, government, and entertainment. Manila has been ranked as one of the best shopping destinations in Asia. Historic places include Intramuros, the walled city built by the Spaniards in 1571, which is the home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the San Agustin Church and Museum built in 1604, and Manila Cathedral and Fort Santiago. Museums recommended to visit include the National Museum in Rizal Park and Ayala Museum in Makati City. The Cultural Center of the Philippines located in Manila incudes the Philippine International Convention Center, the Mall of Asia and the Entertainment City, which houses the grand hotels and casinos. Registration is now open (early bird registration closes August 31, 2019). Abstract submission deadline is July 31, 2019. The conference presents an outstanding program with dedicated educators from around the world. We look forward to welcoming all those interested in the teaching and learning of biochemistry and molecular biology, at all levels, to the conference and to the Philippines. Further information can be found at the conference website: https://www.psbmb.org/iubmb2019ph.html