Isotopic Probes for Mechanisms in the Chemical and Life Sciences

Jacob Bigeleisen provided a physical explanation for isotope effects on reaction rates, and was the organizer of the first Gordon Research Conference on the Chemistry and Physics of Isotopes held in 1954. This GRC has long emphasized the use of isotopic labels in the study of organic and inorganic reaction mechanisms. In more recent years the conference has come to recognize the importance of isotopes in the biological sciences. This includes applications of isotopes in medicine, in the determination of protein structure and dynamics; and, the use of isotopic probes in studies on enzymatic reaction mechanisms.

The 2010 conference will recognize the importance of isotopes in the determination of reaction mechanisms. Sessions will be devoted to the use of isotopic probes in the elucidation of organic and enzymatic reaction mechanisms, and to recent studies that feature analyses of heavy atom isotope effects. A pair of sessions will be devoted to computational modeling of isotope effects, and to theoretical treatments of hydrogen transfer reactions. Two sessions of topical interest will highlight the use of isotopic probes in medicine and in genomic enzymology. This conference has traditionally recognized those responsible for its vitality through special sessions. A session is planned for 2010 that features the work of students and colleagues of Dick Schowen. Finally, the Thursday evening session will feature “Isotopes at the Frontiers of Science”.

This conference is very interested in providing younger scientists with a forum in which to present their work. Poster presentations are strongly encouraged and eight poster presenters will be invited to give oral presentations.