Structure-Function Relations in Viruses and Virus-Like Materials

The inception of the GRC on Physical Virology in 2009 was born of the desire to bring together scientists with an interest in applying a multidisciplinary approach that includes biology, biophysics, chemistry, mathematics, material science, physics, and virology, to understanding the basic biology of viruses. While this diversity in disciplines is a plus, it posed challenges because of the poor communication between the disciplines. The goal of this conference was thus to bring together, for a first time, the physical, biological, and materials perspectives that was driving the research in the field of viruses as multifunctional systems with increasing utility in material science and biomedicine. Significantly, a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), organized by graduate students and held in conjunction with the parent GRC meeting on the same topic, provided the opportunity for young scientists to present their work to their peers and senior scientists in the field. Interest and attendance of joint meetings has continued to grow, and in this the 5th biennial GRC Physical Virology meeting, the first to be held at a European site, the emphasis will continue to have the following objectives: 1. To provide a forum for virologists, bioengineers, chemists, materials scientists, physicists, biologists, and clinicians to present current research on the fundamental understanding of the relationship between virus structure and function. 2. To initiate interdisciplinary collaborative interactions between scientists interested in biological, biomedical, colloidal, and self-assembled materials to facilitate the design of advanced materials, with a particular focus on applications in health care. 3. To establish opportunities for fostering biomedical and industrial applications of virus-derived materials. 4. To provide an opportunity for young scientists (graduate students and postdoctoral fellows) to present their research results and interact with established members of the field.