Instruct-ERIC workshop on Computational Approaches in Integration of Structural Biology Techniques

On October 8 – 10, the Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences organised an Instruct – ERIC workshop on Computational Approaches in Integration of Structural Biology Techniques with a total of 20 registered participants and 18 speakers.

The workshop provided a unique opportunity to communicate and also discuss the latest in selected structural biology techniques, have the participants see instruments at work and discuss practical issues around sample properties and data acquisition. It hosted several excellent speakers and developers of structural biology techniques, and also scientists performing integrative structural biology studies at high level. The event enabled mixing and sharing ideas between speakers and participants and also gave rise to new potential research collaborations. Seventeen lectures provided an overview of the current structural biology methods, new developments and scientific results. The participants gained practical experience with advanced mass spectrometry, biophysical methods, crystallization and X-ray diffraction and SAXS during four tutorials at instruments. Seven tutorials at computers helped develop computational skills and practical applications of algorithms devoted to either individual methods or integration of structural results. Teaching material was provided to the participants electronically, together with files and instructions for computational tutorials.