Indian Institute of Science has been selected to host the 10th Congress of the Federation of Asian and Oceanic Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB), which is stated to be a premium event of its kind in biochemistry and molecular biology. The five-day event is a platform for scientific sessions and will be held between December 7 to 11 2003 at the JN Tata auditorium with major support and sponsorship by the department of biotechnology, government of India.

The scientific sessions will cover the traditional areas of biochemistry and molecular biology. The event, which is promoted by the Society of Biological Chemists, International Union of Biochemists and Biologists, will provide an opportunity to exchange new ideas in modern biology for with scientists representing from 50 countries. There will be 29 panel symposia and 7 plenary talks and 100 delegates congregating to deliberate on topics ranging from biological membranes to plant genomics, nuclear dynamics of cancer, neuro- generative disorders and biochemical education in the post genomic era.

Prof V Nagaraja, department of microbiology and cell biology IISc and secretary, 10th Congress of the Federation of Asian and Oceanic Biochemists and Molecular Biologists said that this is the second time the event is being held in India and it is the ultimate for scientific community to be a part of the event that is expected throw light on every aspect of biology, cancer and infectious diseases.

The plenary lectures will be delivered by Dr. Barry Marshal from Australia, Prof. Roger Reddel, medical oncologist, Dr. Takuji Sasaki, Japan, Dr. Kiaran Kirk, Canberra, Prof. M Vijayan, associate director, IISc and professor, Molecular Biophysics Unit, Dr. Shigekazu Nagata, Japan, and Dr. N Inder Varma, USA.

There will be an exhibition also arranged along with the 10th Congress of the Federation of Asian and Oceanic Biochemists and Molecular Biologists. It will create an opportunity for delegates to discuss their needs directly with the manufacturers of scientific equipment and peripherals.

Another feature of the 10th Congress of the Federation of Asian and Oceanic Biochemists and Molecular Biologists is the satellite meeting held in different cities in the country. These meetings provide a chance for the participants at the Congress to attend smaller, more specialised symposium in their research specialities.