Welcome

Dear Colleagues,

The Fourth International Conference on Cofactors (ICC-04: Cofactor-dependent proteins:
evolution, chemical diversity and bio-applications
) will take place at the “Casa della Musica” (Music Hall), University of Parma, Parma, Italy, from August 25th to August 28th, 2014. The meeting combines the past ‘Symposium on Vitamin B6, PQQ, Carbonyl Catalysis and Quinoproteins’ and ‘The Congress on Vitamins and Related Biofactors’, also formerly known as ‘Interdisciplinary Conference on Vitamins, Coenzymes, and Biofactors’.

The conference will include sessions on pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-, NAD- and flavin-dependent enzymes, quinones and quinoproteins, heme-containing proteins and enzymes, biosynthesis of biofactors, biomedical aspects of vitamins and biofactors and special sessions dedicated to neurological disorders and drug development targeting cofactor-dependent enzymes.

We are eager to organize an exciting program with world-class keynote speakers and a lot of space dedicated to talented young researchers and discussion. We plan  i) to provide considerable time for  round table discussions and poster presentations in order to stimulate new collaborations, ii) to organize sections mixing different expertise ranging from cellular biochemistry to biophysics, and iii) to link  basic science to biomedical research for the understanding of diseases and for the development of novel therapeutic  strategies.

We are very pleased that Parma, Italy, has been selected to host the ICC-04.  This choice probably is due to the reputation of Parma as a place of great music, beautiful historical buildings and … excellent food.  Therefore, we are organizing a program that will mix together science and local culture, in order to provide you with a terrific and unforgettable experience. Specifically, the social program will include a tour of Parma's famous medieval buildings. At the end of August, the weather in Parma is usually very pleasant. Appennines for excursions and beaches for refreshment are very close (an hour trip).

The University of Parma was founded more than 900 years ago (http://www.unipr.it/), employs about 1000 researchers and counts 18 departments involved in intense scientific and teaching activities in many fields, including biology, drug development, food analysis, processing and packaging, medicine, and humanities.

We are inviting you to join us at the ICC-04 and to contribute to its success with your expertise, friendship, thoughts, comments, discussion, and excellent science.

We are looking forward to meeting you in Parma,


President                                   
Andrea Mozzarelli                   
University of Parma                
Parma, Italy                       

Co-President
Loredano Pollegioni
University of Insubria
Varese, Italy

 

 

ICC-04