BioIron serves as the premier forum for presenting the latest research findings by the community of scientists and clinicians investigating the basic biology and applied pathophysiology related to iron. The BioIron meetings are organized by the International BioIron Society, which is dedicated to forwarding research in this field. BioIron is the only setting where young investigators can obtain a comprehensive view and perspective of this area of research. It will feature the most renowned scientists and clinical researchers from around the world and provide an opportunity for critique, collegiality, and collaboration with young investigators in this vibrant area of biomedical research.
We are requesting support for the Seventh Conference of the International BioIron Society (IBIS) to be held in Los Angeles, CA, from May 7 to May 11, 2017. The funds will be used to support conference participation by young United States investigators, post-doctoral fellows and students, selected on the basis of outstanding abstracts. 'Young investigators? will be defined as scientists under 40 who have not acted as principal investigators on an RO1 grant or its financial equivalent. The BioIron conference has taken place every two years, rotating between countries on different continents, and hosted by local institutions with an active research program in iron biology. BioIron has served as the major forum for comprehensive presentation and discussion of advances in iron biology as relevant to iron-related diseases (heritable iron overload and deficiency disorders, secondary iron-loading erythropoietic disorders, inflammatory and infectious conditions), as well as novel biomarkers or therapeutic targets related to these diseases. The clinically translatable aspects of iron biology will be a major emphasis at the 2017 conference. NIH and NIDDK priorities have been specifically taken into account in its planning. In addition to a broad overview of the current state-of-the-art in iron pathobiology, the program will highlight novel advances relevant to diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as the pathogenesis of diseases in which iron plays an important (even if indirect) exacerbating role. To particularly address the needs of young investigators, we will have sessions to broaden the participants' knowledge base (clinical aspects for basic scientists and vice versa). We have organized 'Meet the Experts' sessions to foster and promote interactions between young and established investigators. We have included smaller more intimate satellite meetings on specialized topics to be held on the final day. We are confident BioIron 2017 will provide a forum of great value to those newly entering our field. We hope it will serve as a catalyst for success of particular value to individuals in groups historically disadvantaged in developing their investigative careers. IBIS is grateful for the support provided by the National Institutes of Health for previous BioIron meetings, and hopes to again facilitate the opportunity for young promising investigators to join in our vibrant exchanges.
