The Institute for Genomic Research has been granted funding for the Sixth and Seventh Conferences on Computational Genomics (CG2003 in Boston and CG2004 in the Baltimore/Washington Area). The goal of these conferences is to bring together leading scientists from around the world to discuss the latest advances in computational methods for analysis of genome sequences. The meetings address these topics from the perspective of biological scientists attempting to make sense of the vast quantities of genome sequence and expression data now becoming available. The intent of the meetings is to provide a forum for a combination of invited speakers, speakers selected from submitted abstracts, and poster presenters to discuss their work and exchange ideas. The topics include some of the most pressing issues facing genomics, bioinformatics, and the life sciences more broadly. The funding will provide student fellowships, in order to increase the amount of student participation the meetings. Increased attendance by students is tremendously valuable for the development of younger scientists and for the future of the field of bioinformatics.
