The principal theme of this workshop is the molecular and developmental biology of Drosophila. The various advantages of the fruit fly as an experimental system have made the analysis of Drosophila gene function during development one of the fastest growing fields in biology. One reason for this explosion is the fact that Drosophila offers a singular advantage, namely, the opportunity to approach particular questions using a combination of genetics, embryology, cellular and molecular biology. If we are to gain insight into the rules underlying metazoan development, a multidisciplinary experimental approach has obvious advantages. Yet, such an approach also poses the problem that it is not often the case that a researcher masters completely all those disciplines, or is aware of all the latest advances. Considering these facts, therefore, regular meetings of a diverse group of leading Drosophila workers are crucial. It is the intention of this EMBO workshop, entitled "The Molecular and Developmental Biology of Drosophila", to provide a forum for the free exchange of information and for the establishment of numerous collaborations between representatives of many of the major Drosophila laboratories from around the world. The modest funds provided will provide partial travel costs for approximately ten young American scientists to attend and actively participate in this highly regarded EMBO Workshop. The workshop itself is well-structured to effectively promote interdisciplinary exchange and to foster desirable collaboration. The participation of young U.S. scientists is highly desirable.
