Melbourne to host the International Conference on Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology

Melbourne, Australia is to host the International Conference on Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology in 2007. The event is the second major international science event Melbourne has won this month, following Innovation Minister, John Brumby’s announcement last week that Melbourne had won the 2008 International Conference on Human Brain Mapping.

The two event wins follow the enormous success of the International Congress of Genetics that included six Nobel laureates and 2,700 international scientists, also held in Melbourne during July.

The International Conference on Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology is expected to attract more than 600 science delegates and generate over $4 million for the Victorian economy.

First held in the 1960s, the International Conference on Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology is now the most important event in yeast research.

Professor Ian Macreadie, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO and Adjunct Professor RMIT University, convened the local effort to bring the event to Melbourne.

“The bid for this event had the support of the Australian community of yeast researchers, the Government at various levels, as well as strong support from CSIRO, Australian Universities and Research Institutions,” Professor Macreadie said.

“With advancements in genome sequencing of yeasts and fungi, yeasts have become model systems for genome evolution. Yeasts are excellent model systems in cell and molecular biology and outstanding tools in advancing our understanding of how a living cell functions.

“Yeasts are also the most important microorganisms in biotechnology. Along with traditional applications such as in baking, wine making, and brewing, modern uses of yeast such as in protein production are now being improved using the tools of functional genomics,” he said.

“In protein production, modern technologies using yeast, which is the main source of human insulin and Hepatitis B vaccine, are saving millions of lives.

“We are delighted that this event is coming to Melbourne. Australia has a significant capability and will be able to contribute to this conference, and benefit from the global networking opportunity an event such as this brings.”

Professor Ian Dawes, Scientia Professor of Genetics, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, was a key supporter at the presentation in Goteburg, Sweden, last week.

The conference win is another credit to the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau's (MCVB) Think Victoria, Think Melbourne campaign, which Mr Brumby launched last year.

“Winning this event once again highlights our reputation as a hub for research, science and technology – and as a top business events city,” said Mike Williams, General Manager Sales and Marketing, MCVB.

“The Think Victoria, Think Melbourne campaign, aims to showcase Victoria’s expertise, knowledge and facilities in disciplines such as medicine and science, and to secure more international business events for Victoria.”

MCVB has won 60 event bids that will take place between 2003 and 2020. The total number of delegates for these events accumulates to over 60,100. These delegates will spend almost $150 million in the local economy and generate almost 200,000 room nights. The total economic impact of these events on the Victorian economy is estimated to be $270 million.