Motivation

 Social program

 Objectives

 Organization

 Topics

 Contact

 Structure

 Venue

 Timeline

 Support

 Schedule

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Discuss the contribution of theoretical concepts and quantitative modeling to stem cell research (e.g. experimental design, data analysis, interpretation of experimental results, uncover latent mechanisms).

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Present and compare different modeling approaches and strategies and their relation to experimental settings. (Do we need new biomathematical and bioinformatical tools?)

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Highlight unresolved experimental observations which could (should) be analyzed using quantitative modeling techniques.

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We are aiming to summarize the results of the workshop in a joint publication of all participants.

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Stem cell dynamics: Self-organization versus pre-programmed development

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Definition of tissue stem cells: Genomic "versus" or "and" functional definition

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Stem cell plasticity: Tissue, lineage, and phenotype plasticity - different mechanisms, instances of one common principle, or just a "Fata morgana"?

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Molecular mechanisms of stem cell organization: Approaching an understanding of complex gene regulation networks

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Modeling techniques and strategies: Bridging the gap of biomathematics, statistics and bioinformatics

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2 day workshop with a maximum number of 25 presenting participants (giving a talk) and up to 15 non-presenting participants (guest auditors)

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No classical conference style; presentations will be included in round table discussions

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Presentations (25 minutes) should contain the researcher's personal view on a selection of theses on actual challenges in stem cell research (circulated before the workshop)

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Extended plenary discussions (45 minutes) in each session

Deadline for suggestions and ideas on topics: September, 2004

Application deadline for participation: December, 2004

Workshop outline and list of participants: January, 2005

Circulation of theses to be discussed in the workshop: February, 2005

Meeting agenda: April, 2005

Friday, May 27^th:

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Opening presentation by Markus Loeffler (9:00 am - 9:30 am)

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Morning session (9:30 am - 12:25 am): Stem cell plasticity

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Afternoon session (2:00 pm - 6:10 pm): Stem cell dynamics

Saturday, May 28^th:

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Morning session (8:30 am - 12:40 am): Molecular mechanisms of stem cell development

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Afternoon session (2:15 pm - 5:10 pm): Cellular communication and cell - cell interaction

Friday, May 27^th:

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7:30 pm: Beer garden

Saturday, May 28^th:

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6:30 pm: Guided city tour

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7:30 pm: Workshop reception at Lotter & Widemann in the Old City Hall of Leipzig
(possibility of dining)