The Biochemical Topical Group of the New York Section of the American Chemical Society in collaboration with the Biochemical Pharmacology discussion Group (BPDG) of The New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) had an active and successful year. The combined group represents a diversity of scientists interested in biochemistry, molecular biology, drug discovery, biomedical research and related areas.  Members are from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and from university and medical center research facilities across the Eastern United States.

We sponsored eight symposia in 2007, including two full-day programs. All but one was held at the NYAS in its new spectacular home on the 40th floor of 7 World Trade Center. Our September full-day symposium was at the Lighthouse International Conference Center in mid-town New York, at no cost to the ACS. Approximately 80-100 scientists attended each.

The topics and speakers for these symposia are selected by vote of the membership from approximately 25 potential programs proposed by members of the Steering Committee.  The proposed programs are based on many more submitted (any scientist may propose a program).  The scientists who suggest the topic then chair that meeting, with support from the Steering Committee.  This selection process results in arranging programs of special interest to the membership, with shared responsibilities for their success.  The Programs are announced each month in The Indicator to ensure that all New York and North Jersey ACS members are informed.

Each half-day symposium included 5-6 speakers and 8 scientists presented at the full-day May and September symposia. Coffee breaks in the middle of each session provided opportunities for interactions. The dates and topics of the symposia are summarized below and the full agenda and organizers of each program for 2007 are attached.

Barbara Petrack, Ph.D.
Chair, Biochemical Topical Group