Biocatalysis in the Food and Drinks Industries 3rd International Conference 24-26 September 2006 Wageningen, The Netherlands organised by Wageningen University and Research Centre, the Graduate School VLAG and the Section on Applied Biocatalysis of the European Federation of Biotechnology |
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Background
Mankind has used biocatalysts since thousands of years for the production of bread, cheese and wine, without knowing what was going on on a molecular level. Research in recent times has lead to a tremendous increase in the knowledge about the functioning of the microbial cells and enzymes that are responsible for the reactions which are so important for the production of tasty food and drinks. This knowledge opened the possibilities to optimise the 'old' processes by the introduction of novel enzymes during the processing, in order to increase the yield of desired flavours, to improve the texture of the product, and the like. In addition, the fact that enzymes and microbial cells are Nature's own catalysts makes them the preferred systems for the production of compounds like flavours and vitamins, which can be added to food and drinks to improve their taste and nutritional value.
This international symposium aims to give an overview of the latest developments of the use of biocatalysts for the production of tastier and healthier food and drinks. An international panel of renowned speakers from industry, academia and research institutions has been invited to lecture about their most recent findings. Short lectures will be given based on submitted abstracts of the participants, and there will be a poster session. In addition, a special session will report results of a recently completed EU-project MAXFUN, where use of enzyme-aided technologies were developed to increase levels of phenolic compounds in berry and wine processing.
Wageningen University has been chosen as the venue for this symposium because it has a long tradition in biocatalysis research, especially for food applications. The mission of the university is to develop and disseminate the scientific knowledge needed to sustainably supply society's demand for sufficient, healthy food and a good environment for humans, animals and plants.
Scientific committee
Programme committee
Secretariat
The Graduate School VLAG
Ms. Yvonne Smolders
P.O. Box 8129
6700 EV Wageningen
The Netherlands
Tel. +31 317 485108
Fax +31 317 483342
Yvonne.Smolders@wur.nl
www.vlaggraduateschool.nl/bfdi
Sponsors
The following organisations allocated financial support to the Conference:
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Conference format
In this third international conference, organised by Wageningen University and Research Centre, the Graduate School VLAG and ESAB, leading scientists will present lectures. There will be six sessions and a poster session. All posters will be displayed from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon. In the last session the EC-funded project MAXFUN "Novel enzyme-aided extraction technologies for maximized yield and functionality of bioactive components of consumer products and ingredients from by-products" will disseminate its results.
Programme topics
The preliminary programme and a schematic overview of the programme are available in pdf.
Invited speakers
Oral presentations and Poster presentations
Participants are invited to submit abstracts (maximum length 300 words) for short oral presentations (30 minutes) or for posters which will describe recent advances in the study and application of biocatalysts in the food and drinks industry. Electronic submission of abstracts is required.
Go to the abstract form.
Rules for abstract submission
Abstracts for oral presentations should be submitted before 22 May 2006. Authors will be notified about the allocation of their contribution by 15 June 2006. Abstracts submitted for consideration as oral papers, for which there is no space in the programme of lectures, will automatically be considered for poster presentation. All selected abstracts will be collected in an abstract book, which will be available at the registration desk.
Abstracts for poster presentations should be submitted before 15 August 2006
Poster prize
A poster prize will be available for young scientists. The prize will be awarded for the best three posters in which results are presented in a clear and attractive way, and therefore stimulate discussion.
Call for exhibition
There will be a limited number of exhibition stands for companies and related organisations who may wish to exhibit. For further information please contact the conference secretariat.
Date & duration
The conference will be held from 24-26 September 2006.
Language
The conference language will be English.
Location & accommodation
The conference will take place in the Wageningen International Conference Centre (WICC). Wageningen is located 5 kms from the railway station of Ede-Wageningen. The conference centre can be reached by train (railway station Ede-Wageningen) and bus/taxi in less than two hours from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (see for train schedules: www.ns.nl).
The organising committee has blocked a sufficient number of hotel rooms at the WICC. The costs of bed/breakfast are € 71 (WICC, single room) or € 83.50 (WIR, single room). Participants have to book their own room. Hotel reservation is handled by WICC-WIR, see www.wicc.nl. Please mention booking code BFDI. Reservation after 1 August 2006 will not guarantee accommodation.
Important dates
| 22 May 2006 | Deadline for submission of abstracts for oral presentations |
| 15 June 2006 | Notification about assignation of oral/poster presentations |
| 1 August 2006 | Deadline for guaranteed accommodation at the Conference Centre |
| 15 August 2006 | Deadline for submission of abstracts for poster presentations |
Registration
To register please complete the electronic reply form preferably before 15 June 2006. Registration will be accepted in the order in which registration form (and payment) is received.
Fees
Registration fees excluding hotel accommodation:
| before 15 June, 2006 | after 15 June, 2006 | |
| Industry participant fee: | € 600 | € 650 |
| Non-profit organisations/University staff/Postdocs fee: | € 400 | € 450 |
| PhD student fee: | € 250 | € 300 |
The course fee includes abstract book, welcome buffet, coffee/tea during breaks, lunches and a conference dinner on Monday.
For participants from East European countries, a limited number of grants is available. These grants include the conference fee and accommodation costs.
Payment
Applicants will be notified on acceptance of their registration and will receive instructions for payment and further information after 15 June 2006.
Cancellations may be made free of charge until 24 August 2006. After this date the charge will be 25 % of the fee paid or due. Substitutions may be made at any time.