About
The Southeast Enzyme Conference (SEC) is one of the largest enzyme conferences and the only enzyme conference dedicated to the Southeast Region of the United States. Originally intended for the southeast region of the United States, the SEC, with a vibrant number of ~200 attendees annually, currently boasts over 25 represented U.S. States, with international presence since its inception.
Intellectual Merit
The SEC, which was established in 2010, is an opportunity for researchers in the field of enzymology to initiate scientific discussions and set up valuable collaborations. The conference provides a unique forum for young investigators and early-career scientists to present their research and meet other investigators in the field of enzymology. Increasing student interest at all levels in the field of enzymology is a critical aim of the SEC.
The main objectives of the conference are:
1) to provide an interactive venue to present, discuss, and debate the latest topics in the field of enzymology
2) to provide a setting for young investigators to present their research
3) to enhance diversity by introducing students from underrepresented groups in the sciences to the field of enzymology.
The conference has already led to critical contacts between researchers in the Southeast region. The scientific scope of the conference is broad, encompassing the relationship between enzyme structure and function, the role of dynamics in catalysis, the mechanisms of biological oxidations, the regulation and evolution of novel pathways, computational enzymology, bioinformatics, and the use of enzymes as biocatalysts.
Broader Impacts
The SEC was initiated due to a critical mass of enzymologists in the region. The conference brings researchers together with a similar interest in understanding the mechanistic and structural properties of enzymes. The SEC provides a unique opportunity for scientific exchange and collegial interactions among researchers working at the forefront of all aspects of enzymology. The collegial, informal atmosphere of this one-day event is highly effective in fostering the free exchange of ideas. Establishing collaborations with colleagues, often within driving distance, promotes new research directions for investigators. The speakers for the conference are undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and junior faculty, with a very high proportion of speakers and discussion leaders being women and members of underrepresented groups in science. The Southeast has a large number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Researchers at HBCUs working in the field of enzymology are personally contacted and encouraged to attend the conference with their students. In addition to the oral presentations, there are two poster sessions to increase scientific dialogue and promote collaborations among investigators at all levels. The event allows students, postdocs, and faculty members to interact and provides important networking opportunities and intellectual development.
The organizers identify that understanding how enzymes catalyze complex reactions that are linked to dynamic motions in the cell requires insight from many perspectives. Thus, we welcome you to join the next SEC.
See you there!
