What would you have done if hadn't pursued science as a career? At the BPS23 subgroup meeting, the speaker was asked the question. Yes! We're talking about the cryo-EM subgroup symposium. The subgroup's talks were quite engaging and cohesive, taking the audience on a tour of the field of cryo-electron microscopy.
Well-connected talks: The session began with an excellent discussion that displayed single-particle cryoEM data. Followed by a much-needed talk on cryoDRGN highlighting the algorithms to define broad boundaries of partially characterized 3D classes. The following talk on sample preparation challenges and environmental impact on sample preparation sharply made a platform for the native environment talks. The application of in-vivo particle screening was subsequently explained by the tomography talks and demonstrated through some incredibly intriguing findings. Thus, each talk originated questions that were subsequently delivered by the next talks in the symposium.
If not science: This question piqued the audience's interest throughout the discussion and elicited several laughter. Our speakers are excellent scientists who also had plan B to be astronauts, athletes, chiefs, and dancers. We are happy and grateful that they are here teaching us about science, even though we would also wish to witness them dancing and party food.
Diversity: The cryo subgroup's attendees came from a variety of geographical regions, as was to be expected at BPS meetings. I, who am from India, traveled more than 24 hours by plane to attend the BPS meeting. At the symposium, there was diversity in terms of experience, including fresh entries to the field experts. It was a great experience to interact with researchers who aided their diverse viewpoints and aesthetic beauty in science.
Mixer dinner: The audience brainstorming at the event was highly active, and many tickets for the mixer supper at the neighboring brewery were sold. The quiz portion of supper made the discussion highly interactive with everyone assisting one another in finding the answers. The supervisors were jokingly threatening to fire their subordinates for giving incorrect answers. I am grateful to UCSF researchers for assisting me in discovering the answers because I was not a cryoEM person at the dinner. I recommend the attendees of BPS participate in these mixer groups to converse or listen to colleagues since, trust me, these experiences will boost your confidence and increase your network for the days ahead. We thank the organizers for planning such a wonderful event. I'm confident that these mixers will capture 60% of my discussions when I return to India.
The event had huge success in delivering the science and connecting the group. We are looking forward to next year's session in Pennsylvania.
Wish you all the very best!