The International Proteolysis conference, which is held every two years, is the major general scientific event in the field of proteases and their inhibitors. The most recent in the series was held in Athens in 2007 when over 550 delegates attended. Proteases are key biomolecules involved in human diseases such as Cancer, Alzheimer s disease, bacterial and viral infection, and cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, these molecules are key drug targets, for example major therapeutics that combat diseases such as HIV infection, cancer, malaria, and heart attack and stroke which are all now targeting proteases for possible therapeutic treatment. Recent conferences have attracted around 300 delegates, drawn from all over the world, but with a rapidly growing number of participants from Asia (in particular Japan).

We look forward to seeing you on the Gold Coast, Australia, later this year

James Whisstock
Convenor, IPS 2009