Euroconference programme "Applied Nonlinear Dynamics"

EU Euroconference programme ``Applied Nonlinear Dynamics'' and CNRS
    
                         Workshop
            NONLINEAR EXCITATIONS IN BIOMOLECULES
             
           CENTRE DE PHYSIQUE DES HOUCHES (France)
               
                    May 30 - June 4, 1994

Scientific committee: M. Peyrard (ENS Lyon), M. Barthes (University of
Montpellier), G. Careri (University of Rome), P. Christiansen (Technical
University of Denmark, Lyngby), J. Krumhansl (Cornell and University of
Massachusetts), C. Reiss (Institut Jacques Monod, Paris), A.C. Scott
(University of Tucson and Technical University of Denmark), G. Tsironis
(Research Center and University of Crete)


In the last few years, many attempts have been made to use ideas coming
from nonlinear physics (solitons, nonlinear energy localization for
instance) to model some biological processes like energy storage and
transport in proteins, DNA conformational changes and thermal
denaturation, etc.
Nonlinear excitations, which are exceptionally stable, immune to
perturbations and build-up spontaneously in many systems, appear as
interesting candidates to explain some of these molecular processes.
However, although they are promising, current physical models need
further developments  and experimental testing before they can be used
to solve actual problems encountered in biology. This cannot be achieved
without a close cooperation between  theoretical and experimental
physicists and biologists.

The aim of the workshop is to  bring together PHYSICISTS AND BIOLOGISTS
to identify the problems in which nonlinear physics could contribute to
biology in a relevant manner. Therefore, in addition to the presentation
of recent research results, the conference will be organized around long
lectures  in each field, in order to introduce the important notions and
stimulate discussions. Invited lecturers for these tutorials include
A.R. Bishop (Los Alamos), H. Frauenfelder (Urbana-Champaign and Los
Alamos), A. Garcia (Los Alamos), J. Krumhansl (Cornell and University of
Massachusetts), R. Lavery (Paris),  W. Mentele (Freiburg), C. Reiss
(Paris), A.C. Scott (Tucson and Lyngby)

Les Houches is a resort village in the Chamonix valley of the french
Alps. Established in 1951, the school is located in a group of mountain
chalets surrounded by meadows and woods at 1000 m elevation. It is
ideally located for mountaineering or touring as well as intellectual
pursuits. In an effort to favor concentrated discussions and lively
interactions, the number of participants will be limited to
approximately 40 and we hope to have a good balance between physicists
and biologists.

The fee of 3400 FF will cover registration and full board lodging during the
school.

Grants to contribute to registration, travel and subsistence expenses of
young researchers of the European Union through the Euroconference
programme will be available. The deadline for receiving the final
application for support is February 15, 1994. Interested researchers are
urged to enquire as soon as possible for the application forms.

If you wish to receive further notices regarding this conference please
contact M. Peyrard, Conference Biomolecules, Laboratoire de Physique,
Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, 46 Allee d'Italie, 69364 Lyon Cedex
07, France, (Fax: +33 72 72 80 80), preferably by e-mail at the address
bioconf@physique.ens-lyon.fr