2024 SoCal Genome Stability Symposium

ABSTRACT The 2024 SoCal Genome Stability Symposium is a one-day conference that will be held at The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA. The conference will focus on the topics of genomic instability, DNA damage signaling, mechanisms of DNA repair, DNA mutagenesis, environmental mutagens, cancer etiology and cancer treatment. Understanding the mechanisms in these areas will not only shed light on the fundamental processes governing the maintenance of genome stability but will also pave the way for developing new effective cancer treatment. We aim to bring a rigorous scientific program that fosters the exchange of new research findings and innovative ideas on the interplay between DNA repair and cancer treatment. We will invite graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from diverse research laboratories to present cutting-edge unpublished research. One unique aspect of this conference is that we dedicate the entire program to the trainees, allowing only graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to give oral and poster presentations. This creates invaluable opportunities for trainees to gain experience in formal research presentations in a real conference setting. Additionally, this conference will provide networking and mentoring opportunities for the career development of young scientists. This conference is free of charge for all participants, ensuring that every student or postdoctoral fellow from Southern California has equal access to participate. The goals and objectives of the conference are: 1) to expose students and postdocs to the new frontiers of a rapidly progressing research area; 2) to provide a formal platform for presentations to trainees, and an opportunity to receive feedback on their research progress; 3) to stimulate new collaborations between laboratories across different research institutions; 4) to catalyze opportunities for young scientists to network with a diverse group of scientists, including by receiving formal and informal mentoring and by opening future postdoctoral or faculty position opportunities; 5) to provide an atmosphere of inclusion and rigor for the trainees participating in the symposium. The symposium will enhance interactions among students and postdoctoral fellows from all genders, backgrounds, and origins, including historically marginalized groups such as those from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, individuals with different sexual orientations, and individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.