Program Set for International Symposium on Milk Genomics Human Health



Napa, California, has been set. The event will gather international experts in nutrion, genomics, bioinformatics and milk to address the status of milk-specific genomic research.

Davis, Calif. August 6, 2007 -- The speaker program for the 4th International Symposium on Milk Genomics & Human Health, to be held November 7-9 at the COPIA Center for Wine, Food & the Arts in Napa, California has been released.

This two-and-a-half-day event, organized by the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF), will gather international experts in nutrition, genomics, bioinformatics and milk to address the status of milk-specific genomic research. Members of the International Milk Genomics Consortium (IMGC) also will meet to set future agendas for the group.

The event will kickoff with a welcome by California Dairy Research Foundation executive director Joseph O'Donnell followed by an introduction from Bruce German of the University of California at Davis.

Day one sessions will focus on presentations of recent research breakthroughs in the areas of evolutionary genetics; bioinformatics, tools and applications; the bovine genome; and genetic diversity in milk and lactation. Speakers include Jenny Graves, the director for kangaroo genomics at the Australian National University, Peter Williamson of the University of Sydney, Monique Rijnkels of Baylor College of Medicine, David Adelson of the University of Adelaide, Peggy Neville of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and Anke Schennink of Wageningen University. The day will end with the first of two sessions with highlights from researchers throughout the world.

Day two will focus on the activities of milk and genomics centers from around the world with the goal to increase coordination among researchers. Topics include the targets of milk bioactives; mammary epithelia and milk production; the milk fat globule proteome; and bacteria - the other consumers of milk. Speakers include Sharon Donovan of the University of Illinois, Helen Raybould of UC Davis, Patrice Martin of the Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique in France, Tim Reinhardt and Neil Price of the USDA's Agriculture Research Service and Anne Donnet-Hughes of Nestl Research.

The Symposium will wrap up Friday morning with highlights from researchers throughout the world followed by an in-depth discussion of the International Milk Genomics Consortium, including knowledge management tools developed for the Consortium, led by Matthew Lange and Danielle Lemay of UC Davis and the IMGC Web Portal Group.

Symposium registration is $450 through September 6, 2007 and $500 thereafter and includes all program materials and daytime meals as well as a Wednesday evening reception. Members of the International Milk Genomics Consortium can register at the rate of $400 through September 6, 2007 and $450 thereafter. Student rates also are available. For registration information, visit



Program Set for International Symposium on Milk Genomics Human Health