SynBERC:Training group/2007 site visit

Schedule
Here is a detailed schedule of times and locations (subject to change).



Weds, Feb 21, afternoon: Discussion on SynBERC itself
We need to give student feedback to NSF regarding SynBERC, based on this SWOT template. This feedback falls into 4 categories listed below.

Strengths

 * What is SynBERC good at?

Weaknesses

 * What issues does SynBERC need to work on?

Opportunities

 * Where could SynBERC make an impact?

Threats

 * What problems can you foresee for SynBERC?

Thurs, Feb 22, morning: Discussion on standards
Given that we are all getting together, it would likely be useful to discuss standards in synthetic biology. See previous discussions on standardization.

We need discussion leaders for each of the thrusts below.

Parts

 * Where should part-part junctions be located?
 * Promoter boundaries are not fixed currently

Devices

 * Under what operating conditions should devices be characterized?
 * What are the common signal carriers for
 * transcripion-based devices
 * translation-based devices
 * post-translational devices
 * What are good reporters for characterization?

Chassis

 * What strains of E. coli should we use?
 * What strains of yeast?
 * What would an ideal chassis look like?

Human practice

 * What is the SynBERC "Human Practices" approach?
 * How is it different from a standard ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications) model?
 * What should collaboration look like among biology, ethics, and the human sciences?
 * What are the ethical/safety/security challenges specific to synthetic biology to which we should be attending?

[[Media:Human_Practices_excerpts.doc]]

Hotel
'''Important! Book your room ASAP to ensure availability and receive the group discount rate of $140. '''

Woodfin Suites  5800 Shellmound Emeryville, CA 94608 888-433-9042 or 510-601-5880 Group name: SynBERC Group rate: $140/night, plus tax Check-in time: 3:00 pm Check-out time: 12:00 noon Cancellation policy: 24 hours Description: Spacious 1 and 2 bedroom suites with kitchens, separate living and dining areas, and high speed internet access. Amenities include free parking, pool and spa facilities, a fitness center, and free shuttle service.

'''The hotel will provide free shuttle service to and from the Berkeley West Biocenter at 717 Potter Street. The front desk can arrange a shuttle for you, as needed.'''

Booking and Paying for Airfare
The center will reimburse only SynBERC-funded out-of-area travelers. Students working in related labs are welcome to attend, although we cannot reimburse them for travel costs.

It's most expeditious to book and pay for your flights directly, then submit your air, hotel, and other receipts to UCB:

'''Gail Phillips  QB3 Institute ''' 237A Hildebrand, #3220

Berkeley, CA 94720-3220

510-643-9853, or [mailto:gep@berkeley.edu Gail Phillips]

Alternatively, UC Berkeley can pay for the airfare directly if you book your flight through our travel agent:

Carlson Wagonlit Travel 800-728-4918

See also: http://travel.berkeley.edu/cat_navigant.asp

Important: Carlson Wagonlit must email a copy of the proposed itinerary to [mailto:kcosta@berkeley.edu Kevin Costa] to receive approval before the flight can be booked.

Airport
Our closest airport is Oakland Airport, although SFO isn't very far away. (Boston-area folks: JetBlue Flight 477 flies out of Boston at 745p and arrives at OAK at 1130p. Getting back is a little trickier and more expensive.)


 * Austin 11:58, 7 February 2007 (EST): Update: The price for JetBlue 477 is right now $204 and the plane is almost full.


 * Mukunda 12:45, 9 February 2007 (EST): Further Update: For Boston students, flying from Oakland to Boston via O'Hare and leaving Wednesday morning on United is now cheaper and, I would guess, more conveniently timed than JetBlue is now.

Ground transportation and Directions
Oakland airport shuttles include Luxor (510-562-7222, $15.00/person), Bay Porter Express (415-467-1800), and many others.

If you plan to rent a car, here are some directions from the airport to the Woodfin, from the Woodfin to the Berkeley West Biocenter, and from the Oakland Airport to the Berkeley West Biocenter.

Parking
Shuttle service between the hotel, the Berkeley West Biocenter (Wed-Fri) and UCB campus (Fri-Sat) will be provided. For those who wish to drive, parking at the Berkeley West Biocenter is free of charge. Parking on the UCB campus (Fri-Sat) requires a permit. Please let [mailto:kspohr@berkeley.edu Kate Spohr] know if you will need a permit.