“It’s like stepping back into another world”. In his opening speech at GRE2007, Ronald Plasterk, Minister of Education, Culture and Science and former director of the Hubrecht Institute, drew on his own experience from the days when he was still active in genomics. A field that hardly existed when he started out some 25 years ago. Today, it’s a good choice for a young scientist, he says.
“You work at the most fundamental level of biology that still allows you to derive meaning.” The nature of genomics research also perfectly fits the explorative mindset of young scientists. “Because of the genomics revolution, biology is no longer question limited,
but almost ignorance driven. Why concentrate on a small part when you can do the whole thing and see what comes up?” Young people, in particular, are prone to wild ideas. These should be pursued, according to Plasterk. “Just give it a shot. Try it out, just do it.”

A message that struck home with almost 400 participants at the Genomics Researchers Event 2007. Just do it. And they did. Workshops, masterclasses, keynote lectures, career activities, movies, the poster presentation awards − virtually all elements of the programme were packed and could rejoice in active participation by their respective audiences. Keeping with the spirit of the event, this digital GRE2007 paper gives an eye witness impression of the overall day, written by a team of participants. Input on this e-paper and the event itself is welcomed at info@gre2007.org.

Forest of poplar batteries
Genetically modified poplar trees and enzymes from termite guts are promising examples of how genomics can contribute to developing energy crops, says Eddy Rubin.
 

Incorporation of genomics in public health care
Genomics should make public healthcare more pre-emptive, predictive and personalized, according to Angela Brand.
 

"Getting the message across"
Sir Brian Heap, former master of St. Edmunds College in Cambridge, mentioned the word genomics only once or twice. That was enough to link the field to climate change,” the most serious topic humanity has ever faced.”
 

Support your claims
How to publish a top journal like Nature? Chris Gunter, Senior Editor, makes it sound rather easy. But don’t be fooled; the chances are small.

Gallery of genomics research
The poster gallery of the GRE2007 showed a broad variety of genomics research, focusing on both technological developments and therapeutic treatments.

Presentation skills speed up your career
To improve his career possibilities, Ernst-Jan Geutjes invested in his presentation skills.. His investments were already rewarded with the GRE Presentation Award 2007.

Life's short, take a shot while you can
The Masterclass by Eddy Rubin demonstrated how massive comparative genomics can shed light on various fascinating questions in biology. But don’t go for the details.

Proteomics: Handle with care
The proteomics masterclass was the stage of in-depth sparring between specialists. Fortunately, they also offered leads to draw some general conclusions.

Gene set analysis improves outcome toxicogenomics
Analysis based on gene sets instead of single genes provides better data and the possibility to combine results from different labs and different techniques.
 

Valorisation of your research! But how?
What should you know about valorisation of your research, and who is going to advise you on this matter?
 

Bobos embrace dodos
Government-supported movie shows new approach to science communication is taking effect

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"Always believe in initiative"
“Career planning sounds dull. But it is about your life and future, so how can that be dull?” Ruth Winden didn’t make it sound at all dull at Workhop II ‘Plan your future – Take charge of your career.’ 

"Still, I don't know what you've done"
Young scientists queued up at the desks of ‘Have your CV checked’. Advisors of two executive search companies, Derks & Derks and CLS Services were on hand to give practical advice.

Questions of life at the coaching desk
Coaching? Isn’t that something for people well under way in their career? But GRE2007 is for young scientists…