Computational Approaches to RNA Structure and Function

Organizers:

E. Rivas (Harvard University), E. Westhof (University of Strasbourg)

The workshop will be held in the Centro de Ciencias de Benasque Pedro Pascual (CCBPP) located in the center of Benasque. The workshop intends to bring together researchers in RNA computational biology to develop the next generation of methods for RNA structure prediction, to identify new classes of functional RNAs in genomes, and to produce many more RNA structures

Areas of recent interest include:

- New methods for the prediction of RNA secondary and tertiary structure
- New RNA structures by cryo-EM
- Determination of RNA modifications
- RNA deep sequencing techniques

Our main goal is to give participants ample time to interact, transfer ideas, and do actual research. The schedule will leave plenty of free time for discussions in small groups, 1-on- 1, or individual work. Talks will be informal yet technical, and they are intended to facilitate the collaborative exchange of ideas. There is not a pre-organized program for the workshop.

The CCBPP is in the center of town and has the perfect environment to facilitate work (including offices, printers, internet access, and meeting places, not forgetting ping-pong and good coffee), and to make your stay comfortable, enjoyable, and profitable. This workshop constitutes a unique opportunity for deepening and spreading knowledge on RNA bioinformatics.

For those of you coming with kiddos, please contact us to discuss options (either Elena or our local organizers info@benasque.org). We can also find space for partners coming with their own work schedules.

Priority will be given to participants who can commit to stay for the whole two weeks.

Benasque is a beautiful fully walkable small village located in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees, close to the border with France. Benasque is about a 5-hour drive from the Barcelona Airport. Transportation by bus between Barcelona (city and airport) and Benasque (Sunday July 21st and Saturday Aug 3th) is provided by the center (details provided in registration link).

Registration fee information

The registration fee for this conference is 400 eur.

The registration fee includes:

- organised bus transportation (reserve seat in advance)
- one reception buffet
- one coffee break with pastries a day
- use of the Centro de Ciencias facilities
- technical assistance and secretarial support

- The deadline for requesting your bill is 15 Jan 2027

*Cancellation Policy*
A 30 euro charge will be applied for cancellations made up to 10 days before the conference start date.
A no refund policy will be applied to cancellations made after this date.

Bus transportation

The center provides free buses:
From Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 686, Metro: L3 Palau Reial at 15:00h (Note that the bus stops opposite University of Barcelona, Facultat de Física i Química)

From Barcelona airport ('El Prat', Terminal T2A: on leaving exit, turn left and you will find a police building called 'Mossos d'Esquadra'.
Cross the road using the zebra crossing and turn left. The bus will stop there) at 15:30h.

Return buses:
From Benasque to Barcelona airport and then university, departure at 9:00h.
The trip by bus to Barcelona takes 4-5h. approximately. The trip by car only takes 3h 30m.

Bus trajectories and dates:
- Barcelona-Benasque, Jul 05.
- Benasque-Barcelona, Jul 17.