The 2025 Frontiers in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins Meeting
We are delighted to invite you to “Frontiers in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins”, a meeting to share and celebrate cutting edge ongoing research on this critically important class of proteins. The event will take place on 8–9 September 2025 at The Exchange — the University of Birmingham’s city-centre venue, housed in the restored historic Municipal Bank in Centenary Square.
Keynote speakers
Ylva Ivarsson – Uppsala University
Giulio Tesei – University of Copenhagen
Jane Endicott – University of Newcastle
Erica Golemis – Fox Chase Cancer Centre
The meeting will coincide with the conclusion of SPiDR, a £5.4 million funded BBSRC Strategic Longer and Larger programme that has brought together the University of Leeds, University of Birmingham, University of Oxford, AstraZeneca, and LifeArc.
At the core of SPiDR lies the quest to understand proteins that challenge the traditional structure-function paradigm. Historically the community has focused on well-folded, stable structures, but we now understand that many proteins exert their influence through dynamic, shape-shifting disordered regions (IDRs). These IDRs are central to vital cellular functions and are increasingly implicated in complex diseases.
SPiDR has centred its efforts on Aurora-A kinase, a protein crucial to cell division and frequently dysregulated in cancer. Through this lens, we have explored how disordered regions govern molecular interactions, regulate activity, and ultimately, open new doors to therapeutic discovery.
This event will celebrate the outcomes of SPiDR and bring together the wider community — PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and early career scientists across academia and industry — to discuss what the future holds. Topics include:
- Mechanisms of molecular recognition,
- Dynamics in protein-protein interactions,
- Condensates and liquid-liquid phase separation,
- Computational methods,
- Structural and cellular roles of IDPs/IDRs
- Chemical biology and kinase regulation
With a focus on networking and cross-disciplinary dialogue, this event aims to build visibility for the IDR research community in the UK and beyond, forge lasting collaborations, and lay the foundation for future meetings on IDPs/IDRs.
We warmly invite you to share your insights, present your research, and connect with a vibrant community driving the next frontier in protein science.
Please contact F.Soltani@bham.ac.uk to communicate any dietary or access requirements.
Before proceeding, please review our Terms and Conditions here.
Call for Abstracts:
We invite submissions for both oral and poster presentations. Abstracts should be submitted to:
Please view and download the template from the links below:
Deadlines:
Registration Deadline: 11th August 2025
Abstract Submission – oral presentation: 7th July 2025
Abstract Submission – poster: 21st July 2025
Sponsors
http://cell.com/cell-reports-physical-science/home
https://www.cytivalifesciences.com/en/gb
Local Organising Committee:
Professor Andy Wilson, Professor Takashi Ochi, Professor Richard Bayliss, Dr Diana Gimenez, Dr Fa Soltani
Organised by:
SPiDR and The School of Chemistry – University of Birmingham
Directions & Travel Information:
The Exchange is conveniently located, just a 10-minute walk from Birmingham New Street station and a 20-minute drive from Birmingham Airport, making it easily accessible via the city’s main transport links. Directions to the Exchange and parking details can be found here: Getting here – The Exchange – University of Birmingham (City centre). Information regarding accommodation options can be found here: Hotels on campus – University of Birmingham. Additionally, there are several hotels in Birmingham city centre close to The Exchange.
Conference Schedule:
A full agenda, including speaker sessions, networking opportunities, and venue details, will be shared with you closer to the event.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions, require further assistance, or have any special requirements, please feel free to contact us at:
f.soltani@bham.ac.uk or a.j.wilson.1@bham.ac.uk
We look forward to welcoming you to Frontiers in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins 2025!
Best regards,
Frontiers in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins 2025 Organising Team