Award Winners

Ian Lawson Van Toch Memorial Award for Outstanding Student Paper

PP76 (PT) - Information-theoretic evaluation of predicted ontological annotations

Presenting author: Wyatt Clark, Indiana University, United States

 

Additional authors:

Predrag Radivojac, Indiana University, United States

 

Presentation Overview:

The development of effective methods for the prediction of ontological annotations is an important goal in computational biology, with protein function prediction and disease gene prioritization gaining wide recognition. While various algorithms have been proposed for these tasks, evaluating their performance is difficult due to problems caused both by the structure of biomedical ontologies and biased or incomplete experimental annotations of genes and gene products. In this work, we propose an information-theoretic framework to evaluate the performance of computational protein function prediction. We use a Bayesian network, structured according to the underlying ontology, to model the prior probability of a protein's function. We then define two concepts, misinformation and remaining uncertainty, that can be seen as information-theoretic analogs of precision and recall. Finally, we propose a single statistic, referred to as semantic distance, that can be used to rank or train classification models. We evaluate our approach by analyzing the performance of three protein function predictors of Gene Ontology terms and provide evidence that we address several weaknesses of currently used metrics. We believe this framework provides useful insights into the performance of protein function prediction tools.

 

Award for Best Paper in Translational Bioinformatics 

Sponsored by the Journal of Biomedical Informatics (Tie)

 

PP70 (PT) - Hard-wired heterogeneity in blood stem cells revealed using a dynamic regulatory network model

Presenting author: Nicola Bonzanni , VU University Amsterdam, Netherlands

 

Additional authors:

AbhishekGarg, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Switzerland

K. Anton Feenstra, VU University Amsterdam, Netherlands

Judith Schütte, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Sarah Kinston, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Diego Miranda-Saavedra, University of Cambridge

Jaap Heringa, VU University Amsterdam / Netherlands Bioinformatics Centre

Ioannis Xenarios, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics

Berthold Göttgens, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

 

Presentation Overview:

Motivation: Combinatorial interactions of transcription factors with cis-regulatory elements control the dynamic progression through successive cellular states and thus underpin all metazoan development. The construction of network models of cis-regulatory elements therefore has the potential to generate fundamental insights into cellular fate and differentiation. Haematopoiesis has long served as a model system to study mammalian differentiation, yet modelling based on experimentally informed cis-regulatory interactions has so far been restricted to pairs of interacting factors. Here we have generated a Boolean network model based on detailed cis-regulatory functional data connecting 11 haematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) regulator genes. Results: Despite its apparent simplicity, the model exhibits surprisingly complex behaviour that we charted using strongly connected components and shortest-path analysis in its Boolean state space. This analysis of our model predicts that HSPCs display heterogeneous expression patterns and possess many intermediate states that can act as ‘stepping stones’ for the HSPC to achieve a final differentiated state. Importantly, an external perturbation or ‘trigger’ is required to exit the stem cell state, with distinct triggers characterising maturation into the various different lineages. By focussing on intermediate states occurring during erythrocyte differentiation, from our model we predicted a novel negative regulation of Fli1 by Gata1 which we confirmed experimentally thus validating our model. In conclusion, we demonstrate that an advanced mammalian regulatory network model based on experimentally validated cis-regulatory interactions has allowed us to make novel, experimentally testable hypotheses about transcriptional mechanisms that control differentiation of mammalian stem cells.

 

PP79 (PT) - Phylogenetic analysis of multiprobe fluorescence in situ hybridization data from tumor cell populations

Presenting author: Russell Schwartz, Carnegie Mellon University, United States

 

Additional authors:

Stanley Shackney, Intelligent Oncotherapeutics

Kerstin Heselmeyer-Haddad, National Institutes of Health

Thomas Ried, National Institutes of Health

Alejandro Schäffer, National Institutes of Health

Salim Akhter Chowdhury, Carnegie Mellon University, United States

 

Presentation Overview:

Motivation: Development and progression of solid tumors can be attributed to a process of mutations, which typically includes changes in the number of copies of genes or genomic regions. Although comparisons of cells within single tumors show extensive heterogeneity, recurring features of their evolutionary process may be discerned by comparing multiple regions or cells of a tumor. A particularly useful source of data for studying likely progression of individual tumors is fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which allows one to count copy numbers of several genes in hundreds of single cells. Novel algorithms for interpreting such data phylogenetically are needed, however, to reconstruct likely evolutionary trajectories from states of single cells and facilitate analysis of their evolutionary trajectories. Results: In this paper, we develop phylogenetic methods to infer likely models of tumor progression using FISH copy number data and apply them to a study of FISH data from two cancer types. Statistical analyses of topological characteristics of the tree-based model provide insights into likely tumor progression pathways consistent with the prior literature. Furthermore, tree statistics from the resulting phylogenies can be used as features for prediction methods. This results in improved accuracy, relative to unstructured gene copy number data, at predicting tumor state and future metastasis. Availability: A package of source code for FISH tree building (FISHtrees) and the data on cervical cancer and breast cancer examined here are publicly available at the site ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/FISHtrees.

 

Outstanding Poster

Poster - I12

Clinical Pathoscope: An alignment and filtering pipeline for rapid pathogen identification in unassembled, next-generation sequencing data

 

Allyson Byrd, Boston University, United States

W. Evan Johnson (Boston University) Joseph Perez-Rogers (Boston University, Bioinformatics United States); Kylee Bergin (Boston University, Bioinformatics United States); W. Evan Johnson (Boston University, Medicine United States);

 

Short Abstract: The rapid and accurate identification of pathogens in human tissue samples is a necessity as disease-causing pathogens increasingly develop resistance to broad spectrum antibiotics and remain one of the greatest public health burdens worldwide. With the increased affordability of high-throughput sequencing, it is now possible to investigate the microbiome of a given sample with high sensitivity. However, clinical samples contain a mixture of genomic sequences from various sources, which complicates the identification of pathogens. Here we present Clinical Pathoscope, a pipeline to rapidly and accurately remove host contamination, isolate viral reads, and deliver a diagnosis. To optimize the Clinical Pathoscope pipeline, data was simulated from human, bacterial, and viral genomes to create biologically realistic clinical samples which represented a diverse variety of host-pathogen landscapes. These data were then used to evaluate the accuracy, usability, and speed of multiple alignment algorithms and filtration methods. The optimal alignment algorithm and filtration method were implemented in the Clinical Pathoscope pipeline to isolate viral reads. These reads were then mapped against a robust viral database and assigned to their appropriate genomes of origin. We demonstrate our approach using sequenced nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from children with upper respiratory tract infections. Unique to other methods, Clinical Pathoscope can rapidly identify multiple pathogens from mixed samples and distinguish between very closely related species with very little coverage of the genome and without the need for genome assembly.

 

 

F1000 Poster Awards

 

Poster - N054

Sequence assembly and variation calling using multiple-dimension de Bruijn graphs

 

Sergey Lamzin, The Genome Analysis Centre, United Kingdom

 

 

Short Abstract: Recent developments in sequencing technologies have brought a renewed impetus to the development of bioinformatics tools for sequence processing and analysis. Most of the current algorithms for de novo genome assembly are based on de Brujingraphs which provide an effective framework for aggregating next generation sequencing (NGS) data into a convenient structure. De Bruijn graphs, however, introduce an artificial parameter that can impact greatly on the results: the dimension k giving rise to k-mer building blocks. We report on the development of a novel assembly algorithm with a new data structure designed to overcome some of the limitations of a single fixed k-mer size de Brujin graph approach and enable higher quality NGS data processing. Our approach structurally combines de Brujin graphs for all possible dimensions k in one supergraph, leading to a flexible graph dimension . The algorithm called StarK is designed in such a way that it allows the assembler to dynamically adjust the de Brujin graph dimension at any given nucleotide position. In addition to flexible k-mer lengths the structure allows for simultaneous assembly of a consensus sequence and mutations/haplotypes directly from reads. The StarK graph uses localised coverage differences to guide the generation of connected subgraphs. This allows higher resolution of genomic differences and helps differentiate errors from potential variants within the sequencing sample.

 

Poster - A074

A web server for the functional characterization of drugs from gene expression following treatment

 

Griet Laenen, KU Leuven, Belgium

Amin Ardeshirdavani (KU Leuven, Department of Electrical Engineering-ESAT, SCD-SISTA / iMinds Future Health Department Belgium); Yves Moreau (KU Leuven, Department of Electrical Engineering-ESAT, SCD-SISTA / iMinds Future Health Department Belgium); Lieven Thorrez (KU Leuven, Department of Electrical Engineering-ESAT, SCD-SISTA / Department of Development and Regeneration @ Kulak Belgium);

 

Short Abstract: Many drugs exert their therapeutic activities through the modulation of multiple targets. Moreover, this polypharmacology is often associated with both beneficial and adverse off-target effects. For most drugs these targets are largely unknown and identification among the thousands of gene products remains difficult. Yet a better knowledge about such drug-protein interactions, along with the molecular pathways involved and the associated diseases, could be of substantial value to drug development, in particular to predict side effects and explore potential drug repositioning.

 

DNA microarray technology enables us to observe the effect of drug treatment on the activity of all genes simultaneously and thus forms the perfect starting point for drug mode of action prediction. Hence we have developed an easy-to-use analysis suite for functional characterization of drugs based on gene expression changes following treatment. Our software provides all necessary tools for gaining new insights into the biological effects of a drug by integrating (1) preprocessing of gene expression data obtained from different Affymetrix array types; (2) quality assessment and exploratory analysis of these data; (3) genome-wide drug target prioritization; (4) prediction of pathways involved in the drug’s mode of effect; (5) identification of associated diseases enabling side effect prediction and drug repurposing; and (6) result visualization and reporting. Drug target prioritization is performed by means of an in-house developed algorithm for network neighborhood analysis, integrating the expression data with functional protein association information. All of the above functionalities are demonstrated on gene expression data for treatment with well-characterized drugs.

 

Poster - I13

Relating the metatranscriptome and metagenome of the human gut

 

Eric Franzosa, Harvard School of Public Health, United States

Xochitl Morgan (Harvard School of Public Health, Biostatistics Department United States); Nicola Segata (Harvard School of Public Health, Biostatistics Department United States); Levi Waldron (Harvard School of Public Health, Biostatistics Department United States); Joshua Reyes (Harvard School of Public Health, Biostatistics Department United States); Curtis Huttenhower (Harvard School of Public Health, Biostatistics Department United States); Ashlee Earl (The Broad Institute, Genome Sequencing & Analysis Program United States); Georgia Giannoukos (The Broad Institute, Genome Sequencing & Analysis Program United States); Dawn Ciulla (The Broad Institute, Genome Sequencing & Analysis Program United States); Wendy Garrett (Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases United States); Andrew Chan (Massachusetts General Hospital, Gastrointestinal Unit United States); Jacques Izard (The Forsyth Institute, Department of Microbiology United States); Matthew Boylan (Massachusetts General Hospital, Gastrointestinal Unit United States);

 

Short Abstract: Typical microbial residents and ecologies of the human microbiome have now been well-studied. However, the microbiota's>8 million genes and their transcriptional regulation remain largely uncharacterized. We conducted one of the first human microbiome studies in a well-phenotyped prospective cohort incorporating taxonomic, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic profiling at multiple body sites. The results establish the feasibility of metatranscriptomic investigations in subject-collected samples from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Replicate stool and saliva samples were collected from 8 subjects, and three different RNA preservation methods were assessed (frozen, ethanol, and RNAlater). Within-subject microbial species, gene, and transcript abundances were highly concordant across sampling methods, with only transcripts and only a small fraction (<5%) displaying significant between-method variation. Their functions were consistent with reprogramming in response to storage media environment (carbon source and osmolarity). Next, we investigated relationships between the oral and gut microbial communities, identifying a subset of abundant oral microbes that routinely survive transit to the gut. Comparison of the gut metagenome and metatranscriptome revealed three distinct functional clusters: (i) the ~50% of microbial genes whose RNA and DNA levels are strongly correlated; (ii) genes detected only at the DNA level, including inactive biosynthesis and stress-response factors; and (iii) genes detected only at the RNA level, including functions specific to the gut’s archaeal inhabitants, e.g. methanogenesis. Globally, we observe that RNA-level functional profiles are significantly more individualized than DNA-level profiles across subjects but less variable than microbial composition, indicative of subject-specific whole-community regulation occurring at the transcriptional level.

 

Poster - H42

Machine learning methods for genotype-phenotype association in bacterial genomes

 

Thomas Abeel, Broad Institute, United States

Bruce Birren (Broad Institute, GSAP United States); Ashlee Earl (Broad Institute, GSAP United States); Yves Van de Peer (UGent, VIB Belgium);

 

Short Abstract: Genotype-phenotype association methods for bacterial genomes are not yet well-established. Bacteria do not have sexual reproduction, which invalidates some of the assumptions made in many of the current methods used for association studies in other organisms. Bacteria have a huge influence on human health and we need better methods to learn about how changes in genetics give clinically relevant phenotypes.

Our bug of interest is Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), a bacterial pathogen that causes pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), which kills over a million people each year. Unfortunately, Mtb is difficult to diagnose and resistance to antibiotics is becoming rampant. The current diagnostics for drug resistance take six to eight weeks. The technology for rapid molecular diagnostics exists, but requires knowledge about resistance marker mutations, which is missing.

To address the lack of knowledge about marker mutations, we present a machine learning based strategy that uses support vector machines to predict genotype-phenotype associations by integrating genome sequence and clinical meta data. An ensemble feature selection method enables the discovery of antibiotic resistance markers in Mtb. The impact is two-fold: (i) the features selection procedure gives us a ranking of mutations that are associated with drug resistance and (ii) the classification model can be used together with a molecular diagnostic to predict treatment options for patients.

In this poster we discuss the methods and illustrate their capabilities on a panel of bacterial drug-resistance projects with a particular focus on Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

 

Poster - O068

Systems Level Analysis of Breast Cancer Reveals the Differences between Lung and Brain Metastasis through Protein-Protein Interactions

 

Hatice Billur Engin, Koc University, Turkey

Billur Engin (Koc University) Attila Gursoy (Koc University, Computer Engineering Turkey); Baldo Oliva (PompeuFabra University, Experimental and Life Sciences Spain); EmreGuney (PompeuFabra University, Experimental and Life Sciences Spain); Ozlem Keskin (Koc University, Chemical and Biological Engineering Turkey);

 

Short Abstract: According to American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death among women. Generally, the reason of fatality is the metastasis in another organ, not the primer tumor in the breast. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the metastatic process may help to improve the clinical methods. For this purpose, we have used protein structure and protein networks together at the system level to explain genotype-phenotype relationship, and applied it to breast cancer metastasis.

We have built a comprehensive human PPI network, by combining the available protein-protein interactions data from various databases. Then, we have ranked all the interactions of human PPI network according to their relevance to genes known to be mediating breast cancer to brain and lung metastasis. We have formed two distinct metastasis PPI networks from high ranked interactions.

We have preformed functional analyses on brain/lung metastasis PPI networks and observed that the proteins of the lung metastasis network are also enriched in “Cancer”, “Infectious Diseases” and “Immune System” KEGG pathways. This finding may be pointing to a cause and effect relationship between immune system-infectious diseases and lung metastasis progression.

We have enriched the metastasis PPI networks with structural information both with available data in Protein Databank and with our protein interface predictions. In the interface prediction step, the most common protein-protein interface templates in lung metastasis are observed to be coming from bacterial proteins. This finding reinforced our claim about the relationship between lung metastasis and infectious diseases.

 

RCSB PDB Poster Prize

 

Poster - L062

3-Dimensional Modeling of Macromolecular Assemblies by Efficient Combination of Pairwise Dockings

 

Matthias Dietzen, Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Germany

Olga Kalinina (Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Computational Biology and Applied Algorithmics Germany); KaterinaTaškova (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Software Engineering and Bioinformatics Germany); Benny Kneissl (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Software Engineering and Bioinformatics Germany); Elmar Jaenicke (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Institute of Molecular Biophysics Germany); Heinz Decker (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Institute of Molecular Biophysics Germany); Thomas Lengauer (Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Computational Biology and Applied Algorithmics Germany); Andreas Hildebrandt (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Software Engineering and Bioinformatics Germany);

 

Short Abstract: Macromolecular complexes play a key role in many biological processes. In metabolic pathways, for example, assemblies of proteins bear several advantages: reactions are performed more efficiently, oversupply of intermediate products is reduced or avoided by regulating the activity of the involved enzymes via feedback loops, and toxic or highly reactive compounds are kept from being released into the cytoplasm. However, atom-level structural determination of such complexes, for example with X-ray crystallography, often fails due to the size of the complex, different binding affinities of the involved proteins, or the complex falling apart during crystallization.

We present a novel combinatorial greedy algorithm that iteratively assembles such complexes solely based on the knowledge of the approximate interface locations of any two interacting proteins in the complex, and the stoichiometry of each monomer. Prior assumptions about symmetries in the complex are not required; rather, the symmetry is detected during complex assembly. Complexes are assembled stepwise from pairwise docking poses obtained with RosettaDock and scored using a geometric compatibility constraint deduced from these docking poses. Clash detection and clustering guarantee a reasonable and diverse solution space in each iteration.

In a diverse and representative benchmark set of 304 complexes from the Protein Data Bank with more than five subunits, 199 (65%) could be reconstructed with an average RMSD of 14 reference points for any two contacting subunits in the reference complex not greater than 3.0Å from the reference complex. Of these, the best prediction lies within the top ten in 91% of the cases.

 

The Best Artwork Award - $200 Cash Prize

Cosmopolitan Chicken
Cosmopolitan Chicken Research Project

Jan Aerts - University of Leuven, Belgium

 The Cosmopolitan Chicken Project by Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen aims to explore the phenotypic and genetic evolution of chicken breeds as a proxy for human evolution and diversity (http://www.koenvanmechelen.be/cosmopolitan-chicken-project). This project has created several generations of hybrids based on purebred domestic chickens.

In this data-driven sculpture, we visualize the genetic heterozygosity of one particular hybrid ("Mechelse Ancona") which descends from 12 different purebreds, including Mechelse Koekoek, Poulet de Bresse and Ancona. After genotyping, the number of homozygous and heterozygous loci were counted at their chromosomal positions, and translated as peaks in 3-dimensional space. Each chromosome is laid out in a circle, connecting at the starting position. Peaks pointing towards the centre represent homozygous genotypes; peaks pointing outward show heterozygous regions. As a result, inbred chickens generate smoother outlines whereas crossbred ones result in a form with many outward-pointing spikes. The 3D models were developed in Processing, an open source programming language and integrated development environment based on Java.

ISMB/ECCB-2013 - Awards

 

 
The Art and Science Exhibition

 

The Best Artwork award of 200USD is going to:  Cosmopolitan Chicken Project

Jan Aerts and co-authors (Ryo Sakai1,2, Peter Konings1,2 , Yves Moreau1,2, Koen Vanmechelen, Jan Aerts1,2)

1) KU Leuven, Department of Electrical Engineering-ESAT, STADIUS, Leuven, Belgium
2) iMinds Future Health Department, Leuven, Belgium

 
Ian Lawson Van Toch Memorial Award for Outstanding Student Paper

 

The Outstanding Student Paper Award is given to the student who presents the most thought-provoking or original paper at the Conference, as judged by our panel of experts. For 2013 the award has been presented to Wyatt Clark from Indiana University, United States.

This award is given in memory of Ian Lawson Van Toch, a 23 year old Medical Biophysics graduate student at the University of Toronto who passed away in August 2007. Ian was fortunate to have already discovered his passion for computational biology and how it can - and will - lead to quantum breakthroughs in cancer research. This passion was sparked when Dr Igor Jurisica hired Ian to work in his lab at the Ontario Cancer Institute as a researcher during the summer of 2006. That introduction blossomed into a mentoring relationship that is so vital to helping young students launch their careers.

Our thanks go to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, and IBM who have sponsored this award since 2008.

Past recipients of this special award include:

  • ISMB 2012: Deniz Yorukoglu, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States
  • ISMB/ECCB 2011: Sara Berthoumieux, Inria, France
  • ISMB 2010: Keren Yizhak, Tel Aviv University, Israel
  • ISMB/ECCB 2009: Manfred Claassen, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

 

 

Award for Best Paper in Translational Bioinformatics – sponsored by the Journal of Biomedical Informatics
 

Biomedical informaticsJBI (Journal of Biomedical Informatics) editorial board members in attendance at the ISMB/ECCB meeting will serve as the selection committee for the Award for Best Paper in Translational Bioinformatics – sponsored by the Journal of Biomedical Informatics.. The finalists' papers will be identified by the selection committee in consultation with the Chair of the meeting’s Scientific Program Committee, and will be announced at the end of the meeting.

The selection of the winning paper will be based on the written quality of the paper, the research described, and the oral presentation at the meeting. JBI is interested in encouraging, publishing, and rewarding papers in Translational Bioinformatics that correspond to the journal’s emphasis on innovative methodology and on the relevance of the work to human disease and its diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, or prevention. The editorial describes JBI's emphasis on this area of bioinformatics, which has been in effect since July 2009. 

Journal of Biomedical Informatics
Volume 42, Issue 2, April 2009, Pages 199-200

 

The presenting first author of the award winning paper will receive a certificate, a year’s complimentary e-subscription to JBI, and a $250.00 cash award. Authors will also be invited to expand their paper for submission and possible publication in the Journal of Biomedical Informatics.

 PDF Download

For additional details visit: www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-biomedical-informatics

 

RCSB PDB Poster Prize

The RCSB PDB Poster Prize will be awarded for the best student poster presentation in the category of Structure and Function Prediction. The award will consist of a related educational book.

Other information is at
http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/static.do?p=general_information/about_pdb/poster_prize.html

 

F1000 Poster Award

Six poster awards will be presented for outstanding ISMB/ECCB 2013 poster presentations. Prizes include a one year subscription to F1000Prime (value: $250) and a free submission to F1000Research (value: $1000).

 

ISMB/ECCB 2013 Registration  

Online advanced registration is now closed.
Delegates can register on-site at the ICC Berlin beginning Thursday, July 18 (between 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

https://www.iscbconferences.org/CONFERENCES/ISMBECCB-2013/

The ISMB/ECCB 2013 conference will be held at the ICC Berlin. To learn more about the ICC Berlin visit here.

 

Registration Desk Hours at ICC Berlin - Entrance Lobby

 

Thursday, July 18                  3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Friday, July 19                        7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 20                   7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 21                     7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Monday, July 22                     7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 23                   7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 

Before registering for ISMB/ECCB 2013 please take a moment to review the details and costs below as the conference has many program elements. Please note all prices are shown in Euros and include 19% German VAT.

Registration details:

****Before registering please take a moment to review the details below about the ISMB/ECCB 2013 conference and its many components. Please note all prices are shown in Euros and include 19% Germany VAT.

Online registration closes Friday, July 5, 2013, 5:00 p.m. Pacific. After this point only on-site registration will be available at the ICC Berlin beginning July 18.

 

General Information

Registration Desk Hours at the ICC Berlin
 
Thursday, July 18
Registration: Entrance Hall
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
 
Friday, July 19 - Tuesday, July 23
Registration: Entrance Hall
  • Friday, July 19 - 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 20 - 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 21 - 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  • Monday, July 22 - 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 23 - 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Group Registration - please read carefully BEFORE your group registers!

Register a minimum of six (6) and receive one (1) additional registration for free - a minimum value of of €368.00 - Offer Valid until May 24, 2013

Individuals from the same lab or organization have an opportunity to receive a 7th ISMB/ECCB conference registration free when registering as a group.

To take advantage of this special offer please follow these instructions:

1) Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to notify us you will have a group of 7 or more, and identify the delegate (name, affiliation, email and registration type*) who will receive the free registration.
2) Have your group of at least six (6) register and pay for ISMB/ECCB 2013 conference registration. The person designated to receive the free registration should not register until they receive special instructions from the conference organizers, which will happen after the group's paid registrations are confirmed.
3) Provide This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. evidence of your group's paid registrations (names, affiliation, email addresses and receipt numbers). Once these registrations are verified the special registration instructions will be forwarded to the individual designated to receive the complimentary registration.

*The complimentary registration is redeemable at the lowest priced registration fee from the group at the Early Bird Discounted Rate. Registration is for the main conference only  and does not include additional registration options (ie. Tutorials, Special Interest Group Meetings (SIGs), Satellite Meetings (SMs), etc.)


ISMB/ECCB 2013 Conference Registration Fees include:

  • Opening Reception with Exhibitors at the ICC Berlin - Saturday, July 20, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Scientific Sessions - Sunday, July 21 through Tuesday, July 23, ICC Berlin
  • Poster Sessions, ICC Berlin
  • Exhibit Hall Access, ICC Berlin
  • Coffee Breaks - July 21- 23, ICC Berlin   ****Please note lunches are not included in conference registration fees and retail outlets will be available for delegates to purchase lunches (Euros, cash) onsite.
  • One electronic version of the conference proceedings*

Optional Registration Items at Additional Fees

  • Student Council Symposium, Friday, July 19
  • Orienteering Ice Breaker, Friday, July 19  - Departs from ICC Berlin
  • Junior Principal Investigator Meeting, Saturday, July 20
  • Two-day 3Dsig Satellite Meeting, Friday, July 19 & Saturday, July 20 including 3Dsig Evening Session and Dinner, Friday, July 19. Meeting held at the ICC Berlin, Dinner held at the Hilton Berlin
  • Two-day CAMDA Satellite Meeting, Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20
  • Two-day Special Interest Group meetings - Friday, July 19 & Saturday, July 20 (SIGs)
  • One-day Special Interest Group meetings - Friday, July 19 or Saturday, July 20 (SIGs)
  • 3Dsig Evening Session and Dinner for delegates not registered at the 3Dsig Satellite Meeting - Friday, July 19. Dinner held at the Hilton Berlin
  • Tutorials, Saturday, July 20
  • Conference Dinner, Monday, July 22, at the Hofbräu München
  • Additional Tutorial or Conference Proceedings on USB flash drive
  • Hotel Accommodation
  • Conference or ISCB T-shirts

*Please note - An electronic version of the conference proceedings will be provided to each conference delegate. The proceedings will also be available as an open access, online only issue of Bioinformatics. The conference proceedings will not be available in print. Delegates are encouraged to print papers they are interested in prior to the conference by accessing the online proceedings. The online proceedings will be available approximately June 28, 2013

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ISMB/ECCB CONFERENCE MEMBER REGISTRATION FEES

 

ISCB MEMBER FEES - All prices in Euros (€) and include 19% German VAT ON or BEFORE June 7, 2013 June 8, 2013 - July 5, 2013
After July 5, 2013
Student €368.90 €487.90 €547.40
Academic/Non-profit/Government/Postdoc €547.40 €666.40 €725.90
Corporate €606.90 €725.90 €785.40



ISMB/ECCB CONFERENCE NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION FEES

NON-MEMBER FEES - All prices in Euros (€) and include 19% German VAT  ON or BEFORE June 7, 2013 June 8, 2013 - July 5, 2013 After July 5, 2013
Student €499.80 €618.80 €678.30
Academic/Non-profit/Government/Postdoc €797.30 €916.30 €975.80
Corporate €856.80 €975.80 €1035.30

 

ISCB Membership Fee Chart available here

 

ISCB MEMBERS: If you are a current member of ISCB, you must use the email address or ISCB ID registered with your ISCB membership record in order to register at the discounted member rates through the online system.

NON-MEMBERS OF ISCB: Non-members will be able to join ISCB through the online conference registration system and immediately receive member rates for ISMB/ECCB 2013. You can either join when you register for the conference or you can join directly with ISCB here: http://www.iscb.org/membership.shtml

ISCB MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: If your ISCB membership is not current or will expire on or before July 23, 2013, you will be offered an opportunity to renew your membership as part of your registration fees through the online system.

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REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

To register via fax or mail, please complete the online registration choosing the non-credit card payment option, print out the paper invoice and fax to +1 780-414-1664 or mail it along with your credit card details using the form available here (America Express, Mastercard or Visa only) to:

ISMB/ECCB Registration
Suite 437, 11215 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
T5K 0L5

For questions about your registration contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

PAYMENT OPTIONS

ISMB/ECCB conference fees are charged in Euros.

CREDIT CARDS

Only the following credit cards are accepted for registration: MasterCard or Visa.

WIRE TRANSFER

To arrange a wire transfer please, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to request instructions. Please note that any bank fees to process a wire transfer must be paid by the participant. Please check with your bank and ensure that any fees are added to your registration fee prior to sending your wire transfer. Should funds arrive with bank fees deducted, payment of the difference will be charged to the participant at on-site registration.

Invitation letters required for visa applications will be sent with your confirmation after registration and full payment have been received. You must be registered and paid-in-full for the conference in order to receive an invitation letter.


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Points to remember when registering for ISMB/ECCB 2013:

The following parallel program options may affect the way you choose to register for optional items:

  • Friday, July 19: Student Council Symposium, Satellite Meetings, One and Two-day SIGs, Orienteering Event
  • Saturday, July 20: Satellite Meetings, One and Two-day SIGs, Junior Principal Investigator Meeting, Tutorials

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OPTIONAL PROGRAM ITEMS AT ADDITIONAL  REGISTRATION  FEES

Student Council Symposium (SCS) Friday, July 19 [more info]

Fees - All prices in Euros (€) and include 19% German VAT
For delegates also registering for ISMB/ECCB €89.25
For delegates only registering for the Student Council Symposium €119.00

 

The ISCB Student Council Symposium is a student-organized event featuring keynote lectures, oral presentations, and a poster session. In addition to previous years, a career event will be organized with a variety of distinguished speakers from industry and academia. The Symposium is tailored mainly to undergraduate and graduate students as well as post-docs in computational biology and related disciplines.

The Student Council Symposium is a forum for students and young researchers in the fields of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Participants will have the opportunity to present their work to an international audience, build a network within the computational biology community and develop important soft skills in an environment that fosters exchange of ideas and knowledge.

FEES

The Student Council registration fee includes morning and afternoon coffee breaks and lunch.

Note: Student Council Symposium registrants are not required to register as delegates for the ISMB/ECCB 2013 conference to attend the symposium. During the online registration process simply register only for the Student Council Symposium.

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Junior Principal Investigator (JPI) Saturday, July 20 [more info] 

***You must have an accepted research notification before registering for JPI. JPI registration is limited to 60 participants.

Fees - All prices in Euros (€) and include 19% German VAT
For delegates also registering for ISMB/ECCB €142.80
For delegates only registering for JPI €172.55

 

The Junior Principal Investigator (JPI) meeting will serve as a platform for building a community of Junior PIs within the broader field of Computational Biology. In this meeting the organizers will bring together scientists who have recently started or wish to start their own research group. The meeting will serve as a platform for building a community of junior PIs within the broader field of Computational Biology. This program is limited in the number of participants and is restricted to Junior PI's only.

FEES

The JPI registration fee includes morning and afternoon coffee breaks and lunch.

Note: JPI registrants are not required to register as delegates for the ISMB/ECCB 2013 conference to attend the symposium. During the online registration process simply register only for the Junior Principal Investigator.

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Satellite Meetings

Satellite Meetings are independently organized and held in conjunction with the main ISMB/ECCB meeting. Registration for these meetings can only be completed through the conference registration system.

3Dsig - Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 - Location: ICC Berlin
CAMDA  - Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 - Location: ICC Berlin

Note: Registrants are not required to register as delegates for the ISMB/ECCB 2013 conference to attend a Satellite Meeting. During the online registration process register only for the Satellite Meeting of your choice Satellite Meeting registration does not allow access to the SIG Meetings. Delegates wishing to attend portions of the Satellite Meeting and portions of one or more SIGs must register for both.

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3Dsig Satellite Meeting [more info]

The registration fee for the 3Dsig Satellite Meeting includes sessions on Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, daily coffee breaks and lunches. Registration to 3Dsig also includes the special evening session and dinner on Friday, July 19, to be held at the Hilton Berlin. Each Satellite Meeting participant will receive a meeting schedule and the full program will be available on the 3Dsig website and provided in electronic form on a USB. The Satellite Meeting will be held at the ICC Berlin.

 
3Dsig SATELLITE MEETING - FOR DELEGATES ALSO REGISTERING FOR ISMB/ECCB 2013
Fees - All prices in Euros (€) and include 19% German VAT ON or BEFORE June 7, 2013 AFTER June 7, 2013
Student €249.90 €368.90
Academic/Non-profit/Government/Postdoc €309.40 €428.40
Corporate €368.90 €487.90

 

3Dsig SATELLITE MEETING ONLY

Fees - All prices in Euros (€) and include 19% German VAT ON or BEFORE June 7, 2013 AFTER June 7, 2013
Student €339.15 €458.15
Academic/Non-profit/Government/Postdoc €398.65 €517.65
Corporate €458.15 €577.15
 

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3Dsig Evening Session and Dinner

On Friday, July 19, the 3Dsig will host an evening dinner including a panel discussion and keynote speaker, both on a central topic to Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biophysics. This evening session and dinner is included in the 3Dsig Satellite registration. Other delegates wanting to attend the 3Dsig session and dinner can purchase a ticket during online registration for €89.25 (includes VAT). 

 

CAMDA Satellite Meeting  [more info]


The registration fee for the CAMDA Satellite Meeting includes all talks, posters,  lunches and coffee breaks on Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20. Each Satellite Meeting participant will receive a meeting schedule and the full program will be available on the CAMDA website and provided in electronic form on a USB. The Satellite Meeting will be held at the ICC Berlin.

 
CAMDA SATELLITE MEETING - REGISTRATION FEES FOR ALL DELEGATES
Fees - All prices in Euros (€) and include 19% German VAT ON or BEFORE June 7, 2013 AFTER June 7, 2013
Student €214.20 €446.25
Academic/Non-profit/Government/Postdoc €321.30 €505.75
Corporate €428.40 €565.25
 

 

Special Interest Group Meetings (SIGs)


ISMB/ECCB 2013 will host one-day and two-day Special Interest Group meetings on Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, prior to the conference.

Note: SIG Registrants are not required to register for the ISMB/ECCB 2013 conference to attend a SIG meeting. During the online registration process simply register only for the SIG of your choice.

Registering for a SIG allows you to move freely between all SIGs that take place on the day for which you are registered, to the extent that the room capacities can accommodate. SIG registration does not allow access to any Satellite Meeting.

IMPORTANT:

During online registration you must register for the primary SIG of your choice on a daily basis. If you plan on attending two days of a SIG you must register for each day and should select your primary SIG meeting choice. If registering for a two-day SIG, the registration fee is equal to two (2) daily rates.

Each SIG participant will receive a booklet of schedules for all SIGs and each SIGs program will be available on the SIGs website and provided in electronic format on a USB. Lunch is included in the SIG fee.

Please register for the SIG in which you are most interested so that we can assign the appropriate room size to each SIG. All SIG meetings will be held at the ICC Berlin.

NOTE: SIG registrants are able to participate in SIG meetings only on the day for which they have registered. 


DAILY SIG FEES FOR DELEGATES ALSO REGISTERING FOR ISMB/ECCB 2013
DAILY SIG Fees - All prices in Euros (€) and include 19% German VAT ON or BEFORE June 7, 2013 After June 7, 2013
Student €107.10 €166.60
Academic/Non-profit/Government/Postdoc €136.85 €196.35
Corporate €166.60 €226.10

 

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DAILY SIG FEES FOR DELEGATES NOT REGISTERING FOR ISMB/ECCB 2013
DAILY SIG Fees - All prices in Euros (€) and include 19% German VAT ON or BEFORE June 7, 2013 After June 7, 2013
Student €166.60 €226.10
Academic/Non-profit/Government/Postdoc €196.35 €255.85
Corporate €226.10 €285.60

Note: SIG-only registration does not include access to ISMB/ECCB 2013.

 

One-Day SIGs (Friday, July 19, or Saturday, July 20)

Friday, July 19, 2013

Saturday, July 20, 2013


Two-Day SIGs (Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20)

 

Tutorial Sessions [more info]

Saturday, July 20

ISMB/ECCB delegates are invited to register for one or two half-day tutorials. The tutorial fee includes one hard-copy of the tutorial notes of the tutorial registered for, plus one electronic version which includes notes from both tutorials. Lunch is included in the tutorial registration fee for delegates registering for two tutorials only. Registering for two tutorials also saves 50% off the price of the second tutorial.

Delegates registering for only one tutorial have the option to purchase a €15.00 lunch ticket during online registration.

Morning Tutorial (AMTUT): 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Computational mass spectrometry-based proteomics

Afternoon Tutorial (PMTUT): 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Encode data access (no controversy)


Tutorial Sessions
FEES - All prices in Euros (€) and include 19% German VAT 1 Tutorial 2 Tutorials
ISCB Members €95.20 €142.80
Non-Members €119.00 €178.50

Note: You must be registered for the ISMB/ECCB 2013 conference to attend a tutorial.

 

Discover Berlin Orienteering Event & Icebreaker (Friday, July 19) [more info]

Discover Berlin by joining other conference attendees in exploring this beautiful and historic city. This event has proven to be a great way to meet other attendees. (Friday, July 19, 6:30 p.m.)

Cost per participant is €11.90

 

 

Conference Dinner - Monday, July 22  [more info]

 

 

Bavarian Dinner and Entertainment - Hofbräu München in Berlin

Cost per participant: €20.23 (includes VAT)

Tickets available on the registration website. Please note tickets are limited to 1100 participants.

 

ISMB and ECCB invite delegates to a special evening supported in part by the conference organizers. The Hofbräu in Berlin provides guests with the Bavarian spirit in the capital city Berlin. Dinner includes your choice of traditional Bavarian feast or Vegetarian meal as well as one beer. (Additional beverages can be purchased from the venue). This is a ticketed event and delegates must provide their ticket upon entry to the restaurant. Tickets can be purchased during registration until July 5, 2013, or until the dinner event is sold out.

 

Address:

Hofbräu München
Bayerisches Wirtshaus
Berlin GmbH
Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 30
10178 Berlin

http://www.hofbraeuhaus-berlin.de/index_en.htm?setlang=en


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PUBLICATIONS


All ISMB/ECCB 2013 registrants will receive one copy of the proceedings in electronic format, and all tutorial participants will receive one copy of the tutorial notes in electronic format. Additional copies are available for the following fees:

  • Proceedings (Electronic version only) €23.80
  • Tutorial notes (Electronic version with all tutorials ) €23.80

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CONFERENCE T-SHIRT


Conference delegates can purchase an ISMB/ECCB 2013 Conference T-shirt during online registration. T-shirts can be ordered only until June 5, 2013, at a cost of €11.90

Tshirt

 

 

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ISMB/ECCB Hotel Accommodation


ISMB/ECCB 2013 is pleased to offer a wide range of hotels and rates for your stay during the Berlin Conference. The room block is managed by Mondial Congress and Events, 
 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.     

Room reservations should be made as early as possible and special rates are available only until June 10, 2013.

Full details on the hotel are available at: http://www.iscb.org/ismbeccb2013-general-info/ismbeccb2013-housing


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ATTENTION ALL ATTENDEES


Electronic Conference Proceedings Only:

Conference proceedings will be available after June 28, 2013, as an open access, online-only issue of Bioinformatics, and will not be available in print. If you want printed proceedings it is recommended that you print copies of papers from the online proceedings in advance. It is also recommended that you bring a laptop computer to the conference to view the electronic conference proceedings that will be included in your delegate bag.

Wireless internet services will be available throughout the conference facility and a limited number of computer stations will be available for online viewing.

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TRAVEL TO BERLIN, GERMANY

 

Non-EU citizens need a valid passport to enter Germany. Information sheets listing the regulations for persons from the respective countries, who want to stay less than 90 days, are available at the respective German embassies.

Non-EU citizens who want to stay longer than 90 days need a visa from a German Consulate. These are usually only issued for business travellers and students with a foreign scholarship. The citizens of the following countries do not need a tourist visa to enter Germany:

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Great Britain, Guatemala, Honduras, Hongkong, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, Croatia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, Republic of Slowakia, Slovenia, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela, Cyprus.

We recommend that tourists, who want to combine their stay in Berlin with a trip to other European countries, apply for the necessary visas to enter the countries of their choice prior to their departure.

Vaccination requirements: none
Vaccination recommendations: Tetanus, Diphteria
Currency: may be brought into and taken out of the country in any amount
Citizens of EU member states: no visa required
Citizens of Non-EU states: visa always required
Currency exchange obligation: none

For further information please visit: http://www.bund.de/EN/Entering-Germany/Entering-Germany_node.html

 

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CANCELLATION POLICY


Request for registration cancellation must be made in writing and should be sent to:

ISMB/ECCB 2013 Registration
Suite 437, 11215 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5K 0L5

OR by: Fax: 1+780-414-1664
OR by: Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PLEASE NOTE: no cancellations will be accepted by phone.

All refunds, in Euros, will be processed following the ISMB/ECCB 2013 Conference.

Refunds will be made in accordance with the following schedule:
· Cancellations received on or before May 17, 2013, will receive a full refund minus a €100.00 processing fee.
· Cancellations received from May 18, 2013 through June 17, 2013 will receive a full refund minus a €200.00 processing fee.
· No refund of fees will be made after June 18, 2013.

 

For Additional Registration Assistance:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Telephone: 1+780-760-2698 (M-F 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Mountain Time) 
Fax: 1+780-414-1664
 

Register Now at: https://www.iscbconferences.org/CONFERENCES/ISMBECCB-2013/

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ISMB/ECCB 2013 - Housing (reservations closed June 10)

ISMB/ECCB 2013 is pleased to offer a wide range of hotels and rates for your stay during the Berlin Conference. The room block is managed by Mondial Congress and Events. Room reservations should be made as early as possible - please note these special rates are available until June 10, 2013.

All rates are indicated in EURO, per room, per night, and include breakfast, service and all taxes. The number of nights booked serves as a basis for your hotel invoice. Should the desired hotel (category) no longer be available, similar accommodation will be offered. Please note, the hotel booking can only be guaranteed once the deposit has been received.

All changes or cancellations must be made in writing. Due to organizational reasons we would kindly ask you to make your room reservation by June 10, 2013. Cancellations of rooms received by May 21, 2013 will be refunded, less an administration fee of EUR 35.00. For cancellations received after May 21, 2013 or no-shows the deposit will not be refunded.

In case of any questions please contact the official housing bureau:
Mondial Congress & Events This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

For a Journey Planner BVG.de

For a PDF Map see: S Bahn Berlin

 

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A HOTEL MAP

 

Hotel Sgl. Rates Dbl. Rates Travel Time
Closest Metro Directions to Congress Venue Internet

Hilton Berlin

145,00 

165,00  

25 minutes

U2 Stadtmitte

approx. 250m to metro stop U2 Stadtmitte, 13 stops to Kaiserdamm
WiFi EUR 25,- per day

Ibis Berlin Messe

(FULLY BOOKED)

69,00 

79,00 

100meter

Messe Nord

 approx. 2 minutes to the congress venue WiFi EUR 9,- per day

Hoppegarten

36,00 

42,00 

70 minutes

S-Birkenstein

 approx. 2km to Schnellbahn stop S5 Birnekstein, 18 stops to Zoologischer Garten, then change to metro line U2, 5 stops to Kaiserdamm WiFi EUR 12,50 per day

Ellington
(FULLY BOOKED)

128,00 

158,00 

15 minutes

U2 Wittenbergplatz

 approx. 450m to metro stop U2 Wittenbergplatz, 6 stops to Kaiserdamm WiFi EUR 12,50 per day

Park Inn

94,00 

104,00 

25 minutes

S+U Alexanderplatz

 approx. 350m to metro stop U2 Alexanderplatz, 18 stops to Kaiserdamm  WiFi at extra charge, Cost N/A

Abba
(FULLY BOOKED)

99,00 

109,00 

20 minutes

U Uhlandstraße

 approx. 650m to metro stop U1 Uhlandstraße, 2 stops to Wittenbergplatz, then change to metro line U2, 6 stops to Kaiserdamm WiFi EUR 15,- per day

Ramada
(FULLY BOOKED)

70,00 

75,00 

30 minutes

S+U Alexanderplatz

 approx. 500m to metro stop U2 Alexanderplatz, 18 stops to Kaiserdamm LAN free of charge,
WiFi EUR 15,- per day

H2 Alexanderplatz

(FULLY BOOKED)

55,00 

60,00 

30 minutes

S+U Alexanderplatz

 approx. 500m to metro stop U2 Alexanderplatz, 18 stops to Kaiserdamm  WiFi free of charge

Maritim Pro Arte

74,00 

88,00 

 30 Minutes

 U6 Friedrichstraße

 approx. 150m to metro stop U6 Friedrichstraße, 2 stops to Stadtmitte, then change to metro line U2, 13 stops to Kaiserdamm WiFi at extra charge, Cost N/A

 

 

1) Hilton Berlin***** - HEADQUARTERS HOTEL

This 5-star hotel on Berlin's historic Gendarmenmarkt Square features luxurious rooms, an exclusive spa and a stylish restaurant serving regional cuisine. The famous Friedrichstraße shopping street is 200 metres away.

Hilton Berlin guests can use the indoor pool and the modern, 24-hour gym for free. Spa facilities include a beauty salon, massage parlour and a steam room. Decorated in warm colours, the Hilton Berlin's elegant rooms come equipped with a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee facilities. One child up to 18 can use existing bedding for free.

German dishes and European favourites can be enjoyed in the Mark Brandenburg and Beletage restaurants. International drinks and snacks are served on the Dome Curry terrace and in the lobby bar. The Stadtmitte Underground Station is just 200 metres away from the Hilton.

Single Room Rate per night in Euro: 145,00
Double Room Rate per night in Euro 165,00

 

alt

 

 

2) Abba Berlin Hotel ****

FULLY BOOKED


Spacious, elegant rooms and a spa area with hot tub are offered at this 4-star hotel in Berlin's Charlottenburg district, located 250 metres from the famous Kurfürstendamm shopping street.

Abba Berlin Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with modern furniture and a flat-screen TV. Luxury toiletries and a hairdryer are provided in the stylish bathrooms.

The Abba Mia restaurant serves Italian, German and Asian specialities, as well as a daily breakfast buffet. Drinks and tapas are available in the modern lounge bar, which has free Wi-Fi access.

Guests can relax in the wellness area, which features a sauna, Turkish bath and fitness room.

The Abba is a 5-minute walk from Uhlandstrasse Underground Station. Berlin Zoo is a 15-minute walk away.

Single Room Rate per night in Euro: 99,00
Double Room Rate per night in Euro 109,00

 

 

 

3) Ellington Hotel ****

FULLY BOOKED
This 4-star design hotel offers modern rooms, free use of the gym and on-site parking. It is a 2-minute walk from Berlin's Kurfürstendamm shopping street and the KaDeWe department store.

Dating from the 1920s, the Hotel Ellington provides modern, air-conditioned rooms with a minibar, TV and internet access.

A rich breakfast buffet is served each morning. The stylish Duke restaurant with summer terrace offers a range of dishes and guests can relax in the lounge bar or conservatory with a glass of wine.

The Ellington's spacious, modern gym is located in the basement. Massages and training sessions are also available. Wittenbergplatz Underground Station is just a 5-minute walk away. The famous Europa Centre is within 400 metres.

Single Room Rate per night in Euro: 128,00
Double Room Rate per night in Euro: 158,00

 

 

 

4) H2 Hotel Berlin-Alexanderplatz **/S

FULLY BOOKED

Just 300 metres from Alexanderplatz Square and the Berlin TV Tower, this modern hotel offers soundproofed rooms with free Wi-Fi, healthy cuisine, and excellent transport connections.

The 2-star-superior H2 Hotel Berlin-Alexanderplatz has bright, stylish rooms with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a modern bathroom with separate toilet.

An 8-minute walk to Alexanderplatz Rail Station, guests can reach sights including Potsdamer Platz Square and the Kurfürstendamm shopping street within 20 minutes by underground.

The H2's varied breakfast buffet and evening meals are served in the spacious restaurant, featuring only natural products. Special diet menus are available on request.

Bicycles can be hired for exploring the surrounding area. A tour desk helps guests plan their stay in Berlin.

Single Room Rate per night in Euro: 55,00
Double Room Rate per night in Euro 60,00

 

 

5) Hoppegarten ****

Offering regional cuisine, free parking and a spa, this hotel is quietly located beside a forest. It is 2 km from the Hoppegarten Horse-Racing Course and 15 km from central Berlin.

The bright rooms at the 4-star Hotel Hoppegarten Berlin feature satellite TV, a minibar and a hairdryer. Wi-Fi is available for an extra charge.

Hoppegarten's restaurant offers modern international food and specialities from the Berlin and Brandenburg areas. Guests can also relax in the beer garden or in the traditional Reiter-Bar.

A sauna, Turkish steam bath and gym can be found on site. The hotel also offers massages and rental bicycles.

The A10 motorway is just 7 km away. Hoppegarten Train Station is 2 km away, and offers a direct connection to Berlin's Alexanderplatz Square.

Single Room Rate per night in Euro: 36.00
Double Room Rate per night in Euro: 42.00
Triple Room Rate per night in Euro: 60.00

 

 

 

6) Ibis Berlin Messe Hotel **

FULLY BOOKED

This hotel has an 8th-floor breakfast lounge with views of Berlin, a 24-hour bar and free internet terminals. It is directly beside Berlin's ICC and trade fair, and free parking is nearby.

The air-conditioned rooms at Ibis Berlin Messe include a TV and a private bathroom with hairdryer. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby.

A large breakfast buffet is available between 04:00 and 12:00. Snacks and drinks can be enjoyed 24 hours a day at the non-smoking Ibis.

Ibis Berlin Messe is a 3-minute walk from Messe Nord/ICC S-Bahn
Station and Kaiserdamm Underground Station. There are direct trains to the Olympic Stadium and Zoologischer Garten Train Station.

Single Room Rate per night in Euro: 69.00
Double Room Rate per night in Euro 79.00

 

 

7) Park Inn ****

This 4-star-superior hotel offers 3 restaurants, a spa and air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs. It is Berlin's tallest hotel and is located directly on Alexanderplatz Square.

All rooms and suites at the Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz have marble bathrooms with power showers and heated floors. Local specialities are served in the Zillestube restaurant, and international cuisine in Humboldt's. Snacks and drinks are available in the Spagos Bar&Lounge.

The Park Inn's wellness centre includes a sauna, gym and massages. Guests can also relax on the top-floor terrace, which offers great city views.

The Park Inn by Radisson stands opposite Alexanderplatz Station, which offers bus, tram, underground and S-Bahn rail links to all parts of Berlin. Museum Island and the lively Hackescher Markt area are a 15-minute walk away.

Single Room Rate per night in Euro: 94.00
Double Room Rate per night in Euro 104.00

 

 

8) RAMADA Hotel Berlin-Alexanderplatz ****
(FULLY BOOKED)

Just a 3-minute walk from Alexanderplatz, this new hotel offers free Wi-Fi, soundproofed rooms with flat-screen TVs, and fitness facilities. It has great transport links to all parts of Berlin.

Opening in March 2011, the 4-star RAMADA Hotel Berlin-Alexanderplatz has air-conditioned rooms in a modern, simple design.

International food is served in the RAMADA Alexanderplatz's restaurant. A bar and smoker's lounge are available on site.

Mollstraße/Prenzlauer Allee Tram Stop is a 2-minute walk away. Alexanderplatz offers S-Bahn, underground and bus links to Berlin's major attractions and airports. It also features the Galeria Kaufhof and Alexa shopping malls.

After a busy day, guests can relax in the RAMADA's gym, sauna or jacuzzi.

Single Room Rate per night in Euro: 70.00
Double Room Rate per night in Euro 75.00

 

 

9) Maritim proArte Hotel ****

In the middle of Berlin, between the Brandenburg Gate and the Gendarmenmarkt, lays a 4-star superior design hotel that is waiting to welcome you in the Friedrichstrasse. Its modern architecture, harmonious design and expressive art create a unique environment. The splendid avenue "Unter den Linden" with its elegant shops is just a stone's throw away. Explore the "genuine" Berlin by foot, with its traditional pubs, fashionable restaurants and cultural highlights.

 

 

Single Room Rate per night in Euro: 74.00

Double Room Rate per night in Euro: 88.00

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is ISCB?

A: The International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) is the parent organization of the annual conference on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB). The ISCB is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of living systems through computation. The ISCB communicates the significance of our science to the larger scientific community, governments, and the public at large. The ISCB serves a global membership by impacting government and scientific policies, providing high quality publications and meetings, and through distribution of valuable information about training, education, employment and relevant news from related fields. ISCB membership offers many benefits including reduced conference registration fees to several high impact events and reduced subscription prices for a selection of journals of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Members are from more than 50 countries and include over 800 students and nearly 500 post doctoral researchers. A member's meeting and a meeting of the Board of Directors for the Society are held annually in conjunction with the ISMB conference. 

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Q: What is ECCB?

A: The European Conference on Computational Biology (ECCB) is a multi-disciplinary conference that bridges the fields of computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology by bringing together involved scientists from all over the world. It has a revolving scheme in which, each year, one of the European countries hosts the European conference, often jointly with the national conference on computational biology.

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Q: What is the ISMB conference?

A: Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB) is the annual meeting of the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB). Over the past 20 years the ISMB conference has grown to become the largest bioinformatics conference in the world. The ISMB conferences provide a multidisciplinary forum for disseminating the latest developments in bioinformatics. ISMB brings together scientists from computer science, molecular biology, mathematics, and statistics. Its principal focus is on the development and application of advanced computational methods for biological problems.

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Q: Why are ISMB and ECCB joined for 2013?
A: ISMB/ECCB builds on the successes of the joint conferences first beginning in 2004. In 2013 a combined ISMB/ECCB conference will again offer the strongest scientific program and the broadest scope of any international bioinformatics conference.

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Q: Who are the ISMB/ECCB 2013 Conference Chairs?

A: The conference chairs for ISMB/ECCB 2013 are:

Burkhard Rost, Conference Chair, Technical University Munich, Germany
Anna Tramontano, Conference Co-chair, University of Rome, Italy 
Martin Vingron, Conference Co-chair, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany

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Q: Who do I contact for information on the conference?

A: You can get information on the conference from:

c/o Executive Officer
International Society for Computational Biology
9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0505
La Jolla, CA 92093-0505 USA


or from the Conferences Director, Steven Leard at:

Phone: +1-780-414-1663
Fax: +1-780-414-1664
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Q: Where will the conference be held?

ICC Berlin

A: The conference will be held at the ICC Berlin.

To learn more about about the ICC Berlin click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Q: What is the address of the ICC Berlin?

 

Getting to the ICC Berlin:

Neue Kantstraße / Ecke Messedamm


D-14057 Berlin



The following stations are within walking distance to the ICC:

a) S-Bahn Station Messe Nord / ICC (S-Bahn circle line 41 and 42 / brown line): approximately a 4 min walk

b) S5 or S7 to “Charlottenburg” and then take the bus M49 to S Messe Nord /ICC. This station is located directly in front of the ICC.

c) U-Bahn Station Kaiserdamm (U 2 / red line): approximately a 6 min walk

 

Right next to the ICC Berlin is the plainly visible radio tower. Details on how to get there are available here.

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Q: Where is Berlin, Germany?

A: Berlin is the capital city of Germany and one of the 16 states of Germany. Berlin is Germany's largest city with a population of about 3.5 million people.

Located in northeastern Germany on the River Spree, it is the center of the Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region. Located in the European Plain, Berlin is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. Around one third of the city's area is composed of forests, parks, gardens, rivers and lakes.

Berlin is Germany’s political, cultural and historical centre. It has once again become a top ten destination amongst world metropolises. Berlin will treat you to a living history, art treasures from all eras, trendy shopping and a wild club culture. And because the German capital sits in the heart of Europe, it’s an easy city to access – regardless of if you’re coming from Wladiwostok or Wanne-Eickel. Whether 

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Q: Do I need a visa to visit Berlin, Germany?

A: Non-EU citizens need a valid passport to enter Germany. Information sheets listing the regulations for persons from the respective countries, who want to stay less than 90 days, are available at the respective German embassies.

Non-EU citizens who want to stay longer than 90 days need a visa from a German Consulate. These are usually only issued for business travellers and students with a foreign scholarship. The citizens of the following countries do not need a tourist visa to enter Germany:

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Great Britain, Guatemala, Honduras, Hongkong, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, Croatia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, Republic of Slowakia, Slovenia, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela, Cyprus.

We recommend that tourists, who want to combine their stay in Berlin with a trip to other European countries, apply for the necessary visas to enter the countries of their choice prior to their departure.

Vaccination requirements: none
Vaccination recommendations: Tetanus, Diphteria
Currency: Euro (€), may be brought into and taken out of the country in any amount. Cash money of more than 10,000 EUR must be declared at the customs authorities.
Citizens of EU member states: no visa required
Citizens of Non-EU states: visa always required
Currency exchange obligation: none

For further information please visit: http://www.bund.de/EN/Entering-Germany/Entering-Germany_node.html

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Q: What is the closest airport to Berlin?

A: Berlin offers two airports - Schönefeld and Tegel - which both are accessable with the public transport system very easly. The new Berlin Brandenburg International Airport BER is curently under construction and will not open before the conference.

Schönefeld is situated in the southeast of Berlin, approximately 18 km from the city centre. The airport is connected with the city centre by the S-Bahn (suburban train) lines S45 and S9 as well as with several AirportExpress trains that run from/to Hauptbahnhof, Zoologischer Garten, Friedrichstraße, Alexanderplatz and Ostbahnhof every half an hour. S45 and S9 need about 45 minutes for the trip to the centre, the trains take 15 min (from/to Ostbahnhof) to 30 min (from/to Hauptbahnhof), 35 min(from/to Zoologischer Garten). All trains and the S-Bahn stop at the station "Flughafen Berlin-Schönefeld". Note that the airport is located in fair zone C (ticket Berlin ABC)

 

Schönefeld Airport (SXF)
12521 Berlin (Schönefeld)
+49 180-500 01 86 (0,14 € /Min.)
Fernbahn/IC-Anschluss ca. 300 m/5 Min.
S Flughafen Berlin-Schönefeld
N X7, 162, 163, 171, 736

Tegel is situated in the northwest of Berlin, approximately 8 km from the city-centre. You can reach the western city centre from the airport conveniently within 15 minutes.
Apart from the buses 109 and 128 the JetExpressBus TXL connects the airport to the main train station Hauptbahnhof. The Expressbus X9 leaves from the train station Zoologischer Garten. The Expressbuses stop only at the main bus stops and are therefore a quick connection.

The bus or undergound ticket costs € 2.40 (fair zone AB), or € 3.10 for trips to the surroundings (fair zone ABC).

Tegel Airport (TXL)
13405 Berlin (Reinickendorf)
+49 180-500 01 86 (0,14 €/Min.)
N X9, 109, 128, Jet Express TXL

Further information www.berlin-airport.de

Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg

The new Willy Brandt Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER for short) is currently being built in Berlin Schönefeld. In the future the entire air traffic of the region will be handled from the completely new airport, and the previous Berlin airports at Tegel and Schönefeld will be closed down.
The opening date of the new Berlin Brandenburg International Airport BER is crrently uncertain, but not before 2014.

airBerlin is also moving from its previous base to the new BER airport. Taking its partners into account, there will then be a total of over 900 destinations available, with some 9,500 departures every day.

In addition to the scheduled services, the low-cost airlines Easyjet, germanwings and Ryanair will also be flying from the new airport to many destinations.

Additional information on air travel to Berlin is available here.

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Q: What is Germany's Time Zone?

A: Berlin lies within the Central European time zone (CET). From the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, summer time is in effect (MESZ).

Visit here to find the current Berlin time

Q: What is the Electrical Current?

A: The voltage is 220 - 240 Volts (Alternating Current) You can find more information here about current and electrical adapters for plugging in. 

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Q: What is the International area code?

A: The area code for Berlin from abroad is: + 49 (German Country Code) and 30 is the Berlin Area Code

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Q: What language is spoken in Germany?

A: German is the primary language. The most common foreign language is English

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Q. In what language will the conference sessions and materials be presented?

A. All conference presentations and materials will be presented in English.
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Q: What is the climate?

A: Berlin has a continental climate, with cold winters and often quite hot summers. The coldest months are December, January, and February, when mean temperatures of −0.4 to 1.2°C (31.3 to 34.2°F) and freezing temperatures can continue for many weeks. The warmest months are June, July, and August, with mean temperatures of 16.7 to 17.9°C (62.1 to 64.2°F) and during particularly hot periods temperatures can exceed 30°C.

Current Berlin Weather available here

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Q: Where do I get more information on Berlin?

A: Visit the official website of Visit Berlin here.

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Q: What are the conference hotels?

A: The ISMB/ECCB organizers are using Mondial Congress and Events to coordinate the housing block and a wide selection of hotels available at special discounted rates for conference attendees. Remember most hotels offer breakfast part of their room rate.

Mondial Congress and Events, the official conference housing Bureau, can be contacted by
 e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

These special rates are available til June 10, 2013  - full details on housing is available here.

 

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Q: Where can I find medical information?

A: Emergency Numbers:

  • Police - Dial  110
  • Medical Emergency - Dial 112
  • Additional details are available here

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Q: What is the custom on tipping?

A: In many areas such as restaurants, taxis, hairdressers, service stations, tipping is traditionally expected. Usually, the tip amounts to about 5 to 10 percent, but the size of the tip should be according to your satisfaction with the services rendered.

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Q: What can I do to ensure my personal safety?

A: Berlin is an extremely safe city, however like all cities Berlin has its share of petty crime.  Two of the biggest areas for pickpocketing in Berlin are on the U-Bahn and at the Bahnhof Zoo.  Just use common sense when at these places, or in crowded touristy areas.  Don't keep large amounts of cash on hand at a time, don't wear flashy and expensive jewelry, and keep your passport in a safe place, ideally a money belt underneath your clothes where you can hide it.  Keep alert while on the S/U-Bahn: better to be too cautious than sorry!  On each U-Bahn station platform, there is a red panic button that can be pushed if need be.  Guards also patrol most stations.   While at restaurants or cafes, don't keep a purse slung on the back of a chair where someone can easily snatch it.  Keep it under the table instead.  NEVER leave luggage unattended anywhere.  Just use common sense and keep your judgment up, Berlin is very safe and more likely than not, you won't ever be the victim of any type of crime.


Tips for your personal safety can be found here and additional information from Berlin Tourism can be found here

 

 

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Q: What is the currency?

A: The legal tender in Germany is the Euro. Banks in Berlin are usually open:

Mon to Wed, Fri 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am – 5:30 pm

Some branches are closed 12:30 – 1:30 pm
In the city center many banks are open continuously from:

Mon to Wed, Fri 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Thu 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

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Q: How can I pay to register for ISMB/ECCB?

A: Delegates can pay on-line using the following credit cards: American Express, Mastercard or  Visa.

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Q: How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

A: See Taxi information for transportation from the airport. You can also receive tourist information and assistance by contacting Berlin Tourism here

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Q: Where do I register when I arrive?

A: Conference Registration is available from Thursday, July 18 to Tuesday, July 23  at the ICC Berlin. A complete registration schedule will be posted closer to the conference.

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Q: Can I get a refund on the Germany Value Added Tax?

A: Value added tax (VAT) is a type of sales tax. In Germany the normal VAT rate of 19% is added to the net price. On certain products and services, such as books, staple foods (except soft drinks and spirits), newspapers, flowers and public transport tickets the reduced VAT rate of 7% is applied.

Travelers who liveoutside the European Union can obtain a refund on value added tax for goods bought in Germany. Save your receipts from your purchases. Get to the airport ahead of time when you are leaving. Before you check in your luggage, you can go the tax free shopping reclaim office and get your receipts stamped and obtain cash refund.

Details are available here

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Q: What should I do if I lose something?

A: A lost and found will be located at the information booth located at the ICC Berlin.

 


Q: What are the registration/information desk hours at the conference?

Registration Desk Hours at the ICC Berlin
 
Thursday, July 18
Registration: ICC Berlin, Entrance Hall
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
 
Friday, July 19 - Tuesday, July 23
Registration:  ICC Berlin, Entrance Hall
  • Friday, July 19 – 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 20 – 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 21 – 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Monday, July 22 – 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 23 – 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

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Q. Do you have a map of the ICC Berlin and the closest public transit connections?

Yes a printable PDF is available here.
A Secondary map is available here
 
 

 
Q. Do you have a Berlin public transit route map?
 
Yes a printable PDF is available here.

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