The Charles Helmstetter Prize
The bacterial cell cycle is crucial to microbial physiology, impacting fields like host-microbe interactions and synthetic biology. Understanding this process not only illuminates bacterial cell functions, but also generates implications for industrial biotechnology, human health and the origins of life.
Charles E. Helmstetter's seminal contributions, spanning decades of dedicated research and innovation from the 1960s to the close of the 20th century, not only laid the groundwork for modern investigations into bacterial cell physiology, but also set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire researchers today. The Charles E. Helmstetter Prize stands as a testament to the profound impact of his pioneering work in advancing our understanding of the bacterial cell cycle. Recipients of the prize not only receive recognition for their innovative work but also contribute to the ongoing advancement of scientific understanding in this vital field. In 2022, the prize was awarded to Dr Philip C Hanawalt, Dr Moselio Schaechter and Dr Conrad L Woldringh in Ein Gedi, Israel.
In 2025, the winner of The Charles E. Helmstetter Prize will be chosen from distinguished candidates and announced at the Microbial Physiology Workshop Deciphering Microbial Physiology: Mass Growth, DNA Replication, Nucleoid Segregation, and Cell Division.
About the Workshop
This Microbial Physiology Workshop will explore the mechanisms of bacterial cell growth, replication, and division, crucial for understanding bacterial physiology and synthesizing artificial cells. It will focus on:
Fundamental principles underlying key events and processes in bacterial cell cycle
Spatio-temporal coordination of these events and processes
Environmental modulation of coordination
New experimental, computational, and theoretical methods
Confirmed Speakers
Bree Aldridge
Tufts University, US
Ariel Amir
Weizmann Institute of Science, IL
Orna Amster-Choder
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Markus Basan
Harvard Medical School, US
Naama Brenner
Israel Institute of Technology
Marco
Cosentino-Lagomarsino
IFOM - cancer research institute, IT
Meriem El Karoui
The University of Edinburgh
Johan Elf
Uppsala University, SE
Ido Golding
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Matthias Heinemann
Univeristy of Groningen
Jiliang Hu
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US
Kerwyn Huang
Stanford University, US
Terence Hwa
University of California San-Diego, US
Thomas Julou
University of Basel, CH
Suckjoon Jun
University of California San Diego
Sangjin Kim
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Nancy Kleckner
Harvard University, US
Tung Le
John Innes Centre, UK
Petra Levin
Washington University, US
Chenli Liu (Chair)
Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, CAS, CN
Jaan Männik
University of Tennessee, US
Teuta Pilizota
The University of Edinburgh, UK
Hanna Salman
University of Pittsburgh
Olga Schubert
ETH Zurich, CH
BiancaSclavi
Sorbonne University, FR
Hong-Yan Shih
Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica
Wenying Shou
University College London, UK
Erik van Nimwegen
University of Basel, CH
Jade Wang
University of Wisconsin–Madison, US
Paul Wiggins
University of Washington, US
Jie Xiao
Johns Hopkins University, US
Jin Yu
University of California, Irvine, US
Lanying Zeng
Texas A&M University
Committee
Organization Committee
Ariel Amir
Weizmann Institute of Science, IL
Johan Elf
Uppsala University, SE
Marco Cosentino-
Lagomarsino
IFOM - cancer research institute, IT
Chenli Liu (Chair)
Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, CAS, CN
Wenying Shou
University College London, UK
JadeWang
University of Wisconsin-Madison, US
Jie Xiao
Johns Hopkins University, US
Advisory Board
Venue & Transport
Venue(TBD)
Guangming Science City
Transportation
By Air
The nearest airport is Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi directly to Guangming Science City(光明区-永创路与羌下一路交汇处西北侧)
By Car
Attendees can also choose to drive to the venue and will be able to park on site.
Visa
Generally, foreign nationals need to have a valid visa to visit mainland China. Non-commerce visa (F type) , Tourist Visa (L Type) and multi-year multiple-entry valid visas are all valid.
If you are going to apply for Non-commerce visa (F type) and need a formal invitation letter, please complete and return the attached template below to us via email: microb.physiol2025@siat.ac.cn
According to the bilateral agreements between China and foreign countries, citizens of some countries who meet requirements set out in the bilateral agreements may enter China without a visa. Mutual Visa Exemption List: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/zlbg/bgzl/lhqz/201202/t20120207_961630.shtml
Due to the uncertainty of visa-free policy, you are highly recommended to check with the relevant Chinese Embassy or Consulate General for specific information.
As the demand of Chinese visas has increased significantly, some application procedures may have been changed and applicants are required to go to the consulate in person. Please check the updated information and submit your visa application about two months before your planned travel date in China.
Accomodation
Hotel
TBD
Address
Travel Tips for Shenzhen in June
The average temperature is 27℃ to 33℃(81℉ to 91℉). It is recommended to wear the following types of clothing:
- T-shirts
Contact
Email:microb.physiol2025@siat.ac.cn