WELCOME IRAP International Symposium 2024
We would like to cordially welcome you back to Prato (where it all began just over 10 years ago) for the 5th International IRAP Symposium! This meeting will continue on from previous successful meetings, with the most recent being held in Napflio, Greece just prior to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Supported by:
Research into the physiological and pathological roles of Insulin Regulated Aminopeptidase (IRAP), an enzyme known by many other names, including vasopressinase, oxytocinase, placental leucine aminopeptidase (P-LAP) and the angiotensin type 4 receptor (AT4R), continues to grow. It is becoming apparent that IRAP plays more than just a role in regulation of glucose uptake or degradation of various peptide substrates such as oxytocin during pregnancy.
In fact, recent research indicates that IRAP has roles in the immune system, inflammation, fibrosis and cognition to name just a few. The IRAP 2024 Symposium aims to bring together the key researchers to showcase new discoveries, challenges and promise in the field of IRAP research. The meeting also aims to foster new collaborations, connect basic and translational research, and provide a collegial platform of learning and communication for our early career researchers and post-graduate students.
Advancing IRAP Research
The Important Bits
Visiting Prato
Accommodation is not included in the registration. We have provided information to assist in planning your travel including details on planned strikes in Italy on 20 & 24 Sept
Keynote Speakers
Associate Professor
Efstratios Stratikos
“The cautionary tale of three inhibitors”
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Efstratios Stratikos is an Associate Professor of Biochemistry and the Director of the Laboratory of Biochemistry of the Department of Chemistry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. He is also an Adjunct Researcher at the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”. After obtaining a degree in Chemistry from the University of Athens in 1994, he continued his studies in the USA, at the University of Illinois Medical School in Chicago, where he obtained a PhD in Biochemistry in 1999. From 1999 to 2004 he was a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard University in Boston, USA. From 2005 to 2020 he worked as a researcher at the National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos" where he was promoted to the rank of Research Director in 2014 as head of the Protein Chemistry Laboratory. Since 2020 he has been working at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. His research interests focus on the study of proteins and their role in human disease and in particular on the molecular mechanisms of the human immune system.
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Personal web page: http://users.uoa.gr/~estratikos/
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Lab web page: https://biochemistry.chem.uoa.gr/
Professor
Louise Burrell
"Anti-fibrotic drugs in clinical practice"
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Prof Louise Burrell is an active clinician-researcher with specialty training in Endocrinology and Internal Medicine and a significant track record of translational research in cardiovascular disease and related conditions. She is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne, Head of the Cardiovascular Research Group, and an Honorary Professor of Medicine at Dundee University. Her research program investigates the pathophysiology and treatment of cardiovascular disease with work that spans laboratory science and clinical research. She is internationally known for contributions and leadership in regard to the understanding and management of cardiovascular disease, particularly as it relates to the renin angiotensin system. She has a particular interest in role of ACE2 as a biomarker of risk in heart and kidney disease. She also has significant experience in randomised clinical trials, and recently led a large trial that studied the effect of climate on hospital admissions, and was involved in another that repurposed of existing medications to reduce severe acute respiratory distress in patients with COVID-19.
About Us
A/Prof Tracey Gaspari
Department of Pharmacology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Australia
Prof Philip Thompson
Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Australia
Prof Robert Widdop
Head, Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Australia
Jess Hudson
Executive Assistant
Department of Pharmacology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Australia
A/Prof Siew Yeen Chai
Department of Physiology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Australia
What's
Included?
Conference Activities
Registration includes the following
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Welcome Reception
Sunday 22 September
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You are invited to join us on the beautiful rooftop terrace for canapes and drinks with an option to purchase a guest ticket for AUD $45 when registering for the conference.
Conference Dinner
Tuesday 24 September
Dinner will be included with an option to purchase an extra guest ticket for AUD $100 at the time of registration.
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Conference Program
We are excited to provide updates on insulin regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) research at this meeting that continues the tradition of disseminating novel information about this target.
Over the course of this conference, you will hear from experts in various fields of IRAP research as well as from other leaders who will provide broader perspectives for understanding the potential of targeting IRAP in disease states.
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We welcome the free exchange of information and encourage students and ECRs to attend (at a discounted price) where they will have opportunities to present their work and be in the running for prizes!
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Reduced rate for Students/ECRs
Student registration is available for those currently studying. Students are required to provide a written statement from your supervisor verifying your student status.
Early Career Researcher (ECR) registration is available to those <3 years out of their PhD (excluding career disruptions). ECRs are required to provide a brief letter signed by their Head of Department/School confirming that they fulfil the eligibility criteria.
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In order to maintain affordability for the conference, registration fees are set to Australian dollars to ensure we meet Monash University's requirements in Australia.
Visiting Prato
Prato itself lies in the northeast of Tuscany and is the capital for the Province of Prato. The city dates back to the mediaeval times with the ancient city centre enclosed by mediaeval walls. Historically, Prato was built on its textile industry, with this continuing today. The city also has many historical and artistic attractions, and is a great starting point for exploring the Tuscan region with regular trains to Florence (30min), Pistoia (20min), Pisa (1.5hrs), Lucca (1hr) and Versilia (1.5hrs). We hope that you will enjoy the great cuisine, natural beauty and architectural delights whilst visiting Prato.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation is not included in the conference registration fee. Thus, attendees are kindly requested to make your own travel arrangements. To assist in planning your travel, please refer to the link below for a list of accommodation options conveniently situated near the conference venue in Prato.
Planned Strikes in Italy
There are currently various strikes going on in Italy, with some of these potentially affecting those arriving on Friday, 20th September or leaving on Tuesday, 24th September. These include:
Tuscany local public transportation (bus, tram) strike on Friday 20 September.
National airports strike - the whole day on Tuesday 24 September
Please refer to this national website for any updates: https://scioperi.mit.gov.it/mit2/public/scioperi
Right click on the page and select Translate to English.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require any further help.
Get in Touch
If you require assistance or have any inquires, please reach out to Jess Hudson via jess.hudson@monash.edu
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