Mission and Origin
The Metal-Binding Peptide Scientific Network (MBP international scientific network) was conceived by a group of researchers passionate about fostering collaboration and progress within this dynamic field. The initial discussions and the evident need for a dedicated platform culminated in the successful organization of the 1st International Conference on Metal-Binding Peptides, held from July 5 – 8, 2022, in Nancy, France, and the subsequent 2nd International Conference on Metal-Binding Peptides, which took place from July 10 – 12, 2024, in Toulouse, France. These conferences served as crucial catalysts, highlighting the growing community and the exciting research being conducted in this area.
The MBP international scientific network is being established to advance research and education in the field of metal-binding peptide science and to promote academic, industrial and popular understanding of the field. Recognizing the importance of knowledge dissemination and networking, MBP international scientific network aims to provide a central hub for researchers from diverse backgrounds to connect, share findings, and forge collaborations.
In line with this mission, MBP scientific network plans to organize future international conferences on metal-binding peptides on a regular basis, building upon the success of the initial meetings in Nancy and Toulouse. These conferences will serve as premier platforms for the exchange of the latest research findings, technological advancements, and emerging trends in the field. Furthermore, MBP scientific network intends to support training courses, workshops, and other educational initiatives to facilitate the development of expertise and foster interdisciplinary collaborations among scientists involved in the research and application of metal-binding peptides.
Recognizing the power of synergy, MBP network will actively foster collaborations between complementary research groups. A key objective will be to facilitate the application for joint grants, leveraging the diverse expertise within this network community to strengthen funding proposals for ambitious projects. Furthermore, this scientific network will encourage co-publication of research articles, promoting the cross-pollination of ideas and the amplification of scientific impact through shared knowledge and resources.
Maintaining a fair equilibrium between the various scientific communities involved in metal-binding peptide research is paramount to the MBP scientific network’s commitment to interdisciplinarity. Indeed, it will serve as a crucial platform for structuring research collaborations, enabling researchers with complementary expertise to connect, build stronger working relationships, and more effectively submit joint proposals. By fostering familiarity among members, MBP scientific network’s aims to increase the success rate of collaborative projects and solidify long-term partnerships across different countries and continents. To further enhance scientific exchange and build a cohesive global network, this MBP network will facilitate the exchange of students and senior scientists, as well as provide support for student travel and living expenses related to collaborative projects. This exchange of expertise and opportunities will be pursued through both formal networking initiatives and informal means, allowing the MBP community to strategically apply for a wide range of funding calls, including but not limited to those specifically dedicated to network creation. The concept of building a collaborative framework akin to the COST program (https://www.cost.eu/) will also be explored to further enhance the reach and impact of MBP scientific network.