6 days, full immersion, residential programme with internationally renowned experts
Navigating the knowledge of the latest Advances in Mass Spectrometry The international Mass Spectrometry Foundation (IMSF) and the Irish Mass Spectrometry Society (IMSS) with the support of the British Mass Spectrometry Society and Ulster University are glad to announce the 5th INTERNATIONAL MASS SPECTROMETRY SCHOOL (IMSSc) that will be held in Belfast (Northern Ireland, UK) from 24th to 29th April 2022.
The international mass spectrometry school (IMSSc) is one of the highest priority activities run by the International Mass Spectrometry Foundation (IMSF) in the field of higher education in Mass Spectrometry. It is intended to address the major need for upskilling and education which has arisen with the rapid development, and increasingly wide range of applications emerging in the field of Mass Spectrometry and their use in multidisciplinary research. The IMSSc provides advanced education in the principles and application of Mass Spectrometry to undergraduates, graduates, PhD researchers and scientists in the areas of Chemistry, Engineering, Biosciences, Nutrition, Environmental Sciences, and Medicine. The IMSSc favours the participation of early career-scientists from around the world, to facilitate and promote international collaboration among the next generation of Mass Spectrometrists. The School is run over six days, offering a full immersion, residential program to encourage interaction between early career researchers and internationally renowned experts in the field.
The IMSSc 2022 will be held at Ulster University Belfast campus. The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter. Although traditionally associated with art, the campus spans an increasing and exciting range of subjects including architecture, hospitality, event management, photography and digital animation. The vibrant campus plays host to frequent fashion shows and art exhibitions and is an exciting place to study and work. It is also home to The Academy training restaurant.
Belfast (Irish: Béal Feirste, Béal meaning "mouth" and Feirste meaning "sandbank") is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Once the home of the Irish linen industry, tobacco production, rope making and the world-famous Harland and Wolff shipbuilders, Belfast lays claim to a unique history. And there's something for everyone to love. Shopping, tours, world-class dining, block rocking' beats, you name it - we've got it.
Soak up the lively atmosphere, stroll along its fine Victorian streets, enjoy the range of world-class visitor attractions and indulge in a café, restaurant and entertainment scene that can rival any city in Europe. Most of all, we invite you to enjoy the experience of visiting a city that truly welcomes you.Less than an hour from the world-famous Giant’s Causeway and the Mountains of Mourne, Belfast is a gateway city to a land of legends, so whether you’re here for the weekend or you have the opportunity to linger a little longer, a trip to Belfast promises memories to last a lifetime.
Accommodation and all school activities will be held near by the accommodation site, so to ensure a useful and fruitful interaction among lectures and students.
Mass Spectrometry is a key methodology in many modern analytical laboratories. Mass spectrometry technology has grown exponentially in the last 20 years and now it is currently being used and applied in both academic and industrial settings such as pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and research centres among others. The application and capabilities worldwide has been growing together with the increase of interest of young scientists using mass spectrometry-based techniques in their respective fields. Even though mass spectrometry is currently being taught at Universities, in many countries the level has not yet reached the desired level needed for prospective mass spectrometrists to allow them to work efficiently and independently. Therefore, it is highly encouraged that young mass spectrometrists should be able to learn, freshen or deepen their knowledge in recent development and applications in Mass Spectrometry.
The IMSSc is one of the highest priority activities run by the prestigious International Mass Spectrometry Foundation (IMSF) in the field of Mass Spectrometry. It was originally proposed by the Division of Mass Spectrometry of the Italian Chemical Society and let to the organization of the 1st IMSSc in Siena (Italy) in 2013. The success of this school brought to different national mass spectrometry societies to organize the IMSSc biannually on behalf of the IMSF, thus alternating the IMSSc with the International Mass Spectrometry Conference (IMSC). The Brazilian Mass Spectrometry Society (BRMASS) hosted the 2nd IMSS in Natal (Brazil) in 2015 and the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Massa spectrometrie (NVMS) worked together with the MSBM to host the 3rd IMSS in Dubrovnik (Croatia) in 2017 and the latest 4th IMSSc held in Sitges, Barcelona, Spain organized by the Spanish Mass Spectrometry Society (SEEM). Continuing with this educational initiative and trying to consolidate it, the Irish Mass Spectrometry Society (IMSS), on behalf of the IMSF, will host the 5th IMSSc in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK from 24th to 29th April 2022. On this occasion, the IMSS has the support of the British Mass Spectrometry Society (BMSS), Ulster University and the Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund ACTF part of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in order to bring together in the 5th IMSS 2022 the maximum number of scientists working in multidisciplinary areas related to mass spectrometry.
The School is run over six days, offering a full immersion, residential program to encourage interaction between early career researchers and internationally renowned experts in the field. It is intended to address the major need for upskilling and education which has arisen with the rapid development, and increasingly wide range of applications emerging in the field of Mass Spectrometry and their use in multidisciplinary research. The IMSS provides advanced education in the principles and application of Mass Spectrometry to undergraduates, graduates, PhD researchers and scientists in the areas of Chemistry, Engineering, Biosciences, Nutrition, Environmental Sciences, and Medicine. The IMSS favours the participation of early career-scientists from around the world, to facilitate and promote international collaboration among the next generation of Mass Spectrometrists.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Birds | From 4th October 2021 |
| Regular Registration | From 17th January 2022 |
Mandatory for all delegates to submit abstract to registration system.
The International Mass Spectrometry Foundation and the Organizing Committee of the 5th International Mass Spectrometry School (IMSSc) invite applications for the Nico Nibbering Travel Award to support student participation in the 5th IMSSc in Belfast.
Click below to download the IMSF calls for applications for the Nico Nibbering Student Travel Awards:
Application form
The Irish Mass Spectrometry Society and the Organizing Committee of the 5th International Mass Spectrometry School (IMSSc) invite applications for the Travel Award to support student participation in the 5th IMSSc in Belfast.
Click below to download the Call-for-applications-to 5thIMMSc 2022-IMSS Sponsored Award:
Application form
All students are required to submit an abstract on any MS-related topic to be eligible to participate in the school. This is to present a scientific poster during the conference. This will be collected during the registration process and you will not be able to proceed without submitting your abstract. Please ensure abstract is in Microsoft word or PDF format.
Please find sample layout below for abstract submission:
AUTHORS AND INSTITUTES
ABSTRACT CONTENT
Title: 20 words
Introduction: 120 words
Materials and Methods: 120 words
Results and discussion: 300 words
Conclusions: 50 words
In alphabetical order
David Clarke is Senior Lecturer in Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry, Univ of Edinburgh, UK
Helen Cooper is a professor of mass spectrometry, deputy head of school and EPSRC established career fellow at School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, UK
Gianluca Giorgi is a professor at the department of biotechnology, chemistry and pharmacy, Siena, Italy.
Ron Heeren is a full professor - Distinguished chair. Director M4I Division Head Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS), Fac. Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
David Kilgour is a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in the School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University, UK
John Langley is Professorial Fellow (Enterprise) within Chemistry at the University of Southampton, UK.
Head of Mass Spectrometry and SIRCAMS, University of Edinburgh
In alphabetical order
Jonathan Bones is Principal Investigator, NIBRT, Ireland
John Bradley is a toxicologist at UCD, Ireland
Mark Collins is Chemistry Technical Specialist at Northern Ireland Water, UK
Christopher Elliott is Professor of Food Safety at Queen's University Belfast and founder of the Institute for Global Food Security
Andrei Izmer is Technical Leader at Almac Sciences, Northern Ireland
Edel Mullen is Associate Director at Horizon, US
Giorgio Oliviero is Research Fellow with the School of Medicine & Medical Science, UCD, Ireland
Professor of Proteomics & Senior Fellow, CD Conway Institute. President of HUPO Human Proteome Organisation
Eileen Ryan is an expert in Mass Spectrometry applications, University College Cork, Ireland
Kieran Wynne is CMAP Infrastructure Manager within Systems Biology Ireland, UCD, Ireland
Xiaofei Yin is Mass Spectroscopist at the Institute of Food and Health - Conway Institute, Ireland
Chair
Ulster University, IMSF-IMSS delegate
Co-chair
Alltech, IMSS Chair
In alphabetical order
Provost of Belfast campus, Ulster University
Senior Lecture in Stratified Medicine, Ulster University
Reader, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queens University Belfast.
Head of Mass Spectrometry and SIRCAMS, University of Edinburgh
Head of School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University
Professor of Personalised Medicine, Ulster University.
Associate Director at Horizon, US and Secretary of IMSS
Professor of Proteomics & Senior Fellow, CD Conway Institute. President of HUPO Human Proteome Organisation
| Name | Position | Country |
|---|---|---|
| John Langley | President | UK |
| Ron Heeren | Vice President | Netherlands |
| Maarten Altelaar | Treasurer | Netherlands |
| Stephen Blanksby | Secretary | Australia |
| Michael Sharon | Educational Officer | Israel |
| Prof. Julia Chamot-Rooke | Region A Representative (Europe/Africa) | France |
| Prof. Myeong Hee Moon | Region B Representative (Asia/Oceania) | Korea |
| Prof. Scott A. McLuckey | Region C Representative (North America) | USA |
| Prof. Rosa Erra-Balsells | Region D Representative (Central and South America) | Argentina |
(M4I, Maastricht, The Netherlands)
(University of Southampton, UK)
(University of Siena, Italy)
(Nottingham Trent University, UK)
(M4I, Maastricht, The Netherlands)
(University of Birmingham, UK)
(University of Southampton, UK)
(Ulster University and University of Edinburgh, UK)
(Nottingham Trent University, UK)
(University of Siena, Italy)
(University of Southampton, UK)
(University of Birmingham, UK)
(M4I, Maastricht, The Netherlands)
(WIT and Ulster University)
We thank Belfast City Council for their kind generosity for the use of City Hall.
Almac Sciences, UK
(UCD, Conway, Ireland)
(UCD, Ireland)
(Nottingham Trent University, UK)
(Univ. of Edinburgh, UK)
(University of Edinburgh, UK)
(UCD Conway, Ireland)
(NIBRT, Ireland)
(UCD, Ireland)
(Horizon Therap, US)
(Queens University Belfast, UK)
(UCC, Ireland)
(Queens University Belfast, UK)
(University of Edinburgh, UK)
(NI Waters, UK)
(Institute of Food and Health - Conway Institute, Ireland)
Registration for the 5th International Mass Spectrometry School is open until 14th March 2022
Please note all registrations are subject to having an abstract uploaded at time of registration. For me information please visit the abstract guidelines section.
The school is also offering on-demand live recorded lectures (entire programme) at a reduced rate for people who cannot attend in person.
| Organisation/Institution | Registration Fees |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Academic and Public Institutions (Ends 17 January 2022) | £300 |
| Early Bird other non-Academic/Public Institutions (Ends 17 January 2022) | £350 |
| Academic and Public Institutions | £400 |
| Other non-Academic/Public Institutions | £450 |
| On-demand academic and non-academics (deadline for registration, 18th April 2022) | £150 |
We are committed to keeping you safe during your time in Belfast for the IMSS 2022 School, as per university policies, it is mandatory to wear mask inside the school premisses, this includes, lecture theatres, Foyer area (sponsors and poster display area). Mask will be provided at the main registration desk, there are also sanitation stations around the venue.
Lateral flow test (LFT) will be provided (one-off test per attendee) in the registration package. For instructions on how to use it please visit: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1045088/COVID-19-self-test-throat-and-nose-instructions.pdf
Please do not attend if you are displaying any of the symptoms of COVID-19 or are feeling generally unwell.
If someone displays Covid 19 symptoms whilst onsite during the school, they should contact the function organiser who should liaise with a member of university function team.
Payment can only be accepted by Visa or Mastercard. Should you require payment by bank transfer an additional administration fee of €/£25 will be charged.
If cancelled before 24th January 2022 – 100% of the Congress fee is refundable. All cancellations are subject to a £25 plus VAT administrative fee.
This cancellation policy refers to cancellation other than that such as a force majeur incident e.g. Covid 19
No refunds are payable from 25th January 2022 onwards.
Substitutions/replacements can be made at any time provided an abstract is supplied by the replacement delegate and are subject to a £10 plus VAT administrative fee.
Notification of changes or cancellation must be made in writing and sent to the IMSS 2022 Delegate Services Team at imss2022-belfast@conferencepartners.com
Bank service charges and all administration fees will be deducted from all conference registration refunds.
In the unlikely case of cancellation of the event, the organisers shall not accept liability for any consequential loss and shall have no liability to reimburse any other costs that may have been incurred, including transport costs, accommodation etc. Delegates are encouraged to take out travel insurance when making travel and accommodation arrangements.
Photography, audio recording and video recording will be taking place at the conference. The release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of this content will be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by the conference, its sponsors/exhibitors and its affiliates and representatives. Please notify us if you wish to be removed from any such materials by emailing imss2022-belfast@conferencepartners.com
This Conference is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment of delegates in any form. Inappropriate language and imagery are not acceptable to be included in presentations, workshops, networking forums and other online media. Conference delegates violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organisers.
All you need to know about travel, accommodation and covid-19
By air:
George Best Belfast City Airport
Belfast City Airport is just three miles from Belfast City Centre. Aer Lingus, British Airways, KLM and Eastern Airways all fly to and from Belfast City Airport.
The Translink Airport Express 600 bus service runs between the airport and Belfast City Centre.
Belfast International Airport
Belfast International Airport is a 30-minute drive from Belfast City Centre. EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and Wizz all fly to and from Belfast International Airport.
The Translink Airport Express 300 bus service runs between the airport and Belfast City Centre.
By Sea:
Belfast is easily accessed by sea, with crossings from both Scotland and England. Travel by superfast ferries with journey times from just 1 hour.
Getting to Belfast from Dublin and Republic of Ireland
By Rail
Irish Rail operates services from towns and cities across the Republic of Ireland to Dublin’s Connolly Station, where you can then catch a connecting train to Belfast.By Bus
From Dublin and Republic of Ireland
From Dublin, the X1 bus service (provided jointly by Translink and Bus Eireann) operates from Dublin Busáras in the city centre and Dublin Airport to Belfast, with 21 departures every day. The journey time from Dublin to Belfast is approximately 2 hours. For more information on routes and fares, visit www.buseireann.ie.
By Road
Starting out at Dublin Airport, the M1 Motorway is well signposted for Belfast; this is a toll road and there is one toll plaza approximately 31 km from Dublin Airport. Continue on this motorway signposted for Belfast. Just after passing the city of Newry, the road becomes a dual carriageway (A1) and motorway regulations fall away. At the Sprucefield roundabout (approximately 137 km from Dublin Airport) the A1 joins the M1 motorway (signposted The North, Belfast). Once within the Greater Belfast area, the signs will display as City Centre. At Grosvenor Road Junction (approximately 152 km from Dublin) leave the motorway and follow signs for City Centre onto the B38.
Depending on their citizenship, country of long-term residence, and the duration and reasons for their staying, participants may need a Visa to enter the UK.
Please, visit the website at:
It is each participant’s responsibility to obtain a Visa to enter the UK. If you require a letter of assistance this can be requested during the registration process.
Please note an assistance letter will be issued to you once we have received payment. We cannot issue a letter without payment as the UK Embassy requires a financial commitment to the conference in order to issue a visa into Northern Ireland. This letter will only confirm your attendance at the conference. We cannot edit this letter to include any personal details e.g. Passport Number or Date of Birth.
To fulfil your accommodation preferences, the IMSSc is working with a range of hotels located at the heart of Belfast city centre within walking distance from school venue.
The Hotel booking, and the payment should be done only after acceptance to the course. The acceptance will be announced approximately 2 weeks after the application deadline 8th February 2022. The prospective attendees are responsible for hotel booking and payment. When booking the accommodation with any of these hotels, please quote IMSS2022.
We are committed to keeping you safe during your time in Belfast for the IMSS 2022 School, as per university policies, it is mandatory to wear mask inside the school premisses, this includes, lecture theatres, Foyer area (sponsors and poster display area). Mask will be provided at the main registration desk, there are also sanitation stations around the venue.
Lateral flow test (LFT) will be provided (one-off test per attendee) in the registration package. For instructions on how to use it please visit: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1045088/COVID-19-self-test-throat-and-nose-instructions.pdf
Please do not attend if you are displaying any of the symptoms of COVID-19 or are feeling generally unwell.
If someone displays Covid 19 symptoms whilst onsite during the school, they should contact the function organiser who should liaise with a member of university function team.
Northern Ireland is open again, after many months under tight lockdown restrictions.
For the most up to date information, advice and guidance, visit:
NI Direct: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice
Department of Health: www.health-ni.gov.uk/news
Public Health Agency: www.publichealth.hscni.net
The Public Health Agency is working with partners across the UK including Public Health England, the Department of Health and health trusts in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland, on the ongoing response to coronavirus health crisis.
Discover Belfast and Northern Ireland
Belfast is a city truly on the rise. The awards have been coming thick and fast over the last few years, cementing the city’s position as a global events destination. From Lonely Planet’s Best Region to visit to National Geographic Traveller’s "Rising Star".
One billion pounds of investment in venues, experiences and accommodation has ensured Belfast’s success as a meetings destination. As a city, safety has always been a key consideration, so whether you are here as a visitor or conference delegate, your best interests are at heart. Space comes as standard when you choose Belfast and Northern Ireland as your conference destination. Northern Ireland’s tourism industry has signed up to a ‘We are good to go’ UK wide charter that ensures our partner organisations are COVID prepared in every aspect of the delegate journey.
The people of Belfast and Northern Ireland are renowned for their sense of fun. The Belfast ‘craic’ is legendary, whether it is the taxi driver picking you up from the airport or your server at dinner. Every member of Belfast’s tourism and hospitality industry is united in their desire for you as delegates to have the best possible time in our city, knowing you will go home and tell friends and family was about your wonderful experience.
Belfast is a fully walkable city with all of the 6 key areas, from the famous Titanic Quarter with the award-winning Titanic Belfast to the cobbled streets of the Cathedral quarter and its vibrant bars. Everywhere is easily accessible on foot from the city centre within a matter of minutes but If walking isn’t your thing, you can choose from the sustainable Belfast Bikes, the eco Glider buses, or Belfast’s fleet of low emission taxis.
Northern Ireland is an ideal destination to tag on some days pre and post conference to experience the lush landscapes and wide-open spaces with breath-taking coastal scenery and rolling countryside views.
For sightseeing tours information please visit: visitbelfast.com/see-do/sightseeing-tours/
