The 15-month-old Centre for Research in Molecular Modeling (CERMM) held its second annual symposium on Jan.19 in the DeSève Cinema. Forty-five scientists and graduate students from the greater Montreal area presented their research in the field of computational chemistry and biochemistry.
Growing academic activity
Chemistry Professor Russell Boyd, from Dalhousie University, gave the plenary lecture. He traced the development of computational chemistry in Canada, which began with the hiring of the country’s first theoretical/computational chemist at the Université de Montréal in 1954. A subsequent lull in the 1970s and 80s gave way to burgeoning academic activity in the 90s, as theoretical and computational chemistry began playing an increasingly important role in chemistry, with the help of huge strides in computer technology.
“Promoting excellence in research and graduate training in computational chemistry is the raison d’être of our annual symposium,” said CERMM Director Gilles Peslherbe. The event provides an opportunity for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and professors to discuss their research and learn from each other. Students often find it easier to approach professors in such a setting than at larger conferences.