Topics: This workshop will explore the frontiers of nucleic acid chemistry in its broadest sense including topics in chemical modification of DNA and RNA, catalysis mediated by nucleic acids, chemical mechanisms of enzymes acting upon nucleic acids, physical chemistry of electron or hole transport in nucleic acids, theory related to nucleic acid structure and reactivity, design of nucleic acid analogs for biomedical or bioanalytical applications, and supramolecular assemblies of nucleic acids for sensors or computing. Currently, 3 Gordon Research Conferences cover some topics related to these areas: the Bioorganic GRC typically includes only one or two sessions on nucleic acids, the Nucleic Acids GRC is mainly focused on structural biology and biochemistry of DNA and RNA, and the Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Oligonucleotides GRC is heavily represented by the area of medicinal chemistry. While none of these fields will be excluded from the proposed Telluride workshop, the emphasis will be on chemistry of nucleic acids. Participants will be chosen to represent not only a broad selection of topics, but also a selection of expertise ranging from analytical, physical and theoretical chemistry to organic, inorganic and biological chemistry. Invited participants will be at various stages of their academic (or industrial) careers, and hail from a broad geographical cross-section of North America, Europe, Asia or elsewhere. Special efforts will be made to include junior faculty and underrepresented populations.

Informal topics for discussion: Informal sessions may be organized around the themes of mechanisms of increasing federal funding for nucleic acid chemistry, sharing of course materials in special topics courses, and methods of promoting new centers or collaborative ventures related to research in nucleic acid chemistry. Expected outcomes would potentially be additional RFAs in this field, web deposition of advanced course materials, and new collaborations in research.

Format: Each participant will give a one-hour (approx.) presentation with M-F sessions to be held at the whim of Mother Nature, reserving the more clement periods for informal discussions on the mountainsides. The schedule will be kept flexible; no proceedings will be published. Participants will be expected to attend for the entire week.