Theoretical and computational models of biomolecular systems are increasingly predictive, providing the opportunity to qualitatively interpret and quantitatively characterize the results of experiment. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has emerged as a major technique for the characterization of protein structure and dynamics, providing the opportunity in turn to benchmark and validate computational models. This Summer School will present state-of-the-art computational and experimental techniques for the study of biomolecular dynamics, emphasizing the synergy between theory, computation, and experiment. Students will develop an appreciation for the nature and scope of each technique.

School Format
This summer school is designed for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (with a preference for graduate students) from computational or experimental research groups who seek to develop an understanding of computation and NMR spectroscopy, including capabilities and limitations. Ten lectures will be delivered by leading experts in the field of computational and experimental studies of protein dynamics. Lectures will be paired with small-group problem-solving sessions, and discussions of current literature in which students will be challenged to apply the ideas presented.

The summer school will include a group project in which participants will be challenged to develop a research plan to address a fundamental question related to biomolecular dynamics using ideas developed in the school. The results of those group projects will be presented on the final day of the school at a mini-symposium attended by summer school participants and scientists attending the Protein Dynamics workshop. Social events and outdoor activities will allow students and lecturers to interact in an informal setting. Each student is expected to bring a laptop computer for use in problem solving exercises and group projects.

2017 Instructors
Martin Blackledge, Institut de Biologie Structurale, Grenoble, France
Teresa Head-Gordon, University of California, Berkeley
Ann McDermott, Columbia University, New York
Arthur G. Palmer III, Columbia University Medical Center, New York
John E. Straub, Boston University, Boston