Convergence expert to speak in Melbourne this week

Dr Keith Yamamoto, from the University of California San Francisco, will this week make two presentations on the topic of convergence in Melbourne.

Dr Yamamoto is an international leader in studying the mechanisms of signalling and gene regulation by intracellular receptors. He is also a strong advocate for convergence science that aims to move beyond the standardised ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to medical treatments.

Dr Yamamoto believes a modern healthcare system would ideally combine biology, engineering, computer science and mathematics. Through the use of collaborations across scientific disciplines, doctors could better offer patients the best possible personalised treatments.

“I believe we are poised for a revolution in medicine,” he said. “With the help of computational science, genetics and a deeper understanding of molecular biology, we can produce breakthroughs that will lead to targeted treatments capable of delivering more predictive and precise care for the individual patient.”

Dr Yamamoto will tomorrow be the keynote speaker at Convergence 2014: The Promise of Precision Medicine. The all-day forum will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

He will also deliver the public lecture ‘Life Sciences research in an era of unrestrained opportunity and constrained resources’ on the evening of Thursday 20 February. The free event will be held at the University of Melbourne.