Introduction to AlphaFold & Protein Engineering

Introduction to AlphaFold & Protein EngineeringJoin Lifefabs Institute x OpenPETase for an immersive AlphaFold workshop, where participants unravel the fundamentals of protein folding and prediction modelling through real-world challenges. This event dives into the heart of synthetic protein design, focusing on PETase the remarkable enzyme discovered just a decade ago that can break down PET plastic, the stuff your bottles are made of. While groundbreaking, the original PETase found in nature is simply too slow and too weak to effectively tackle plastic waste at scale.

That’s why, in this year's ALIGN Foundation Protein Engineering Tournament, teams from around the globe are harnessing the power of AI to redesign PETase for improved speed and stability. OpenPETase is taking part in this worldwide race, and everyone from those skilled in Python and AI to the simply curious is welcome to join in. During the workshop, attendees will learn how to use AlphaFold to predict the 3D structure of proteins, unlocking new approaches to synthetic protein engineering.

Expect stories from the frontlines of the competition, practical walkthroughs, and opportunities to team up with innovators who are driven to give nature a helping hand. If you’re motivated to solve plastic waste, want to stretch your scientific creativity, or are looking for a community of like-minded problem solvers, this event is for you. Discover how a simple sequence of amino acids and some clever AI can transform environmental challenges into tangible solutions.

Accessibility Statement:

Lifefabs Institute is committed to ensuring that our events and workshops are as accessible as possible and meet the ever-changing needs of our community. As we navigate the opportunities and challenges of our workshops, we are constantly learning and adjusting our workflows to prioritise accessibility.

We’d love to hear any feedback our community might have.

Please contact us at info@lifefabs.bio if you have any specific accessibility requirements or questions.

Seating:

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at info@lifefabs.bio and we'd be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing info@lifefabs.bio

Support to Attend Our Events & WorkshopsLifefabs Institute may be able to offer financial assistance to enable adults or children to participate in our events and activities if this would otherwise be financially difficult.Please contact our team: info@lifefabs.bio and we will aim to agree a reduction or bursary or wavier your fee free of charge.

About Lifefabs Institute: Community Biofab Lab & Research Space

Lifefabs is an open-access biofabrication space that provides graduates, creatives, schools, communities and scientists access to scientific learning and exchange knowledge around biofabrication.

We want to break down barriers to research and STEAM learning, offering a space to learn, experiment and contribute to our understanding of biomaterials and bioengineering. A space for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, Lifefabs encourages non-scientists, local communities to feel welcome and be curious about Biodesign, promoting accessibility though hands-on community lab.