Robbins Symposium Celebrates 45 Years of Grant Funding

Boston University Medical Campus and national leaders in research met in Keefer Auditorium November 9 to celebrate an impressive accomplishment. Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology Dr. Phil Robbins has received funding for his grant "Glycosylation and Glycosidases – Cell and Molecular Biology" for the 45th consecutive year.

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology hosted a symposium with speakers from around the country. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) Director Larry Tabak presented "The beginnings of mucin biosynthesis," Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Professor Richard Hynes presented, "Sticky business: fibronectin and cell-matrix adhesion," Harvard University Professor Richard Losick presented, "Stochasticity and cell fate," National Institutes of Health Staff Scientist Paul Robbins presented, "Current approaches to cancer adoptive immunotherapy," and MIT Professor Robert Weinberg present, "Mechanisms of malignant progression."

Dr. Robbins concluded the day by talking about the future of his research. During the next four years in which his grant is funded, Dr. Robbins and co-PI Dr. John Samuelson will study the way single cell parasites such as Entamoeba and plasmodium, which causes malaria, modify the proteins they make. "We hope that these modifications may open the parasites to new modes of treatment," Dr. Robbins says.

Following the symposium, the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology invited guests to enjoy a catered reception and dinner in honor of Dr. Robbins in the Trustee Ballroom on the Charles River Campus.

Medical Campus Provost Karen Antman attended and presented remarks at the end of the reception. Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology Dr. Maria Kukuruzinska, who planned much of the event with Manager of Science Information Afaf Hourani, made a toast at dinner.

"Dr. Robbins, here is to you and to many happy grant renewals," Dr. Kukuruzinska said.

University leaders, researchers, and dental school faculty , including Chair of Molecular and Cell Biology Dr. Carlos Hirschberg, University Provost David Campbell, Dean ad interim Jeffrey Hutter, Dr. Samuelson, and National Institutes of Health Program Director Pam Marino, lauded Dr. Robbins at the dinner for his career accomplishments.

Symposium speaker Dr. Losick reminisced about when he and fellow dinner guest and University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana, Professor Dr. Peter Orlean completed their postdoctoral training with Dr. Robbins. Former student and Tufts Professor Dr. Andrew Wright also spoke.

Click here to see all the photos from the symposium, reception, and dinner.