Biomacromolecular Structure

The BMSS Biomacromolecular Structure SIG

The BMSS Biomacromolecular Structure Special Interest Group (BMS SIG), starting from 2020 and for a 5 year period, aims to provide training and a forum for discussion on Mass Spectrometry based methods for the elucidation of the structure of peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and other biomacromolecules.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the BMS SIG meetings were held biweekly via zoom. Please click (here) to view our past schedule of events.

We have yearly meetings where the BMS SIG delivers training on techniques used for Biomacromolecular Structure determination by mass spectrometry, with a focus on guidelines and best practice in the collection of data, and its interpretation & reporting. The BMS SIG also provides a forum for the dissemination of the latest research in the field and proactively seeks to foster collaboration within the British & Global Mass Spectrometry communities.

Early Career Scientist Inclusion

The BMS SIG (and its predecessor Ion Mobility SIG) has a resolute commitment to welcoming Early Career Scientists (ECSs) to its meetings. The BMS SIG invites all ECSs to participate at its events for a nominal charge (N.B. BMSS student members will enjoy enhanced discounts).

BMS SIG Meetings

The 5-year program of BMS SIG meetings will be deployed at five geographically diverse locations. The first meeting in-person meeting was held in 2022 at the University of Leeds with the training elements will focus on hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and native mass spectrometry. Please see more details on this event here. The next in-person meeting will be on the 25-26th of October 2024 at the University of Dundee. Details on this event can be found here.

BMS SIG Meeting Format

The BMS SIG team facilitates in a 1-2 day informal meeting format. The opening day focuses on training, covering background theory, introduction to specific instrumentation, software tools, and best practice. The specific themes will vary from year to year and will be defined by the SIG team and incorporate feedback from the community.

The second day (i.e. the classic BMSS SIG Meeting format) will include opening and closing keynotes delivered by experts in the field. The majority of the presentations will be solicited from ECRs.

Our aim is to make the BMS SIG an environment where ECRs are able to give their “first presentations” in an enabling environment to an expert audience - and expose all of our delegates to the freshest emerging science from worldwide biomolecular mass spectrometry orientated research groups.

BMS SIG Co-Leaders

Anton Calabrese (University of Leeds), Joe Gault, (AstraZeneca) and Aneika Leney (University of Birmingham) are all active researchers committed to the mass spectrometry community in the United Kingdom.

BMSS BioMS SIG Co-Leader Contact Details: