Department of Biotechnology at the Norwgian University of Science and Technology will, in the period of June 18-22 2006, be hosting the 8th International Hydrocolloids Conference. This is a true honour since for the first time one of these conferences is to be arranged in Europe, and we expect the number of delegates to be in the range of 175-250. 8IHC will cover all fundamental and applied aspects of biopolymers. Hydrocolloids, also known as Biopolymers, covers polymeric molecules of biological origin su ch as polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids. The ultimate goal of 8IHC is to highlight the adaptability of biopolymers towards present and forthcoming products due to their diverse chemical structure/sequence and functionality. Special emphasis will be put on providing links between classical and evolving hydrocolloids product areas with highly expanding scientific technologies. Typical hydrocolloids product areas would be Food / Feed (inc. Functional), Neutraceuticals, Pharmaceuticals and Bio- and Veterinary Medicine. Highly expanding science areas are e.g. Bioactivity (Pre- Probiotics / Immunology), New Materials (Nanotechnology / Biopolymer Engineering), Surface Properties (Flocculation / Emulsions) and Microstructuring (Phase Behaviour and Mol ecular Interactions).
Plenary and keynote lectures will begiven by invited and distinguished scientists, and in order to achieve a low registration fee we hereby apply to the Norwgian Research Council for partial funding of their travel and accomodation expenses, according to the enclosed conference budget.