Meeting reports

On 14–16 April, 30 participants, 15 instructors and 5 companies gathered at Aston University for the 6th Workshop on Membrane Proteins. A core group of enthusiasts have returned year after year as instructors covering as much as possible from the importance of construct design and screening, to the subtleties of vitreous ice formation in the presence of surfactants. This year extra talks and practical activities were added to broaden the scope and depth of the workshop. A key take-home message for the delegates was the absolute importance of producing high-quality samples in order to push forward our structural and biochemical understanding of membrane proteins.As always, the event was organised and run by the team at the Biochemical Society. Scientific discussion was encouraged – we hope – by the welcoming and collaborative atmosphere, and powered by large quantities of cake. We want to thank everyone involved for making this event a success.