The Proteomics Methods Forum (PMF) was created to allow researchers in the UK, both academic and industrial, the opportunity to meet one another and to exchange information on any and all methods and techniques relevant to the practice of proteomics. The forum was initiated and is organised by proteomics researchers without affiliation to a particular vendor or group.

The next meeting will take place on 14th-15th June 2012. Registration details are available at http://www.bci.qmul.ac.uk/proteomics-methods-forum-2012.

The eighth PMF meeting took place at St. James' Park (Newcastle United Football Ground), Newcastle upon Tyne on Thursday and Friday the 16th and 17th of June 2011. It followed the established format of afternoon sessions on Thursday, finishing at lunchtime on Friday (with user group workshops on the afternoon of Wednesday 15th June). The meeting was organised jointly by Achim Treumann of the North East Proteome Analysis Facility and Gary Black of the University of Northumbria, Newcastle upon Tyne.

More details, including the programme and a list of sponsors are on the meeting page

A registration website has been set up here: http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/academic/lifesciences/news/proteomics

Accommodation for the duration of the meeting can be booked here: http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/PMF

The PMF is open to anyone in the UK and Ireland who is engaged in proteomic research. It is aimed particularly at those who are actually working 'at the coal face' such as facility and laboratory managers, 'hands-on' PIs, post-docs, and technicians. Discussions concentrate on practical areas such as the details of experimental protocols, use of proteomics software, and hands-on tips for HPLC and mass spectrometry.

It is not intended that the PMF will supplant or compete with existing societies in the UK, such as the British Society for Proteome Research or the British Mass Spectrometry Society. These organisations already hold meetings and conferences related to proteomics.

Meetings are organised over an afternoon, evening and subsequent morning to ensure disruption to the participant's schedule is kept to a minimum. Meetings are split into themed sessions where experienced participants give brief presentations and significant time is allocated at the end for questions and discussion. The evening buffet and social gathering is an integral part of each meeting.