The priority programme principles and evolution of actin nucleator complexes aims at analyzing the function, structure and regulation of actin nucleator complexes. The programme is designed to generate an ample and unique understanding of actin nucleator complexes within a multidisciplinary network, ranging from genetics and botany to structural biology and biophysics. We propose a variety of accompanying measures, which will bring the scientists of the network close together and set up a creative and motivating atmosphere with a maximum of scientific interaction. In addition to a programme meeting and an international meeting on actin nucleators, an interactive website, the virtual institute of actin nucleators , should be a central aspect in connecting the projects. The website will also provide basic knowledge on actin and actin nucleation for public education, which will be further supported by press releases and review articles. In order to set up collaborations and for detailed scientific discussions the investigators should visit each other routinely. Within the programme, a special emphasis should be made to support female scientists. For post doctoral and student training a summer school and an exchange programme are planned. The summer school will include lectures, practical courses and companies will be invited to introduce their newest equipment and developments. Next to the educational aspect we consider the summer school to be a highly efficient tool in setting up collaborations within the network.
