Gordon Research Conferences

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-05

PROJECT SUMMARY Adult epithelia regenerate during adult life due to the constant activity of stem cell pools. Stem cells maintain tissue homeostasis and repair injury by close communication with their tissue environment, known as "niche.” Niches are complex, structured arrays of different cell types that guide tissue stem cell dynamics. The ultimate goal of understanding epithelial stem cell regulation is to repair or replace cells or organs damaged by injury, disease, and aging. The strategies vary from generating cell types and tissues in a dish for transplantation purposes to directly stimulating the damaged organ in the living organism. This field has been exponentially growing for the past decade. Tissues such as human skin and cornea have already been grown in 3D cultures and used in clinics to fight otherwise incurable medical conditions. The GRC on Epithelial Stem Cells and Niches will focus on comparative principles of adult epithelial stem cell dynamics and niche signaling across tissues. This conference will include work on the molecular control of stem cell function from the epidermis and its appendages, intestine, lung, mammary gland, cornea, prostate, and emerging work from other epithelial tissues. Research from all model organisms will be represented, fostering a comprehensive discussion on epithelial stem cell biology. Following its inaugural meeting in 2016, this GRC has held successful meetings in 2018, 2022, and 2024. In the 2026 meeting we will continue to bring in both new and veteran speakers to allow a variety of participants to contribute to this exciting event over the coming years. In particular, for the 2026 meeting, we have built a scientific program that emphasizes key cutting-edge areas in epithelial biology, including interorgan communication, microbe-immune-epithelial interactions, stemness and plasticity, and epithelial aging. These themes reflect the fields shift toward understanding organs as interconnected systems and addressing the challenges of tissue dysfunction in aging and disease. In addition, we will support the attendance of graduate students, postdocs, and early career scientists as they make their way into this exciting field of study by hosting a GRS in the two days prior to this GRC. A critical feature of the GRC’s scientific mission is to engage the next generation of scientists. We are continuing our two-day Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows that will precede this GRC. The GRS will allow students and fellows to share and discuss unpublished data and technical breakthroughs, favoring collaborative efforts and sparking provocative hypotheses to be discussed on the floor of the main conference. Furthermore, the participants will have the opportunity to establish tight professional relationships from which they will benefit throughout their careers. GRS participants will be expected to stay for the GRC, further contributing to the educational value of this conference.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-05

The sixth Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Seminar (GRS) on Centromere Biology will be held in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, July 26–31, 2026. This meeting will bring together researchers at all career stages, from graduate students to senior faculty, representing disciplines across genetics, epigenetics, genomics, biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology, to advance understanding of centromere function and its essential role in chromosome segregation. Sessions will focus on the genetic, epigenetic, and structural mechanisms that specify and regulate centromere identity, with particular emphasis on how recent breakthroughs in long-read sequencing technologies, AI-driven computational tools, and advanced bioinformatics approaches have transformed the ability to resolve and interrogate these highly repetitive genomic regions, and deepen understanding of their functions. The engagement of senior scientists with junior researchers through talks, poster sessions, and dedicated mentorship activities remains a central priority of both the conference and seminar. The science presented at the Centromere Biology GRC and GRS will cover a wide range of topics, including the genomic and epigenetic basis of centromere specification, kinetochore assembly and chromosome segregation machinery, pericentromeric chromatin structure, pericentric heterochromatin and sister chromatid cohesion, centromere evolution across eukaryotes, centromere regulation in the germline, and the behavior of centromeres during mitosis and meiosis. Sessions will further address the role of centromeric transcription and non-coding RNAs in regulating centromere function, an emerging area with important implications for genome stability. The conference will also highlight emerging biotechnological applications, including genome editing tools and human artificial chromosome technologies that leverage foundational knowledge of centromere function. The breadth of disciplines represented, from genetics and cell biology to biophysics, structural biology, and computational modeling, combined with ample structured and informal opportunities for interaction among all career stages, is expected to generate new ideas and open new avenues of research. Career development activities will further prepare trainees to communicate and apply their findings across academic, industry, and policy settings. Beyond advancing fundamental knowledge of centromeres and the protein complexes that assemble upon them, the science presented will increase understanding of the broader mechanisms of genome stability, with direct implications for cancer, reproductive biology, infertility, and developmental disorders arising from chromosome mis-segregation and aneuploidy. Training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at this meeting will expand the critical mass of future investigators equipped to address fundamental questions in chromosome biology. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-05

This grant provides funding for students, postdoctoral researchers, and early career investigators to attend the Additive Manufacturing of Soft Materials Gordon Research Conference. The Additive Manufacturing of Soft Materials Gordon Research Conference (GRC) is a premier, international meeting dedicated to advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge, unpublished research. The conference is intentionally structured to maximize scientific exchange and community building: invited talks emphasize forward-looking discoveries, extended discussion periods follow each presentation, and poster sessions highlight contributions from researchers at all career stages. The GRC uniquely cultivates scientific camaraderie, deep collaboration, and the formation of new research networks. Soft material additive manufacturing sits at the intersection of chemistry, physics, engineering, computation, and design. As the field accelerates toward programmable, multi-material, autonomous, and sustainability-centric manufacturing technologies, the need for interdisciplinary communities becomes increasingly urgent. Building on the success and momentum of prior GRCs in this area, the upcoming conference expands participation through the integrated Gordon Research Seminar, providing a dedicated platform for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to present research, network, and engage with leading scientists. The organizational team is highly qualified and committed to creating an inclusive, intellectually rigorous environment that broadens participation and stimulates transformative ideas across the AM ecosystem. This conference is specifically designed to (1) broaden participation across career stages, institutional types, disciplines, and demographics; (2) provide structured and informal mentorship opportunities; and (3) accelerate interdisciplinary problem-solving. Next-generation additive manufacturing of soft materials requires an unprecedented degree of convergence. Progress depends on simultaneously understanding and controlling chemical reactivity, rheological behavior, and spatiotemporal processing—an integrated “molecules-to-manufacturing” framework. These foundational challenges directly influence print fidelity, resolution, speed, sustainability, and multi-functional performance of printed structures. The conference will gather world experts and rising leaders spanning polymer and materials chemistry, photopolymer science, rheology, computational modeling, digital design, machine learning, robotics, advanced instrumentation, bioinspired materials, and hybrid manufacturing. Talks will explore emerging directions including adaptive and stimuli-responsive materials, real-time process monitoring, autonomous closed-loop printing, multiscale simulation and characterization, multi-material and multi-modal fabrication, and sustainable life-cycle design. The Gordon Research Conference provides fertile ground for cultivating scientific communities and the future workforce. The Gordon Research Symposium introduces junior scientists to the conference format and offers leadership opportunities, professional development, and peer networking, strengthening the long-term vitality of the community. Poster sessions and open discussions invite contributions from all attendees, ensuring a robust exchange of ideas and exposure to advanced methodologies and emerging challenges in the field. The resulting collaborations and new partnerships—spanning academia, national laboratories, startups, and industry—are expected to drive innovation, support technology translation, and accelerate the emergence of sustainable additive manufacturing practices with societal benefits in environmental stewardship, human health, and national competitiveness. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-05

PROJECT SUMMARY Magnetic Resonance (MR) continues to evolve rapidly, driven by advances in hardware, computation, and applications. Emerging technologies, including ultra-high and low-field imaging, AI-driven reconstruction, and open science, are reshaping both research and clinical practice. As global healthcare systems face increasing demands, the need for efficient, impactful imaging solutions is more urgent than ever. To address the pressing need to explore and respond to these changes, we propose a high-impact conference designed for deep, focused discussion across the full spectrum of in vivo MR. While large meetings like the annual meeting of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) offer breadth, their scale and fast-paced limit opportunities for in-depth exchange and do not allow the crucial focus. In contrast, the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) format fosters immersive engagement, with extended talks, dedicated discussion time, and informal networking ideally suited to detailed progress evaluation. Therefore, the goal of this grant application is to support the proven GRC formula tailored to assess developments in in vivo MR. The 2026 In Vivo Magnetic Resonance GRC will be held July 12–17 at Proctor Academy, Andover, NH, preceded by a trainee-led Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on July 11–12. The GRS provides a dedicated forum for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to present research, receive mentorship, and build professional networks. The 2026 GRC theme, Advancing Beyond Limits – Temporal, Functional, Quantitative, and Translational, reflects a forward-looking agenda aimed at shaping the next era of MR research and clinical impact. Sessions will explore next-generation contrast agents, novel encoding and hardware, open science, functional imaging beyond the brain, stimulation methods, deep learning, resolution enhancement, electromagnetic tissue mapping, and spectroscopic techniques. The Chair, Karin Shmueli PhD, and Vice Chair, Ravi Menon PhD have extensive experience in MR and meeting organization and will work together with GRS chairs Yuran Zhu and Olivia Jo Dickinson to enhance the experience of trainees through mentorship, networking, and scientific exchange. As our goal is to prepare trainees for MR research in a rapidly evolving landscape, we request funding to support trainee participation in both the 2026 GRC and GRS. These meetings offer unparalleled opportunities for early-career scientists to engage with leaders in the field, gain exposure to cutting-edge research, and contribute to shaping the future of MR. Specific aims: 1. Brainstorm transformative directions in in vivo MR across hardware, computation, and applications. 2. Foster interdisciplinary connections across MR programs and disciplines. 3. Support and mentor trainee scientists to lead the next generation of MR innovation.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-05

PROJECT SUMMARY The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is essential for all aspects of affect, cognition, and behavior and has established roles in all forms of mental illness, aging, development, and substance use disorders. The PFC has been studied intensely over the past four decades, although it has only been relatively recently that scientists have been able to routinely monitor neural activity in such a way as to be able to decode ongoing cognitive processes and affective responses. This highlights that PFC research is at a new and exciting point in time. With this new frontier in PFC research, a new Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on the Frontal Cortex was established in 2022 to provide a forum for researchers interested in the PFC to quickly exchange ideas. This meeting brings together researchers studying humans as well as different animal models (non-human primates, rats, mice) and a variety of experimental approaches (e.g., lesions, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, molecular tools, computational models). The meeting has been highly successful at developing a strong community of scientists interested in discussing topics across disciplines, concepts, models, and techniques. The next GRC will convene in Holderness, NH in August 2026. It is our hope that financial support can be obtained from NIDA and NIA to build upon our successes and support the meeting. This support will allow us to offset the attendance costs of our invited speakers and trainees, especially early career investigators. We propose the following Aims: (1) To convene a multidisciplinary scientific workforce around fundamental questions in cross-topic, cross-species frontal cortex research. The conference will feature panels on aging, development, circuit function, therapeutics, affect, cognitive control, and more, in keeping with the goal of connecting disparate scientific fields whose interaction could lead to exciting research and novel therapeutic approaches. (2) To unite a multidisciplinary scientific workforce around powerful, emerging technologies in frontal cortex research. Sessions will discuss the use of powerful tools such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, calcium imaging, computational modeling, and more, and how they can be used to link studies in animal models such as mice and rats to findings from work in humans and non-human primates. (3) To promote the development of early-career researchers in frontal cortex research. In the service of this goal, we will support participation from trainees and early-career investigators, including providing financial support for attendance, and we will have the discussion leader of the last session focus on facilitating meaningful conversations among GRC attendees across all career stages to discuss barriers to career advancement and/or strategies that support professional development.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-05

This grant fosters excellence and promotes student and early-career professional engagement in the fields of Ultrasound, Acoustics, and Dynamics by supporting participation in the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on In Vivo Ultrasound Imaging to be held 15-21 August 2026 in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. GRC on In Vivo Ultrasound Imaging is a leading technical conference covering a wide spectrum of experimental, analytical, and computational research in dynamics, acoustics, and ultrasound. Key topics include the advent of ultrafast imaging, super-resolution imaging, photoacoustic imaging, artificial intelligence (AI) in imaging, molecular imaging, novel contrast imaging, shear wave imaging, whole body imaging with tomography, and quantitative ultrasound techniques. The conference fosters the exchange of ideas and information as well as deeper discussion about the future and direction of in vivo ultrasound imaging among engineers and researchers within the dynamics, acoustics, and ultrasound communities, spanning from senior to new and young investigators. The primary objective of this grant is to increase participation and strengthen the academic and professional development of early career professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars through targeted young professional- and student-focused activities at the 2026 GRC on In Vivo Ultrasound Imaging. This objective will be achieved through four complementary activities. First, the organizers will ensure that at least two discussion topics/questions are from early career professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars in each discussion session, enforced by the discussion leaders. Second, travel support for students, postdoctoral scholars, and early career professionals will reduce financial barriers to participation and enable young researchers to engage with peers and senior experts, fostering a vibrant and inclusive research community. Third, besides the already established poster sessions, the 2026 GRC will be accompanied by a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), which will be an excellent opportunity for trainees to showcase their research. In addition, the GRS specifically contains a mentorship session with a panel discussion that enables trainees to share their experiences, ask questions, challenge current mechanisms, and discuss new approaches. Through these activities, the grant strengthens technical preparation, promotes scholarly excellence, and enhances professional networking opportunities for early-career participants. Expanding access to the 2026 GRC is expected to support long-term integration of trainees and early-career professionals into the dynamics, acoustics, and ultrasound community and contribute to the development of a technically skilled and competent future workforce. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-05

This project is to support the Gordon Research Conference on Ocean Mixing and the Gordon Research Seminar for early career scientists. The conference and seminar will provide a forum to improve the understanding of turbulent mixing in the ocean, including the interactions across scales, and the applications to problems such as weather prediction and ocean forecasts and solutions. The Gordon Research Conference format is designed to generate vigorous discussion and foster new collaborations, stimulating new understanding. The chairs, vice chairs, and discussion leaders have a deep familiarity with the field and as such have designed a program that highlights cutting-edge research in ocean mixing. The conference will strengthen the connection between fundamental studies of ocean mixing and applications to societally relevant problems such as predictability of currents and weather, fisheries, and the utilization of ocean resources such as minerals in the seabed. It will also lead to workforce development by promoting new interactions between people working on different aspects of ocean mixing, using different approaches, and at varied career levels, through focused discussions and facilitated informal networking activities. NSF support will be explicitly used to support attendance of early career scientists. Ocean mixing is time-variable motion which increases fluxes of tracers above levels set by molecular diffusion, encompasses a wide variety of processes taking place over a large range of scales, from the 10-100 kilometer scales of mesoscale geostrophic eddies down to the smallest scales of isotropic turbulence. Between these scales many different instability processes excite motions which lead to mixing. These processes, except for the largest mesoscale eddies, have in common scales which are too small to explicitly simulate, requiring parameterizations of their impact on tracer fluxes to accurately capture their effect on the large-scale ocean. The development of parameterizations requires experts in different aspects of ocean mixing - observations, theory, process simulation, laboratory experiments, regional and global scale modeling - to work together. The Gordon Research Conference is intended to stimulate this collaboration between scientists using different approaches and focused on different scales, to better understand the difficult problem of ocean turbulence. While ocean mixing is still poorly understood, it has important impacts in many areas of relevance. Small-scale mixing processes are recognized to play an important role in setting the stratification of the ocean, fluxes of heat and chemical constituents between the ocean and adjacent atmosphere or ice, fluxes of nutrients into the euphotic zone, and ocean overturning leading to impacts on the predictability of currents and weather, fisheries, and the utilization of ocean resources such as minerals in the seabed. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-05

Project Summary Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects roughly 1% of the world’s population, and currently, there are no mechanism-based treatments that address the core features of ASD. It is now clear that the genetics underlying ASD are complex; with several hundreds of genes conferring large risk as well as common variants contributing to a large proportion of ASD heritability. Genetic studies of ASD suggest a high degree of convergence on specific cellular processes and biochemical pathways, which have led researchers to posit that potential therapeutic strategies may be shared across different genetic etiologies. The study of monogenic or syndromic forms of ASD has been a leading strategy to gain insight into the complex mechanisms of ASD. Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is among the leading monogenic causes of ASD and is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability. Since the Fragile X gene (FMR1) was cloned in 1991, the field has used cellular assays and model organisms to elucidate the functions of the FMR1 protein (FMRP), the consequences of its loss, and identify therapeutic targets for FXS and ASD. Other “syndromic” forms of ASD, such as tuberous sclerosis complex, Rett Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, CHD8, NRXN1 and others, are being investigated using similar approaches. Recent technological advances in stem-cell derived neurons, single cell sequencing, gene therapy, human neurons, and organoids are setting the stage for transformative advances in therapeutic development for these neurodevelopmental disorders. This conference will bring together leading basic and translational scientists studying ASD, Fragile X and related neurodevelopmental disorders from around the world with the ultimate goal of developing mechanism-based treatments that address the core features of these diseases.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-05

Sensors are devices that detect or quantify a physical or chemical property of interest. They inform many of the decisions in our lives. They help diagnose diseases, guide the care of agricultural crops and livestock, and provide real-time information on health status and activity through smart watches. The 2026 Bioanalytical Sensors Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar will bring together experts and early-career researchers from around the world to address grand challenges in health monitoring and diagnostic development. This conference will serve the sensing community by promoting interactions and learning across a broad, global group of scientists, engineers, and practitioners at various stages of their careers. The topics covered and collaborations forged at this 21st Bioanalytical Sensors GRC/GRS will catalyze advances that can advance national health, prosperity, and security. Sensors designed for analytical performance provide the accurate datasets needed to mitigate the spread of infections, inform healthcare decisions, and maintain food safety and security. When designed for laboratory use, these sensors can provide molecular insights into the underlying biological processes that present as healthy or distressed phenotypes in the clinic or the field. When designed with the user interface in mind, sensors can provide individuals with health-related metrics and track progress toward a healthy lifestyle through smart, integrated platforms that record and analyze data collected by these sensors. When designed with cost in mind, sensors can be readily deployed to all communities and to benefit the health of all. Because of the prominent role sensors play in our lives, establishing a community of experts to discuss outstanding challenges in biosensing and potential approaches to address them is key to improving measurement accuracy across biomedical research, health, food security, forensics, and related fields. The 2026 Bioanalytical Sensors Gordon Research Conference and Research Seminar will seek to fulfill this need in an intimate, inclusive, and scholarly setting. The audience for this conference will be interdisciplinary, as the innovations and implementation of successful sensing modalities require input from scientists, engineers, biomedical and biological disciplines, and experts from both for-profit and non-profit settings who translate ideas from the laboratory to end users. This conference will assemble a group of discussion leaders and speakers who are world experts in various aspects of biosensing - from fundamental research to dissemination - and will bring together the necessary stakeholders to forge new collaborations and discuss pressing needs in the sensing field. This is the 21st Bioanalytical Sensors Gordon Research Conference, a community dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers. The meeting will include participants at all career stages and will provide ample time for mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career researchers. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-05

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the dynamic biological scaffolding that surrounds cells in every tissue and organ of the human body. Far from a passive support, the ECM actively directs cell growth, repair, and specialization. Disruption of these processes can lead to cancer, cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis, reproductive disease, and other conditions affecting millions of Americans. Engineering the ECM offers transformative opportunities for regenerative medicine, cell-based therapies, human "organ-on-chip" disease models, and accelerated drug discovery. The 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Signal Transduction in Engineered Extracellular Matrices (STEEM), held 30 May to 5 June 2026 at Les Diablerets, Switzerland, will convene approximately 200 scientists from US and international universities, national laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and clinical institutions to share unpublished discoveries and forge collaborations that strengthen American innovation and competitiveness. The 2026 STEEM meeting focuses on the theme of Matrix Matters and Designing Tissues Through Biological and Computational Insight and feature seasons to brainstorm how the field can: 1) Combine mechanics and synthetic peptides and proteins to create dynamic materials; 2) Develop bioinstructive materials that shed light on organogenesis, immune activation, and fibrosis mechanisms; 3) Exploit computational modeling, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and systems biology to predict material and cell co-evolution; and 4) Deploy engineered ECM to fabricate human organ therapies and model systems. The award provides Support for Gordon Research Seminar & Gordon Research Conference on Signal Transduction in Engineered Extracellular Matrices; Les Diablerets, Switzerland and directly advances NSF's mission to strengthen the domestic STEM workforce. NSF support will be directed exclusively to registration and travel for US-based graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early career investigators. The program embeds extensive trainee development, including 13 designated Early Career Investigator speaker slots, contributed talks selected from submitted abstracts, six poster sessions across the GRS and GRC, and a Career/Professional Panel pairing trainees with mentors from academia, industry, government, and science communication. More than half of participants will be students, postdocs, or early career investigators, and outreach prioritizes applicants from across institution types — including primarily undergraduate institutions and community colleges — consistent with NSF's priorities. The scientific interactions and GRC format is likely to accelerate translation of fundamental ECM science into therapies and technologies of broad societal benefit while building the collaborative infrastructure that sustains American leadership in biomechanics, bioengineering, and biotechnology. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-05

Project Summary The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex biopolymer network that defines the structure and mechanics of solid tissue and can profoundly regulate cell function in development, physiology, and disease. As a result, there has been an enormous effort to create engineered systems and biomaterials that mimic tissue properties and model cell-ECM crosstalk to increase our knowledge of basic biological processes and stimulate therapeutic discovery. To promote continued discovery and translation in this exciting field while nurturing the next generation of talent, we seek support for the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Signal Transduction by Engineered Extracellular Matrices (STEEM). The STEEM GRC/GRS is widely viewed as the premier venue for sharing and discussing cutting-edge developments in ECM science and engineering. Over the past quarter-century, STEEM has played a leadership role in bringing together biologists, engineers, materials and physical scientists, and related disciplinary experts into a common forum. STEEM has played a key role in incubating interdisciplinary topics such as mechanobiology, biofabrication, engineered regeneration, and organoid technologies. In the 2026 meeting, we will build on these advances and explore several questions that will define the next decade of work in the field under the theme Matrix Matters and Designing Tissues Through Biological and Computational Insight. The GRC aims to: (1) Create a forum in which information and ideas are freely exchanged between researchers of varied but complementary backgrounds to enhance the potential of regenerative medicine, scaffold and cell-based therapies to improve human health; (2) Support early career investigators by exposing them to new and exciting ideas and opportunities in an environment that encourages collegial interactions; and (3) Bring together scientists across all experience levels, from trainees to senior scientists, across adjacent fields of expertise, and from a range of professional settings including academic labs to national labs, to small and large biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, to foster meaningful knowledge exchange and collaborations. The GRS aims to: (1) Provide early career investigators, especially graduate students and postdoctoral trainees, the opportunity to present their research in a forum organized by and for them; (2) Encourage lasting collegial interactions and initiation of collaborations between young investigators from adjacent fields; and (3) Provide a unique opportunity for these up and coming scientists in the field to receive career guidance from selected faculty mentors invited to the GRS.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-05

Project Summary Intermediate filament (IF) proteins are encoded by over 100 distinct genes, placing them among the largest gene families in humans. Members of the IF protein family have diverse functions in virtually all cell types. They serve as critical components of the cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton and act as sensors, modulators, and integrators of other key structural and regulatory proteins. Mutations in genes encoding IF proteins cause a wide range of diseases, including skin diseases, muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy, premature aging syndromes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Abnormal assemblies of IFs are hallmarks of and biomarkers for cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiac and liver diseases. Given the diverse functions of IF proteins, their interactions with other cellular components, and their disease relevance, close collaborations between basic researchers and translational investigators spanning multiple disciplines are necessary to overcome current challenges in the field. Bringing together scientists with different expertise will provide new insights into the physiological functions of IFs and foster the development of novel therapeutic approaches for IF-related diseases. Towards this goal, this application requests funds to support the June 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on IFs to be held at Rey Don Jaime Grand Hotel, located just outside Barcelona in Castelldefels, Spain. We have organized a stimulating program of scientific sessions in an environment that is conducive to concentrated discussion and debate, as well as informal interactions and networking. The speakers and other attendees will be established, mid-career, and early-career scientists as well as students and trainees representing multiple disciplines. Aim 1 is to provide an interdisciplinary forum for the discussion of the best and most recent research on IFs, and their relationship to cell physiology and disease. Aim 2 is to highlight novel scientific themes and ideas emerging in IF research, by including new scientific sessions with several invited speakers outside of the traditional IF community. Aim 3 is to promote formal and informal scientific exchanges on IF biology between investigators across the whole career spectrum. Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers will also be able to participate in the GRS immediately prior to the GRC. The GRS is run solely by graduate students and postdoctoral scientists studying IFs. To enhance interactions, the GRC and GRS will provide numerous opportunities for informal exchanges among participants, including shared meals, free afternoons, poster sessions, and evening social times. The broad long-term objectives of the GRC and GRS are to grow the IF community and to provide forums for the exchange of ideas among scientists at all career stages interested in IFs, a family of proteins that are understudied despite their significant impact on major areas of public health.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-05

Project Summary The primary goal of the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Mammalian Reproduction is to bring together a distinguished group of scientists from around the world to share and discuss the latest breakthroughs in mammalian reproductive science. The meeting will be preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), organized and led by two early-career reproductive scientists, and specifically designed to support the professional development of postdoctoral and graduate student trainees. Together, the GRS and GRC will provide a synergistic platform for scientific exchange and career advancement. The conference will foster a welcoming environment where researchers at all career stages can share their work, receive constructive feedback, and build meaningful academic and professional networks. The scientific program will feature leading experts across basic, agricultural, and clinical reproductive sciences, and will actively include scientists at various stages of their careers. A strong emphasis will be placed on supporting early-career researchers ensuring they are fully engaged and recognized as vital contributors to the field. Participants will be exposed to cutting-edge, transformative discoveries in reproductive biology and encouraged to participate in open, and critical discourse that values different perspectives and addresses global scientific challenges. By achieving these goals, the 2026 GRC and GRS on Mammalian Reproduction will help shape the future of the field, fostering a research community where all scientists are welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed in this essential area of science.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-04

Project Summary/Abstract The Glycolipid and Sphingolipid Biology Gordon Research Conference (GRC) is a premier international scientific meeting dedicated to advancing the understanding of glyco- and sphingolipid biology through cutting- edge, unpublished research. This conference fosters dynamic discussions, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and networking opportunities among scientists at all career stages. The 2026 GRC will focus on the latest advancements in biophysics, biochemistry, and cell and molecular biology, with an emphasis on the role of glycosphingolipids in inborn errors of sphingolipid metabolism, development and tissue differentiation, and translational research. Novel research methodology to enhance translational research will also be emphasized during our conference. A central theme of this meeting is how glyco- and sphingolipids act as molecular codes for cell identity and recognition, influencing membrane organization, signaling, immune responses, and interactions with exogenous agents. Cutting-edge methodologies and novel approaches for studying these lipids—including structural analysis, imaging, and functional assays—will be showcased, highlighting their potential in therapeutic applications. The conference structure includes invited talks from leading experts, interactive discussions, and poster sessions to engage researchers at all levels. Ample time is dedicated to informal interactions, facilitating mentorship, networking, and the formation of lasting collaborations. The remote conference setting further enhances scientific engagement and community building. By bringing together a group of researchers from around the world, this GRC will serve as a vital forum for shaping the future of glycolipid and sphingolipid research, driving new discoveries and innovations in the field and developing novel approaches to rare pediatric disorders caused by genetic defects of sphingolipid metabolism that are increasingly being recognized by next generation sequencing. Results have implications for both children and adults, as these rare conditions often reveal the role of sphingolipid metabolism in more common diseases of adulthood and aging. Thus, the field is broadly relevant to a wide number of disciplines.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-04

SUMMARY: The 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Sleep Regulation and Function, themed “Sleep for the Whole Organism,” will mark the seventh installment of this highly successful series. Over the course of the last decade, sleep research has experienced remarkable growth across a variety of disciplines, spanning molecular biology, systems neuroscience, and mental health. Advances in state-of-the-art technologies have enabled significant progress in our understanding of the neurocircuitry underlying non-REM and REM sleep, wakefulness, the roles of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, genetic contributions to sleep regulation, and the impact of sleep loss on transcriptional and translational dynamics. The 2026 GRC will build on this strong foundation while expanding into new frontiers. The program will explore sleep as a whole-organism behavior, integrating both brain and body perspectives. In addition to core sessions on sleep regulatory mechanisms and emerging findings from non- mammalian species, the conference will highlight recent findings on sleep’s roles in cognition, consciousness, interoception, and waste clearance from the brain. A session will examine the interplay between sleep and post- infectious disease states, reflecting growing interest in how immune challenges—including long-term consequences of viral infections—impact sleep regulation and homeostasis. The program will further emphasize bidirectional brain-body communication, with discussions on the bi-directional interaction between sleep and peripheral physiology, metabolic state, and systemic signals. Finally, the growing interface between artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) and sleep science will be showcased, illustrating how advanced computational tools are transforming data analysis, predictive modeling, and mechanistic discovery in the field. This GRC will comprise 50 invited speakers and discussion leaders, poster sessions, in the main meeting. It will be preceded by the GRS, which will provide opportunities specifically for graduate students and post-docs. The GRC and GRS will bring together scientists of all career stages in an interactive and safe environment.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-04

This award supports the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulation, titled “Biological Mechanisms and Applications of RNA,” along with its associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), “Features of RNA and RNA-Binding Proteins in Gene Expression.” The GRS (July 18–19, 2026) will provide an engaging platform for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to present their work, exchange ideas, and connect with peers in the field. It will also feature a career mentorship panel to support trainees as they navigate the next steps in their scientific careers. The goal of the GRS is to foster a collegial, trainee-centered environment that encourages both scientific discovery and professional development. The five-day GRC (July 19–24, 2026) will bring together trainees, early-career investigators, and senior scientists who are at the forefront of RNA biology and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Attendance will be capped at 200 participants for the GRC and 70 for the GRS, creating a small, interactive setting that encourages open discussion, meaningful exchange, and the development of new ideas and collaborations. Post-transcriptional gene regulation plays a central role in how all organisms respond to their environment and maintain proper cellular function. Processes such as RNA splicing, 3′-end formation, and RNA stability enable cells to fine-tune gene expression in response to changing conditions. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for defining both normal physiology and disease states, and it holds significant promise for the development of new therapeutic strategies. The 2026 meeting will highlight cutting-edge advances in fundamental RNA biology, focusing on the mechanisms underlying RNA biogenesis, regulation, and function across all RNA classes. It will also feature emerging approaches that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to decode RNA complexity, aligning with current NSF priorities of advancing data-driven research. An important focus will be on leveraging fundamental discoveries to better understand disease mechanisms and to develop RNA-based biotechnology. Importantly, the science presented at the GRC/GRS will be unpublished, encouraging candid discussion around emerging questions in post-transcriptional gene regulation rather than rehashing ideas from published research. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-04

PROJECT SUMMARY Mechanochemistry and mechanobiology examine how mechanical forces program chemical reactivity and biological function across molecular, cellular, and tissue scales. In mechanobiology, mechanical structure- function relationships govern sensing, signaling, maintenance, and repair and are implicated in conditions affecting cancer, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems. Mechanochemistry focuses on how synthetic molecules and polymers respond to force, enabling the bottom-up design of materials with tunable mechanical properties, self-reporting and self-healing capabilities, and sensor or actuator functions. At their interface, these fields aim to integrate smart synthetic materials with living systems, advancing diagnostics, therapeutics, and tissue regeneration – goals that align closely with NIBIB’s focus on bioengineering and quantitative imaging. The GRC on Multiscale Mechanochemistry & Mechanobiology and its associated GRS aim to advance the fundamental understanding and application of force-driven chemistry and mechanobiological signaling pathways across multiple hierarchical length scales, from molecules to tissues. The objectives of this interdisciplinary meeting are to (i) elucidate mechanochemical reaction pathways and force-coupled kinetics; (ii) define biomolecular force-transduction and downstream signaling; (iii) develop mechanoresponsive, self- reporting, and self-healing materials with tunable properties; (iv) refine quantitative measurements and imaging of forces in living systems; and (v) accelerate the translation of innovative methodologies into mechanodiagnostics, mechanotherapeutics, and tissue regeneration. These objectives will be achieved by bringing together researchers from various backgrounds, including chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering, effectively fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. The program centers on invited plenary sessions that integrate contributions from early-career researchers selected for their scientific merit, methodological rigor, and program fit. Importantly, the GRC/GRS will provide a platform for presenting unpublished data across a wide range of emerging topics and will promote extended discussions focused on the frontiers of the field. This will be complemented by a trainee-led GRS, interactive poster sessions, and focused panels on measurement standards, reproducibility, and paths to biomedical impact. The meeting prioritizes early-career participation through structured speaking opportunities and mentoring. Expected outcomes include a shared agenda of critical questions, dissemination of session themes through meeting channels, and new collaborations that advance rigorous, quantitative approaches to mechanochemistry and mechanobiology.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-04

Project Summary Sensors designed for analytical performance and usability have the potential to turn the tide of pandemics, enable earlier intervention in chronic and infectious diseases, and provide insight into biological processes. Because of the prominent roles sensors and diagnostics play in our current lives and their potential for massive future growth, establishing an interconnected global community of experts to discuss outstanding challenges and the possible approaches for solving them is a key need with clear

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-04

Since 1984, the biennial Proteoglycans (PGs) Gordon Research Conference (GRC) has been an essential meeting for PG researchers. Recognized as the leading international forum for PG and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) research it brings together established and new PG researchers in a collegial and scientifically stimulating environment. Important to the meetings success is a history of a collegial atmosphere that fosters the dissemination of unpublished and emerging research that stimulates scientific discussions and collaborations among all attendees. This proposal is requesting partial support for the next PGs GRC, “Frontiers in Basic and Translational Proteoglycan Research to Improve Human Health,” which will be held from June 28th to July 3rd, 2026, and the associated PG GRS entitled, “Integrated Proteoglycan Research to Improve Human Health,” to be held on June 27th - 28th, 2026 at Proctor Academy, Andover, NH. An Executive Committee consisting of former Chairs of PGs GRCs plus organizers of meetings for the international conferences on PGs (ICP) and the International Society for Hyaluronan Sciences (ISHAS) offers input on the conference program. An advisory committee, consisting of expertise in various subfields in proteoglycan research, has been formed. Both committees provide expertise across a broad area, including fundamental, translational, and clinical PG research. The meeting will bring together highly regarded scientists performing impactful PG research and developing new techniques to support proteoglycan research advancement, some of whom will be attending this meeting for the first time. The invited scientists will present the latest findings in fundamental PG research addressing biosynthesis, catabolism, and technological advances in the field. A major focus of this GRC will be highlighting PGs as therapeutic tools and targets. To provide early-stage investigators an opportunity to highlight their research, the meeting program includes short talks during oral session and poster sessions each day. Short talks will be selected from abstracts to be complementary to the theme of the associated oral session. The scientific program aims to present state-of-the-art science to spark scientific discussions and collaborations, leading to the generation of new ideas, innovative research projects, and new grant proposals. The organizers have and will continue to pay careful attention to the participation from different stages in the scientific careers in all aspects of the conference. In the meeting, Dr. Kaori Oshima (MGH), Dr. Rob Ritcher (University of Alabama at Birmingham) and Dr. Paul DeAngelis (University of Oklahoma) will serve as panelists to talk about their experience in overcoming the challenges in academia and discussing different career opportunities for young graduate students and trainees. Attendees of this meeting will be selected by invitation or from the applications submitted online with careful attention. We expect approximately 200 attendees to this conference.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-04

PROJECT SUMMARY The 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs), subtitled “Linking Sequence to Disordered Protein Function” will be held June 21 - June 26, 2026, in Les Diablerets, Switzerland. The central aim of the conference is to share emerging, groundbreaking findings that relate primary sequences of IDPs to their biological function and material properties. Our vision for this meeting is to bring together scientists from a wide range of disciplines to answer questions on how primary IDP sequence encodes function. Function here is broadly defined: It includes protein-protein interactions, specific and non-specific binding, molecular sensing, and self-assembly; It also includes the emergence of novel IDP-based materials including condensates and ordered aggregates, as well as IDPs that act as sensors and actuators of the cellular environment. Historically in the IDP field, fundamental questions were best answered using multidisciplinary approaches. As such, the GRC will bring together biophysicists, polymer physicists, biochemists, cell biologists, and computational scientists who work broadly on IDPs and their self-assembled states. Scientific sessions will focus on the link between IDP sequence and function at the monomer level, in the condensate or aggregate level, and in germline and somatic mutations with a focus on transcriptional function and aging-related phenomenon. Sessions will also focus on cutting edge, experimental and computational high-throughput methods germane to IDP research. The accompanying Gordon Research Seminar, run by and for trainees on the two days prior to the conference, will help newcomers assimilate into the IDP field and come together as a cohort. Through these, the 2026 GRC on IDPs will showcase cutting edge research and methodologies, introduce new research direction to the community, and help newcomers to the IDP field integrate with its existing members.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-04

Project Summary/Abstract The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Image Science 2026, themed "Advanced Technologies and Computational Methods in Imaging Across Scales and Modalities," aims to convene leading imaging scientists from diverse fields such as remote sensing, astronomy, defense, homeland security, and biomedical and medical imaging. The primary objective is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in imaging technologies. The conference will achieve its goals through a series of structured sessions, each focusing on cutting-edge topics such as super-resolution imaging, quantum imaging, live high-speed biomedical and medical imaging, adaptive optics in turbid media, artificial intelligence and image science, image quality and task-based assessments, and imaging in emerging consumer displays. These sessions will facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote discussions on the latest advancements and challenges in image science. To encourage the participation of junior scientists, the conference will offer scholarships to students, postdocs, and young professionals. This support will enable them to present their research and engage with senior researchers, fostering mentorship and collaboration opportunities. The conference will also feature poster sessions, providing a platform for young investigators to showcase their work and receive feedback from established scientists. The GRC on Image Science 2026 will be held at Tuscany Il Ciocco, Lucca (Barga), Italy, from April 26 to May 1, 2026. The event will include keynote speeches, invited talks, and discussion sessions led by prominent experts in the field. The collegial atmosphere and single-track format of the conference will ensure that all participants can fully engage in discussions and networking activities. By bringing together imaging scientists from various disciplines, the conference will stimulate the application of image-science principles, facilitating significant advances in the design and objective assessment of imaging systems. The ultimate goal is to enhance the research potential of young scientists and promote the development of innovative imaging technologies that can address complex challenges in healthcare, defense, and other critical areas.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-04

PART 1: NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY The 2026 Gordon Research Conference on Crystal Engineering (GRC held in Newry, ME, from June 21-26, 2026) focuses on the design, assembly, and function of crystalline materials. An affiliated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will take place June 20-21, 2026, at the same venue. Crystals are solid materials whose atoms and molecules are arranged in highly ordered patterns. The way these building blocks are arranged determines the properties of the material. The conference promotes the progress of science by fostering collaboration across chemistry, materials science, crystallography, and computational modeling. Advances in crystal engineering enable the creation of new materials for applications in energy, health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. This international conference brings together leading researchers from universities, industry, and research institutions to share recent advances in the design and discovery of molecular crystals and framework solids. The program includes nine oral sessions with invited presenters and multiple poster sessions that highlight emerging research. Through scientific exchange, mentoring, and networking opportunities, the conference strengthens the research community and helps maintain innovation in advanced materials research. The meeting emphasizes participation of early-career researchers and supports the development of the next generation scientific workforce. This award, supported by the Solid State and Materials Program in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate, will support the participation of U.S. early career scientists, including graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. PART 2: TECHNICAL SUMMARY The 2026 GRC on Crystal Engineering centers on fundamental and applied advances in the design and synthesis of molecular crystals and framework solids. The conference theme, "Crystal Engineering: Design, Assembly, and Function," highlights efforts to understand intermolecular interactions and control molecular self-assembly during crystallization in order to achieve targeted material properties. The program features nine oral sessions and multiple poster sessions that address experimental and computational strategies for crystal design, including crystallography, solid-state chemistry, materials characterization, computational chemistry, and data-driven approaches such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Presentations focus on structure-property relationships in crystalline materials, methods for crystallizing predicted target structures, and strategies for accelerating materials discovery. Applications discussed include energy storage and conversion, chemical sensing, pharmaceutical solids, and materials for agriculture and environmental sustainability. The associated GRS provides additional technical presentations by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering scientific exchange and professional development. Together, the conference and seminar provide an integrated forum for disseminating unpublished research, advancing theoretical and experimental methodologies, and strengthening the interdisciplinary field of crystal engineering. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-04

The award supports U.S.-based scientists attending the 2026 Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar on Flow and Transport in Permeable Media. The scope of science is highly interdisciplinary and covers a range of research topics. The topics include underground hydrogen storage, critical minerals for energy storage, artificial intelligence methods, and geothermal energy. The linkages between the geosciences and material science and mathematics provide a unique meeting scope. Topics to be covered in the conference address national priorities, including energy security and artificial intelligence. Scientists and engineers from multiple sectors will discuss and exchange recent developments and unmet research needs across disciplines. The conference structure emphasizes presentations of new, unpublished work, followed by open discussion. The event attracts a wide range of participants spanning disciplines that often do not interact. Meetings on emergent interests will facilitate interaction among junior researchers and those established in academia, industry, and other careers. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-04

This award supports U.S.-based scientists in attending the 2026 Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar on Granular Matter. Granular matter encompasses any system with discrete particles as a substantial component. This includes materials like sand, soil, mud, and algal blooms. The conference meetings will accelerate understanding of granular materials across disciplines, including geosciences, physics, materials science, engineering, mathematics, and biology. Granular matter research has practical importance, such as for landslide prediction and industrial processes. Conference sessions will address the physics of granular matter, grains in the natural world (sand, snow), biological materials, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and more. These topics will draw attendees and speakers from academia, industry, and government labs. The meeting format will emphasize presentation of new, unpublished work, followed by open discussion. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-04

PART 1: NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY The 2026 Solid State Chemistry Gordon Research Conference (GRC) will be held July 26-31, 2026, at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, NH. An affiliated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will take place July 25-26, 2026, at the same venue. Solid state chemistry plays an essential role in the design and discovery of new functional materials to meet ever-growing societal demands for smaller, faster, and safer technologies. Research results presented at this conference will include synthesis and invention of new materials as well as studies that examine the structures of solids in great detail, relating key structural features to the materials' properties and functions. Presentations will address applications in technologies such as batteries, quantum computing, efficient lighting, and radiation sensing and security. The GRC will feature 26 oral presentations and two poster sessions, while the GRS will include 10 invited talks from graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, two poster sessions, and a career panel with experts from academia, national labs, and industry. Education and training of the future research workforce is an emphasis in the planning of this conference. The GRC will provide opportunities for networking and mentorship among researchers of varying career stages and work sectors, including research universities, primarily undergraduate institutions, national laboratories, and industry. This award, supported by the Solid State and Materials Program within the Division of Materials Research, will support the participation of U.S. early career scientists, including graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. PART 2: TECHNICAL SUMMARY The 2026 Solid State Chemistry GRC and accompanying GRS will focus on fundamental research ranging from materials synthesis to advanced characterization and development toward potential applications. One theme will be materials discovery, encompassing strategic exploratory solid state synthesis as well as efforts enabled by machine learning and computation. A second thread will be advanced characterization, which increasingly makes it possible to determine the local structures, disorder, and dynamics that can be critical to a material's function. Oral and poster presentations will feature a broad range of materials, including functional oxides and chalcogenides, mixed-anion compounds, low-dimensional materials, high-entropy alloys, hybrid materials, magnets and quantum materials, thermoelectrics, and materials at the interface of crystallinity and disorder. This wide coverage will enable discussion of applications in areas such as electrochemical energy storage, quantum computing, and advanced optics. The accompanying GRS will highlight novel synthetic techniques, computational tools for materials discovery, and materials for energy storage. Both parts of the conference will welcome participants from fields including chemistry, physics, and materials engineering working from both experimental and computational perspectives. The conference will also foster networking and mentorship among researchers of varying career stages. This award, supported by the Solid State and Materials Program within the Division of Materials Research, will support the participation of U.S. early career scientists, including graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.