Gordon Research Conferences

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-04

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This proposal requests support for partial funding of the 2026 “Barriers of the Central Nervous System (CNS)” GRC and GRS that will be held at Colby Sawyer College, New Hampshire, on June 13-14, 2026 (GRS) and June 14-19, 2026 (GRC). The overall goal of this international conference is to improve understanding of the highly complex cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the function of the endothelial (e.g., blood-brain barrier (BBB) or neurovascular unit (NVU)) and epithelial (e.g., blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB) and arachnoid) brain barriers in development, maintenance and disease. The 2026 meetings will achieve this goal by covering major aspects of CNS barrier sciences and make a special translational effort to include novel research methodology. Goals include increasing understanding of mechanisms regulating CNS barrier functions, including the blood-brain barrier, blood-spinal cord barrier, blood-retina barrier, neurovascular unit, blood-CSF barrier, in health. This will be coupled with translational efforts to identify novel mechanisms facilitating drug delivery to the brain to treat neurologic diseases. Collectively, these goals are well aligned with NINDS' mission to understand the structure and function of the nervous system and to reduce the burden of neurologic diseases. This interdisciplinary, highly translational knowledge exchange will be fostered by invited talks, daily poster presentations and ample time for non-structured scientific discussions amongst participants. The program will start with a keynote session addressing the selectively permeable nature of the brain barriers. The conference will conclude with a trendsetting keynote session understudied topic of cellular heterogeneity at the CNS barriers. An additional 7 sessions will address: i) CNS barriers in infection and rare diseases, ii) understudied CNS barriers, iii) emerging technologies in CNS barriers, iv) CNS barriers and neuropsychiatric complications, v) CNS barriers across the lifespan, vi) cell-cell communication at the CNS barriers, and, vii) transporters at the CNS barriers. Inclusion of clinicians and industry professionals in the meeting is a critical part of fostering translational discussion, with a particular goal of establishing new collaborations. This application addresses a major public health concern: diseases of the CNS. Instructing young researchers to think of innovative and novel solutions, and to bridge disciplinary interfaces in established laboratories, will advance the capacity to bring new approaches to realize the untapped potential for the treatment of CNS disease.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-03

Abstract We intend to request funds to help support the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Cell Death to be held May 17-22, 2026 and its associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) to be held in May 16-17, 2026 at the Les Diablerets Conference Center, Switzerland . The Cell Death GRC is among the most highly regarded international conferences in the cell death community. Participants will give oral presentations, lead discussions or present their work in poster format. In keeping with the intimate spirit of the Gordon Conference, attendance will be limited, and presentations will feature unpublished work at the leading edge of this field. The overall goal of this conference is to expedite progress in cell death research and to use research findings for the development of new anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapies. A secondary goal is to facilitate collaborations among cell death researchers and investigators in complementary basic, translational and clinical fields. The “Power Hour” during the GRC will provide a platform to address challenges trainees at all levels encounter. The GRS target audience are students and postdoctoral trainees. The GRS provides trainees with the opportunity to present their work in a more peer-to-peer setting. The GRS will also have a few established faculties from industry and academia who will provide career counseling and advice to the trainees. We believe the GRS will provide the platform to help trainees launch their own independent research career. The aims of this conference are to: 1) gather established experts, junior scientists and researchers new to this field in a setting that supports structured and casual interactions. 2) promote exchange of cutting edge, innovative and unpublished science relevant to the roles of cell death in healthy and pathologic contexts. 3) expedite discoveries that advance mechanistic knowledge on cell death and facilitate clinical opportunities for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases caused by the dysregulation of this process. The major themes of the meeting will focus on: 1) macromolecular assemblies in cell death, 2) role of cell death in tissue homeostasis, 3) fundamental mechanisms in cell death, 4) cell death in host pathogen interactions, 5) oxidative forms of cell death, 6) applications of cell death in the clinics and 7) role of cell death in tumor immunity. The meeting will facilitate the alignment of recent breakthrough discoveries with the development of new therapies for infections, immunological disorders, and cancers.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-03

PROJECT SUMMARY The clinical successes of the platinum-based anticancer drugs, technetium-based radiopharmaceuticals, and gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents have created the interdisciplinary research area of metals in medicine, which is rapidly evolving and affording new highly effective and selective drug candidates with great translational potential. This proposal seeks funds to support the organization of the 2026 Metals in Medicine Gordon Research Conference and the companion Metals in Medicine Gordon Research Seminar (MiM GRC/GRS). The main goal of the conference and seminar is to showcase impactful discoveries in both basic and translational research, while fostering a cross-disciplinary supportive community of scientists and clinicians that provides a valuable training environment for the next generation of researchers. The specific aims of the 2026 MiM GRC “Building Momentum for Targeted Metal-Based Therapeutics and Diagnostics” and 2026 MiM GRS “'Transforming Medicine with Inorganic Chemistry” are: Aim 1) Advance the knowledge on the mode of action and use of metallodrugs to treat and diagnose human diseases. Sessions will highlight the latest findings on understanding the modes of action and activation of metal- based drugs, optimization of drug delivery strategies, metal-based compounds to treat neglected tropical diseases, radionuclide-based therapeutics and diagnostics, and inorganic chemistry-based imaging modalities. We have included a session on the clinical translation of metal-based drugs. Aim 2) Advance the knowledge on the effects of metal ions in human diseases. We have organized a session to showcase the latest advances in metal ion regulation and/or dysregulation in human disease. Relevantly, we will have a separate session in metalloneurochemistry. Aims 1 and 2 cover all bench-to-bedside scientific components of the meeting: basic, applied, translational, and clinical research for metal-ions, metal-based compounds, and materials with medicinal applications. Aim 3) Provide a multidisciplinary, engaging, and supportive environment for idea exchanges between researchers at all professional development stages. The proposed agendas for the conference and seminar include talks from invited speakers and trainees, slots for oral, flash-oral, and poster presentations, panel discussions, lunch table discussions, and informal networking sessions during coffee breaks, lunch, and dinner. Several program components are designed to feature early-career investigators (as invited speakers and giving talks selected from abstracts). The satellite MiM Gordon Research Seminar for trainees is scheduled before the GRC, facilitating contacts between junior peers before the start of the larger conference. The GRC/GRS MiM agendas are already in place with confirmed excellent speakers and discussion leaders. Multiple sessions focus on cytotoxic and targeted chemotherapeutics agents, cancer diagnostic agents, and cancer- targeting radiopharmaceuticals. The high-performing status of previous iterations of this meeting and the experience of the organizing committee guarantee a successful, exciting, and engaging conference in 2026.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-03

The project supports travel of graduate and post-doctoral students, as well as early-career assistant professors, to attend the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Catalysis (June21-26 and 19-20, 2026, respectively). The latter is designed specifically to engage and support new entrants (primarily PhD students and post-docs) in the field of catalysis and give them an opportunity to build their professional networks. NSF support will aid in implementing four key objectives of the meeting: (1) delivering a strong scientific program focused on the meeting theme, "Shaping the Future of Catalysis: Bridging Fundamentals and Emerging Applications "; (2) bringing together a broad range of world-class speakers, including junior investigators and senior thought-leaders representing industry, academia, and national labs; (3) promoting cross-disciplinary fertilization of ideas in catalysis and sustainability, by exploring common themes related to alternative energy and renewable feedstocks; and (4) creating a sense of community by promoting interactions between prominent senior investigators in the field and early-career researchers. The meeting will focus on disseminating recent results by a wide variety of scientists. Topics will explore how precise materials synthesis, advanced characterization techniques, detailed kinetics, and advances in theory (including artificial intelligence and machine learning) combine to create new understanding in catalysis. This includes applying these insights into national and global challenges in energy security, advanced manufacturing, and the environment. The Catalysis GRS and GRC play important roles in enhancing the development of researchers in early stages of their careers. Beyond the technical aspects, the meeting will directly benefit society by enhancing the knowledge of scientists and educators in catalysis for advancing fundamental insights into catalytic chemistry and developing new catalysis applications, thereby contributing to energy security, chemicals manufacturing, and preserving the quality of the environment for future generations. 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 · 2026-03

Project Summary This proposal seeks partial support the Gordon Research Conference on Autophagy in stress, development and disease, to be held from March 15-20th 2026, in Ventura California, USA. Autophagy is a fundamental cellular homeostatic mechanism affecting normal tissue homeostasis and age-related human diseases such as neurodegeneration and cancer. The overarching aim of this GRC series is to explore the expanding role and regulatory mechanisms of autophagy in both physiological and pathological processes, with a particular focus on its impact on human diseases such as cancer. Notably, differences in autophagy activity have been associated with distinct diseases — elevated autophagy is often observed in cancer, while diminished autophagy is linked to neurodegeneration and aging. Given its central role in these prevalent diseases, understanding the fundamental regulatory mechanisms of autophagy holds promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The long- term goal of this GRC series is to highlight the expanding role and regulation of autophagy in physiological and pathological processes that underlie human diseases, such as cancer. The specific aims of the 2026 GRC meeting will be to convene 30 invited speakers and discussion leaders in key areas of autophagy research along with ~200 participants for a five-day conference. The program will include a keynote session with addresses from world leaders in the field. These will include presentations by internationally recognized experts on autophagy in cancer, autophagy and proteostasis with links to immune evasion in cancer, and mechanisms of autophagy activation. Approximately 16-20 short talks will also be selected from submitted abstracts, and two poster sessions will permit all participants to contribute. The significance of this application is that the GRC on autophagy has become the cornerstone of the yearly series of conferences that critically influence, direct and drive research in the international community of autophagy researchers. GRC meetings bring together a broad group of investigators who are at the forefront of the autophagy research field and provide ample opportunities for junior scientists and trainees to present their work and exchange ideas with leaders in the field, thus nurturing the next generation of autophagy research leaders. The health relatedness of this application is that autophagy directly impacts a wide spectrum of human health and diseases related to cancer, aging, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. The research highlighted by GRC meetings on autophagy will lead to a greater molecular understanding of a critical process and help develop new approaches to treat age-related diseases and improve health-span.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-03

Project Summary Craniofacial differences are among the most common congenital anomalies, occurring with a frequency of 1 in 700 live births. The biomedical burden for treating these conditions is over 700 million dollars a year in the US alone. Thus, assembling a group of discovery-based research scientists, geneticists, clinicians, and surgeons all focused on understanding the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms essential for understanding craniofacial development and disease is of great value to public health. To address this need we have formulated a scientific program that will focus on integrating our knowledge of genetics, model systems, and biological mechanisms, with the end goal of improving craniofacial health. A keynote session will explore rare disease genetics from both a human geneticist and research perspective. Challenges and solutions related to linking gene discovery to functional genomics will be identified, with a focus on advancing the craniofacial field into the era of stem cell and organoid medicine. Molecular and biochemical mechanisms that contribute to patterning the building blocks of the face will be discussed, alongside how these mechanisms go awry under pathological conditions. Cross-disciplinary collaboration will be promoted to ensure translationally relevant data is shared, facilitating the realization of the bench-to-bedside vision from diagnosis to therapeutics. Open discussion within the community will aim to establish a consistent set of protocols for data comparison and reproducibility across laboratories, enhancing the efficiency and impact of craniofacial research. Beyond sharing cutting-edge, unpublished research, the meeting will provide opportunities for scientists at all career levels to network and form collaborations with colleagues from various disciplines to advance craniofacial research.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-03

PROJECT SUMMARY The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on the Neurobiology of Cognition has been a flagship meeting for this highly interdisciplinary field since its inception in 2010. The 2026 convocation will be the eighth meeting in the series. The long-term goal of the conference is to improve the treatment of cognitive disorders through a better understanding of human cognitive function in health and disease. To this end, the conference has four main goals: To promote discussion and collaboration between scientists working in different domains of cognitive neuroscience; to highlight important recent discoveries and gaps in our knowledge; to encourage intensive discussion of new and unpublished findings that have the potential to change the field; to enhance the career- long growth of scientists in the field, with a particular emphasis on junior scientists and trainees. To achieve these aims, the conference brings together leading experts with early-career scientists and trainees for a weeklong experience characterized by both cutting-edge research presentations and relaxed interactions. Broad topics to be covered include memory, decision-making, perception, action, and social cognition. GRC speakers are encouraged to present and emphasize new results and cutting-edge laboratory techniques. In addition, two sessions on topics of emerging interest are introduced to the itinerary this year: one devoted to the interface of cognitive neuroscience and artificial intelligence, and the other focused on advances in transcranial and intracranial neuromodulation in the context of basic research and clinical treatment. Twenty-nine invited speakers will join approximately 120 additional investigators and trainees for the weeklong conference. The GRC will be preceded by the Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on the Neurobiology of Cognition, geared toward graduate students and postdoc attendees. The GRC format fosters communication and collaboration by hosting the meeting in a remote location and encouraging all attendees to participate for the entire week. Speakers are invited on the basis of their availability to stay for the entire conference, with exemptions reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The 9 GRC sessions begin with the first session Sunday evening, and two per day Monday through Thursday. Daily meals are held together in a communal dining room, and free time for recreational activities and informal scientific discourse is left open in the afternoon. This meeting structure helps to break down barriers between topic subfields and career ranks, and provides unique networking and mentorship opportunities. The organizers of the GRC and GRS make extensive efforts to select speakers who represent perspectives from across the field. Priority for acceptance to the attend the meeting and for funding support will be given to trainees. Through its 14-year history, the Neurobiology of Cognition GRC has helped to grow this field and has fostered career growth and new collaborations. The chairs of the GRS and GRC expect the 2026 meeting will be another successful rendition of this flagship meeting.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-03

Project Summary The 2026 Gordon Research Conference in Single Cell Cancer Biology (GRC-SCCB) is a 7-day conference that will be held March 21-27 at the Four Points Sheraton hotel in Ventura, California. The rapid advancement of single cell technologies has provided an unprecedented opportunity to answer longstanding questions about the impact of intratumor heterogeneity, cellular plasticity, clonal evolution, tumor-stroma interactions, and mechanisms of metastasis and therapeutic resistance. These questions have been difficult to address through characterization of bulk tissue samples, which are limited to providing an average signal from a complex population of cells. cancer, such as The specific aims of the 2026 GRC-SCCB are to 1) present new discoveries in cancer made using single cell approaches, 2) highlight technological and analytic advances for analyzing single cell data, 3) foster cross-disciplinary collaboration to drive new innovation and discovery, 4) promote clinical application of new technologies and discoveries, and 5) provide a forum for the scientific and career development of junior investigators. The meeting will bring together experts in industry and academia, with wide-ranged expertise in cancer biology, imaging, engineering, single cell technologies, computational biology, and clinical oncology to foster new ideas, collaborations, and leadership for the coming decade of rapid progress in in the field of single cell cancer biology.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-03

Summary for the 2026 GRC Immunoengineering Immunoengineering integrates immunology, bioengineering, and computational sciences to advance treatments for cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and transplantation. Key innovations like CAR T-cell therapies, bispecific antibodies, and mRNA vaccines address global health threats. Advances in nanotechnology, biomaterials, AI-driven biomarker discovery, and computational modeling enhance immune modulation and drug delivery. The field bridges synthetic biology, materials science, and data science to accelerate bench-to-bedside translation, impacting diverse medical applications. Growing investment from federal agencies (NIH, NIAID, NCI, NIBIB) and universities supports immunoengineering research and training. Despite increasing interest, existing conferences limit collaboration. The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Immunoengineering, first held in 2022, is the only dedicated international meeting advancing interdisciplinary exchange and clinical applications. The goal of the “2026 Immunoengineering GRC: Cells, Proteins, and Biomaterials in Translational Medicine” is to share advances across all subfields simultaneously, to catalyze new ideas and collaborations, and thus serve as the national and international conference “home” for the immunoengineering community. The 2026 Immunoengineering GRC will balance immunology, translational science, biomaterials, and nanotechnology, shaping immunotherapy, vaccine development, and immune modulation strategies. The conference prioritizes academic-industry dialogue, featuring structured mentoring, poster sessions, and career development for trainees and junior investigators. GRC’s established format will ensure productive scientific exchange in a supportive environment. We will fulfill the following specific aims: Aim 1: Advance progress in immunoengineering at two levels – by promoting collaborations and relationships across scientific disciplines (fundamental and translational science) and by fostering interactions between academia and industry. Aim 2: Advance the careers of new investigators and trainees in the field of immunoengineering by showcasing their work and facilitating networking with senior investigators and peer mentors.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-03

This award supports the 2026 Gordon Research Conference on Geologic Hydrogen, an emerging field exploring naturally occurring hydrogen in Earth’s subsurface and ways to enhance its production. Hydrogen is essential for producing commodity chemicals and meeting energy needs. As an alternative to manufacturing hydrogen, which requires energy-intensive processes, pathways to harness the subsurface environment to produce geologic hydrogen are emerging as economically viable and environmentally benign solutions. Early discoveries and rapidly growing industrial interest suggest that geologic hydrogen could become a vast source of affordable energy, but major uncertainties remain regarding the mechanisms underlying its formation, transport behavior and accumulation, and approaches to evaluate economic and environmental impacts. Consequently, the aim of this conference is to address these challenges and accelerate the creation of fundamental scientific insights and innovative technological development pathways for unlocking the potential of geologic hydrogen as a reliable and affordable energy source. This conference convenes leading experts with the intent to advance the field of geologic hydrogen and train the next generation of scientists and engineers. The project will broaden participation by prioritizing students and early-career researchers, strengthening the U.S. workforce, and fostering cross-disciplinary partnerships that can inform research, innovation, and decision making. The 2026 Gordon Research Conference on Geologic Hydrogen will feature discussion-centered sessions across the full geologic hydrogen system. The technical program covers nine sessions including hydrogen as a potential primary energy source; hydrogen geobiochemistry; source rocks; migration and accumulation mechanisms; monitoring methods and detection; exploration; extraction; stimulated geologic hydrogen production, as well as critical considerations of safety, environment, economics, and ecosystem impacts. The conference is designed to synthesize insights from wide-ranging technology roadmap efforts and recent U.S. investments in stimulated geologic hydrogen production, while maintaining the Gordon Research Conference standard of presenting cutting-edge results. Poster and networking sessions will further promote knowledge exchange. A career development session and a mentor-mentee program led by the Association of Geological Hydrogen will foster workforce development and contribute to building a durable geologic hydrogen community. These efforts align with NSF priorities in empowering STEM talent to fully participate in the critical science and engineering needs, benefiting society by translating knowledge into solutions, and expanding and strengthening the speed and scale of emerging research and communities. 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 · 2026-03

In this R13 application we request support for the 4th Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on “Neurobiology of Drug Addiction,” taking place in May 2026 in Castelldefels, Spain. The objectives of this GRC are to foster open discussion of novel research developments, build new collaborations, and propel the next generation of both scientific advances in addiction research and addiction neuroscience researchers. To achieve these objectives, we will pursue the following four specific aims at the meeting: 1) To create an international forum that will promote deeper understanding of the neurobiology of addiction, based on groundbreaking findings from basic science, clinical, and community focused research; 2) Introduce novel and emerging research techniques to facilitate understanding of drug addiction; 3) Promote interdisciplinary interactions amongst addiction researchers, stimulating the exchange of ideas and collaborations that will advance the field of addiction research; and 4) Foster the development of the next generation of addiction researchers by facilitating and encouraging the participation of students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career investigators. The conference focuses on presentations and discussions at the frontiers of addiction research. The scope of the lectures will be confined to basic and clinical studies involving addictive drugs (including alcohol) and the nervous system and will focus on mechanisms of compulsive drug use, relapse, and vulnerability to addiction. The meeting will also break down barriers to progress by uniting investigators with synergistic and complementary expertise in areas ranging from molecular mechanisms to translational clinical research, community focused research, and addiction theory. The conference will provide a forum to address the latest developments in addiction research in an open and highly interactive GRC format, which includes formal talks interspersed with ample discussion time, poster sessions, and informal discussion periods that cultivate communication and collaborations. This conference setup differs from that of other meetings in the field and will provide a unique opportunity for close interactions among investigators at all stages of their careers and among investigators with different research approaches and cultural perspectives. Concerted efforts to support participation of students, postdoctoral fellows, early-stage investigators, and rigorous scientists from across a range of backgrounds and intellectual foundations in addiction research will nurture the growth of the next generation of addiction researchers. We will hold an accompanying Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) in 2026 immediately prior to the GRC, as we did in previous years. The GRS will provide a forum for students and postdoctoral fellows. In addition, a substantial number of GRC talks will be delivered by early career scientists. We envision that the Neurobiology of Drug Addiction GRC will continue to significantly advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying drug addiction and stimulate the development of novel hypotheses, research directions, and therapeutic approaches.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-02

Project Summary Natural products research involves highly interdisciplinary fields focused on translation of chemically and biologically complex natural products to applications for human health and health outcomes. The evolution of natural products as potentially multifunctional ligands with highly specific affinities for health-relevant targets has provided opportunities to develop therapeutic agents for cancers, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders, as well as for multisystem, multicomponent diseases and conditions. Natural products from the marine environment have provided unique molecular scaffolds that interact with biological targets and signaling pathways to effect changes in phenotype and physiology, resulting in several that have translated to clinical use. In addition, transformational advances in biosynthesis, target profiling, and analytical technologies are poised for incorporation in computational tools using machine learning for discovery of natural products and their biological signatures. The 2026 Marine Natural Products (MNP) Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) and Gordon Research Conference (GRC) are planned for February 28 – March 6, 2026, in Ventura, California. The GRS is a unique forum for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to present and exchange new data and innovative ideas across the scope of basic and applied MNP research. The GRC will bring together early career and established researchers from academia, industry, and government (including all GRS participants) to address the discovery, characterization and functional development of MNPs. Sessions will focus on technological advances to spur new discovery, discovery of new molecular targets and receptors, computational informatics challenges and opportunities, symbiosis and microbiome interactions to facilitate discovery, biosynthesis and bioengineering for molecule and target discovery, bioactive molecules from marine sources, integrating novel synthetic approaches for enhanced discovery, and marine biogeochemistry to address microbial challenges. Our specific aims for the conference include: (1) providing a forum for emerging and established scientific leaders to present cutting-edge MNP research; (2) stimulating multi-disciplinary collaborations and providing opportunities for interdisciplinary activities; (3) highlighting biological targets, physiological function, and translational applications of MNPs; and (4) providing training for graduate students and early career scientists to promote broad participation. The collegial atmosphere of the MNP GRS and GRC will foster collaborations, provide training opportunities, and promote exchange of ideas amongst leaders in the field and new participants. NIH support will be used to enhance participation by graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career faculty at the GRC, as well as for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students attending the GRS. Ample opportunities for scientific exchange and networking, both in and outside of meeting sessions, will foster new collaborations that bridge scientific disciplines and potentiate paradigm shifts in natural product sciences.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-02

Project Summary The 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Ligand Recognition & Molecular Gating will be held from March 15th-20th at the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort, Italy. The GRC will be preceded by the related Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), which is organized by and for PhD students and postdocs (March 14th-15th). The topic is unique, as it addresses the structures, functional mechanisms and higher-order assemblies of three important classes of transmembrane proteins: ion channels, active transporters, and G- protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). These proteins are central to human physiology and their dysfunction leads to neurological, muscular, endocrine and metabolic diseases, making them therapeutic targets of more than 50% of current drugs. Understanding their isolated and integrated structure and function is essential to enable new opportunities for intervention, which ultimately will improve human health. In recent years the boundaries between the three protein classes have vanished, as we see protein families that comprise transporter, channels and receptors (e.g., ClCs, 7-TM proteins), and proteins that are natural chimera of channels with receptors (e.g., bestrhodopsin), pumps (e.g., K+-ATP-channel), or transporters (e.g., SLC9C1). Therefore, bringing together scientists who work on these three classes of membrane proteins is a timely and necessary endeavor. Originally, this GRC/GRS focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying ligand recognition, substrate translocation, regulation of function, and signal transmission; often addressed through a structural biology approach. However, with the recent breakthroughs in cryogenic electron microscopy it has become quite routine to solve structures of isolated membrane proteins, and thus challenges in the field have shifted. In this edition, we aim to modernize and direct the focus to current frontiers in the field, such as the study of the structure, function and interaction of these proteins with lipids, with partner proteins, in super- complexes, and ultimately in a cellular context. New structural methods such as cryo-electron tomography and native-mass spectrometry of vesicles or cellular compartments combined with computational approaches now allow to acquire an integrated structural characterization of these protein classes, while advanced single- molecule techniques allow to unravel kinetics and energetics avoiding ensemble averaging. The GRC/GRS on Ligand Recognition & Molecular Gating offers the ideal platform for the presentation and discussion of latest, unpublished research results, and formal and informal exchange between scientists at different career stages and from different continents. It will stimulate the establishment of new collaborations and promote enthusiasm for science among young researchers. The program will have about 40 invited speakers, a mix of invited well- established leaders and young investigators in the field, and postdoc and graduate student speakers selected from abstracts. In addition to platform and poster sessions, a “Career Advising” Session as well as a power-hour will foster in-person contact, networking and collegial advice.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-02

SUMMARY The DNA Damage, Mutation, and Cancer Gordon Research Conference (GRC) is a premier international scientific meeting with over 25 years of history, dedicated to exploring the intersection of genomic stability and cancer. This five-day conference showcases cutting-edge, unpublished research on the mechanisms that maintain genome integrity and their roles in oncogenesis and genotoxic cancer therapy. With a strong emphasis on in-depth mechanistic discussions and trainee engagement, the GRC fosters collaboration among researchers at all career stages and disciplines, aiming to translate fundamental discoveries into improved cancer diagnostics and treatments. The scientific program features invited talks from leading researchers across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, an equal number of short talks selected from abstracts, and extended poster sessions to encourage participation at all levels. Key topics include mechanisms of mutagenesis, DNA replication and recombination, chromosomal translocation, and aneuploidy. In response to the growing number of cancer survivors, which are estimated to be nearly one-third of U.S. adults over 65, the 2025 meeting will introduce three emerging themes that address the short- and long-term toxicity of genotoxic cancer therapy: instability in genomic dark matters (damage and rearrangement of repetitive sequences, ribosomal DNA, and mitochondrial DNA); crosstalk between genomic instability and the immune response (both innate and adaptive with implication in chronic inflammatory responses); DNA damage and repair in neurons, crucial for understanding neuropathy from cancer treatments and brain malignancies. These themes will incorporate novel technologies and strategies, providing attendees with the latest perspectives on mitigating genomic instability and enhancing cancer therapies. The conference, held in early spring at a beachside venue in Ventura, California, provides a relaxed setting for both structured and informal networking, including communal meals, afternoon sports, and two dinners with themed tables for scientific exchange and career development discussions. A message board will also be provided to facilitate interactions between students seeking postdoctoral positions and PIs who have open positions. A Power Hour will facilitate conversations on scientific growth in the digital and AI era. To further engage young scientists, a pre-meeting Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will offer early-career researchers a platform to present and discuss their work. Additionally, session chairs will prioritize the first question after each talk for trainees whenever possible, fostering deeper engagement and participation. By bringing together experts from different disciplines, geographic areas, and career stages, this GRC aims to advance our understanding of genomic instability and its implications for cancer, paving the way for more effective therapies and improved patient outcomes.

NSF Awards · FY 2026 · 2026-02

This project supports the participation of early career scientists in the 2026 Geobiology Gordon Research Seminar and Gordon Research Conference. Geobiology is the study of interactions between life and the physical Earth, both in the modern and ancient worlds. It merges the disciplines of paleontology, sedimentology, microbiology, chemistry, and geology. At the heart of the field of Geobiology is how the living planet and its changes over time are documented, understood, and interpreted. This, in turn, leads to questions of what controls the variety of metabolisms on the planet today, as well as the role that microbes play in the formation and change of Earth’s surface. Throughout this conference, participants will explore the physiological limits of life, the role that microbial populations play in key processes including the formation of minerals (especially those critical to humans), the links between microbes and geochemical processes, and emerging analytical/numerical tools to further investigate these ideas. The 2026 Gordon Research Conference will enable the exchange of ideas, tools, and expertise to promote collaboration among scientists to help human society and build a more cohesive STEM workforce. The conference will highlight open questions, applications of geobiological techniques to private industry, and new experimental approaches in the field. This conference will gather ~150 scientists, students, and postdoctoral research fellows within the field of Geobiology. The scientific sessions are centered around nine themes, each of which is key to understanding the role of life on a living planet. This conference and the accompanying Gordon Research Seminar (which focuses solely on graduate students and postdoctoral scholars) will include sessions with invited speakers, discussion leaders, and poster sessions. Participants attend all sessions and eat all meals in succession together to ensure a focused meeting and foster interactions among active and junior scientists. Anticipated outcomes include advances in analytical/numerical tools, as well as more uniform data quality standards in various subdisciplines. The format of the conference, the range of topics, and the interactive community of people engaged in active research will foster increased participation in Geobiology. 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 · 2026-02

Project Summary Building upon the success of past meetings, the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Thalamocortical Interactions will bring together leading neuroscientists, from early career to established investigators, to discuss the latest breakthroughs in understanding the functions of the nervous system influenced by the thalamus. The scientific sessions will highlight cutting-edge discoveries on thalamus-brain interactions in normal and disease conditions. Session topics will include the role of the thalamus in brain plasticity and stroke recovery, movement, decision-making, development, and visual and tactile sensory processing, as well as topics new to this GRC, such as thalamic contributions to pain and itch processing, conscious states, addiction, and motivation. A major goal of this international conference is to foster interactions among scientists at all career stages, from graduate student and postdoctoral fellows to early career and senior investigators and spanning wide-ranging areas of expertise and interests to brainstorm new hypotheses related to thalamic function and to stimulate new collaborations. Leading researchers in the field will present their most current, unpublished work with extensive discussion planned for each session. Discussion will be further fostered during time set aside for more informal interactions. To promote the next generation of neuroscientists, short talks will be selected from abstracts submitted by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. In addition, junior faculty represent a third of confirmed invited speakers. Finally, this GRC will be preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), organized by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, which will feature talks and posters by trainees. The GRS will serve as a forum for trainees to present their work and to broaden their peer network and will complement the GRC in bringing together scientists from around the world to discuss and identify new directions in thalamus-brain interactions. The 2026 conference promises to continue the highly regarded tradition and reputation established by the decade-long history of the Thalamocortical Interactions GRC series, bringing top neuroscientists from around the world to communicate innovative science, develop new hypotheses of thalamus function, establish new collaborations among participants, and nurture the next generation of young neuroscientists.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-02

Project Summary Cephalopod neuroscience offers a unique perspective in comparative brain research. Similar to vertebrates, cephalopods have evolved large, complex brains, enabling remarkable sensory, motor, and cognitive abilities. They exhibit sophisticated behaviors such as independent control of eight flexible arms, dynamic skin patterning for camouflage, and advanced learning and decision-making capabilities. Understanding the cephalopod nervous system has the potential to uncover fundamental principles of brain organization and function across species. Despite their fascinating neurobiology, the mechanistic workings of cephalopod brains remain largely unexplored. However, recent technological advances have catalyzed rapid progress and an influx of new researchers into the field, leading to the establishment of the first Cephalopod Neuroscience Gordon Research Conference. This meeting will bring together scientists from diverse areas of cephalopod research, including genomics, neural development, systems neuroscience, computation, and tool development. Our key objectives are to: (1) foster knowledge exchange and highlight recent discoveries, (2) cultivate an engaged and collaborative research community, and (3) facilitate resource and technique sharing. A strong emphasis will be placed on supporting trainees to ensure broad participation, and provide a strong foundation for this new Gordon Conference in the future. By combining cutting-edge science with community-building efforts, this conference aims to accelerate advances in cephalopod neuroscience and provide insight into broad principles of brain function.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-02

The 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Plasminogen Activation and Extracellular Proteolysis and the associated Gordon Graduate Research Seminar (GRS) are paired conferences held sequentially at the same location in Ventura, CA. The GRS will take place on February 7-8, and the GRC on February 8-13, 2026. The GRC has been held continuously every two years since 1990 and enjoys an outstanding international reputation. In this 20th GRC, we will discuss breakthrough findings in plasminogen activation and extracellular proteolysis in areas such as vascular biology, central nervous system function and dysfunction, trauma, tissue homeostasis and regeneration, hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, stem cell biology, metabolism and obesity, tumor biology, cardiovascular function, and aging. For the 2026 GRC meeting, emphasis will be placed on bringing together the biomedical practice with the biology of plasminogen activation and other extracellular proteases, their effectors and associated pathways, as they are relevant to multiple diseases and disorders. Basic and Physician Scientists will discuss the relevant clinical needs and possible therapeutic strategies that can be accommodated using the knowledge generated through basic science. Early and mid-career investigators in the field will have the chance to present and discuss their new and exciting findings alongside senior, established researchers. Basic research, technological advances, and cutting-edge therapeutic approaches in the field of extracellular proteases will be debated and discussed, with the expectation that new collaborations and scientific discoveries will develop from these in-person interactions. Research themes of the 2026 GRC on Plasminogen Activation and Extracellular Proteolysis will capture the most exciting areas of contemporary cutting-edge research in the field. Emerging roles for molecules of the fibrinolytic system and other proteases in pathologic settings such as cancer, cardio- and cerebrovascular disease, metabolic complications, aging, trauma, and neurological diseases will be presented. The development and application of novel technologies in the field will also be discussed. Each session will include a discussion of how basic research in our field can help conquer human disease. The associated GRS will provide a venue for pre- and postdoctoral trainees to discuss their research in a collaborative and stimulating environment to help build their informal network of peers and colleagues. We expect that the 2026 Plasminogen Activation and Extracellular Proteolysis GRC and GRS will bring together a group of highly motivated and interactive participants with different scientific backgrounds to engage in intensive discussions at the frontier of research related to the plasminogen activation system and associated extracellular proteases in an “off-the-record” fashion. The information gained from this meeting will advance the plasminogen activation/extracellular proteolysis field by teaching us about additional direct and nuanced roles for these proteins, which should in turn stimulate the development of new applications and strategies to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of a wide range of diseases.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-02

PROJECT SUMMARY The objectives of the 2026 GRC “Lymphatics” are to present state-of-the-art research on the lymphatic vascular system, to fuel scientific exchange across scientific disciplines and expertise, and to spearhead new ideas and collaborations. The meeting will bring together investigators from all backgrounds and from all career stages, converging on lymphatics as one common theme. Specific Aims are (1) To present conceptual advances in research of the lymphatic vascular system and its pathologies; (2) To discuss paradigm shifting findings of lymphatics in different organ systems and their contribution to disease; (3) To integrate knowledge from different disciplines; and (4) To nurture junior investigators and trainees entering the lymphatic research field. Sessions will cover conceptual advances in development and disease of lymphatic vessels from basic aspects to potential clinical applications. The meeting will highlight recent insights into the diversity and organ-specificity of lymphatic endothelium. Novel molecular regulators for lymphatic vasculature during bone development, Schlemm’s canal in the eye and lacteals in the intestine will be discussed. New factors regulating lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic integrity will be introduced. Advances in research on lymphatic malformations, lymphedema and other congenital lymphatic diseases will be discussed. The meeting will also present emerging concepts on the role of lymphatics in atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. Paradigm shifts in the field will be presented, and crosstalk between lymphatics and immune system discussed. Advances in understanding how lymphatics contribute to disease, including cardiovascular inflammation, cancer, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases will be highlighted. A key goal for this meeting is to serve as a platform for growth of lymphatic research, and for helping to promote new scientists entering this research field. Abundant opportunities for the presentation of research by early career investigators will be provided. The GRS on Lymphatics organized by junior investigators will provide opportunities exclusively for junior investigators to present their work and form collaborations. Aside from presentation and poster sessions, a career development session will also be held during GRS to provide guidance to those just getting their start in the lymphatic research field, and to discuss strategies for how to navigate issues impeding lymphatic research or obstacles to participation by incoming lymphatic researchers. A patient session will also be held to allow researchers to hear from those suffering from lymphatic diseases and hear their perspective on the potential promise of translating lymphatic research into new therapies. The sponsoring organization is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of science. In accordance with its mission, this conference will place emphasis on the presentation of unpublished data, high-quality science and rich discussions in many fields, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, immunology, metabolism and neurobiology. We anticipate that the opportunities provided to young investigators participating in this conference will facilitate their rise as future leaders of the lymphatic research field.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-02

Project Summary The 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Photosensory Receptors and Signal Transduction (PRST) will be held in Ventura CA. The conference incorporates leading experts on diverse photosensory systems allowing for a comprehensive understanding of how nature employs cofactor chemistry to allow organisms to sense and adapt to their lighting environment. A comprehensive understanding of photoreception and signal transduction has a wide impact on human health and disease. For instance, for vertebrate vision subtle defects within the phototransduction pathway impacts retinal development and retinal degeneration, leading to conditions such as photophobia, visual acuity, night-blindness, loss of vision, as well as numerous other disorders of vision. Notably, defects in non-visual photo responsive systems within the eye have also been implicated in mood and sleep disorders, circadian dysfunction, and pupillary responses. To address these issues, it is essential to dissect and delineate how subtle alteration in cofactor identity, protein structure, and signaling pathways impacts defects in signaling and/or facilitates evolutionary adaptation to unique lighting environments. As a result, the format of the conference is unique in three essential elements: 1) Invited speakers will cover the entire range of physical, chemical, and biological factors gating light-responsive signal transduction in organisms. The comprehensive focus beginning from initial photon absorption, changes in cofactor chemistry, and structural transitions in photoreceptor proteins, to changes in organism physiology and ecological impacts affords unprecedented insight into how organisms harness photon absorption to mediate physiological responses. 2) Invited speakers cover the entire range of natural photoreceptors, providing deep understanding of how nature tunes small molecule cofactors, protein structure, and signaling pathways to allow for exquisite sensitivity to a wide range of wavelengths and light intensities. 3) These elements allow for an additional focus on applied practical applications to harness or manipulate photoreceptor function through optogenetic tools, or interventional treatments. The program structure and invited speakers for the GRC and associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) are designed to maximize interaction between established investigators, new investigators, and trainees from diverse disciplines to foster an exchange of ideas and scientific viewpoints to catalyze new interdisciplinary approaches to delineate photosensory responses and to engineer new technologies. The GRS provides an opportunity for junior scientists to meet and present their work in an environment of peers prior to the GRC. The GRS incorporates social, scientific, and mentoring to develop a sense of belonging, community, and inclusivity. Mentoring sessions have been chosen to encompass both academic and industrial career pathways to facilitate career growth and networking opportunities. The thoughtfully coordinated PRST GRC/GRS will position researchers to address the field’s most critical scientific challenges, while also motivating trainees to leverage their expertise in pursuit of emerging frontiers in photochemistry and photobiology.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-02

Project Summary/Abstract: The basal ganglia are a group of interconnected subcortical brain nuclei that play a crucial role in motor control and decision-making and are affected in various neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders, making a basic understanding of the function of this circuitry highly translationally relevant. The 2026 Basal Ganglia GRC meeting will bring together the world's leading basal ganglia researchers to discuss recent advancements and new insights into the function of basal ganglia circuits in health and disease. The five-day conference will concentrate on presenting unpublished data. The program features speakers and discussion leaders from various career stages, institutions, and subfields, with the goal of fostering interdisciplinary discussions that connect knowledge about synapses and circuits to higher-level computations. Afternoon free time and communal meals will provide opportunities for informal networking, welcoming trainees into the field and fostering lasting collaborations and friendships within our scientific community. The meeting will also incorporate an additional 1.5-day GRS organized exclusively by and for trainees. The programs for the 2026 Basal Ganglia GRC & GRS were designed to celebrate investigations of basal ganglia circuits from multiple scientific viewpoints, with contributions from innovative researchers around the world. Given that the meeting has always been held in the United States since its inception in 2014, and since previous reviews of the conference emphasized a desire for more international representation, we have moved the 2026 meeting to Italy. A deliberate effort was also made to include new speakers and topics that were not covered in previous meetings, for example with a specific session on astrocyte functions in the basal ganglia. Other topics include non-motor functions of the basal ganglia, complex neuromodulatory interactions, new technologies for investigating basal ganglia function, and new models for understanding the plasticity and function of basal ganglia circuits. As such, the overall title of “Linking Synapses, Circuits, and Computations in the Basal Ganglia” was chosen. The 2026 Basal Ganglia GRC & GRS have 3 specific aims: (1) Create a forum for the discussion of cutting-edge basic science related to basal ganglia function, inclusive of the innovative new contributions of early-career researchers, (2) Connect across multiple levels of investigation, from synapses to circuits to computations, by bringing together a wide variety of researchers from around the world, and (3) Promote collaboration and mentorship by providing a welcoming, interactive conference environment for early-career researchers. Completing these aims will advance basal ganglia research by encouraging new ideas and collaborations among researchers who might not otherwise come together and inspiring the next generation of scientists. These activities will accelerate the pace of discovery and translation to the clinic, consistent with the mission of NIH.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-02

Project Summary The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) titled Biology of Acute Respiratory Infection meets every 2 years and focuses on advancing the frontiers of science through presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research in the field. The theme for 2026 is Integrated Protection Across the Respiratory Tract. The conference program includes a wide range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. This BARI-GRC focuses on big problems facing the field of acute respiratory infections and the ever-evolving interactions between pathogens and host affecting human biology. The GRC is preceded by the Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), a unique forum for trainees and early career scientists with comparable levels of experience to present and exchange new data and cutting-edge ideas. The goals of the Biology of Acute Respiratory Infections GRC/GRS are to 1) To create a multidisciplinary platform highlighting pathogens across different kingdoms, enabling dissemination and interpretation of the latest scientific discoveries related to acute respiratory infections with a focus on the impact on human biology; 2) To generate a welcoming environment for all that empowers the scientific and career development of early- stage researchers. This conference venue facilitates mentorship and training of junior scientists who will benefit from these multidisciplinary interactions. The format (both formal and informal), size (< 200 attendees), and content of the conference (unpublished, cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary) are designed to maximize opportunities for early-stage investigators to directly interact with leaders in the field, foster collaborations and employment opportunities in a collegial environment. We have developed a program with a unifying theme of One Airway and integrated protection across the entirety of the respiratory tract. We will highlight varied pathogens which can cause acute pneumonia including bacteria (intracellular and extracellular), viruses, parasites and fungi. This meeting provides the single-most comprehensive venue for discussing the latest advances in pneumonia biology.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Project Summary The 2026 Atomically Precise Nanochemistry Gordon Research Conference (GRC) will bridge the fundamental chemistry and emerging applications of nanomaterials whose structures and properties are tailored to atomic precision. This meeting’s goal is to catalyze the translation of fundamental science into technological advancements by bringing leaders in nanomaterials synthesis and characterization together with pioneers in biomedical, quantum, and catalysis applications. A major objective of this meeting is to support the rapidly accelerating field of engineering metallic nanoclusters with properties such as bright fluorescence and controlled biofunctionalization to address major biomedical challenges, e.g. deep tissue imaging in the NIR-I and NIR-II tissue transparency windows, new cryoelectron microscopy modalities to better understand structure and function of cells and biological tissues, and quantitative biomedical sensing and theranostics. To meet this objective, we have designed the GRC with a distinct focus on biomedicine, with 9 invited speakers working in the area of nanoclusters for emerging biomedical technologies, as well as two sessions on emerging biomedical technologies enabled by these promising nanomaterials: “Clusters for Biomaging and Therapeutics” and “Nanocluster-Biomolecule Interfaces”. We believe this format will be highly significant for supporting the growing biomedically focused efforts in this field through active discussions, presentations, and idea-sharing, thereby ensuring the success of these new efforts to harness atomically precise nanochemistry to develop new biomedical tools and technologies. A second major objective of this meeting is to support career development, particularly of early-career and trainee researchers. GRCs include at most 200 participants including student and postdoc trainees, early career researchers, and senior faculty and other researchers. The conference’s small size is designed to enhance interactions, seed collaborations, and support training and career development of more junior participants, thereby ensuring workforce development. Moreover, this GRC has an associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), a unique forum for young grad student and postdoc researchers to present their work, discuss ideas and pre-published data, and build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators facilitate active participation in scientific discussion. GRS participants are highly encouraged to attend the GRC on Atomically Precise Nanochemistry that takes place immediately after the GRS, and nearly all students attend both the GRC and GRS. Therefore, the GRS is essential to the educational mission of this conference, including developing the future leaders in the field of atomically precise nanomaterials for biomedical science and technologies.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 2026-01

PROJECT SUMMARY: The skeleton is a dynamic, mineralized organ composed of many tissues with a variety of vital functions. Over the past few years, powerful new approaches have revealed unexpected complexities regarding the sources and differentiation of cells that create and maintain the skeleton but have also opened exciting avenues of research. These areas of investigation may lead to novel treatments for devastating conditions such as osteoporosis, osteopetrosis, bone cancer, and genetic disorders of the skeleton. The 2026 Bones and Teeth Gordon Research Conference will examine the intricate interplay between local cellular mechanisms and systemic factors governing bone and tooth biology. This conference will bring together leading experts and cutting-edge techniques to explore the progenitors and signaling pathways that regulate skeletal and dental development, dissect the mechanisms by which cellular populations interact within mineralized tissues, and address how bones and teeth sense and respond to the environment. We will examine how these processes go awry in aging and disease, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. The conference will foster interdisciplinary collaboration and stimulate the exchange of novel ideas to advance our understanding of skeletal and dental biology and ultimately improve patient care. Our program will include speakers from all career stages and will promote ample opportunities for networking for early stage researchers. Based on the successful Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) that preceded the B&T GRCs in previous years, the GRC organization has approved a GRS associated with the 2026 B&T GRC. The 2026 B&T GRS, organized by Emily Quarato and Shawn Hallett, will be called "Unraveling the Complex Interactions Between Bone and Systemic Health". The meeting will highlight emerging technologies that have significantly advanced skeletal biology research and emphasize the importance of understanding interactions with other organs and systems in health and disease. GRS will also feature a mentorship program that provides guidance to early-stage scientists on career development. This year, the mentorship component will be called “Navigating Careers Paths in Science”. Selected mentors will form a panel focused on research impact ranging from academic excellence, translational potential and valorization to scientific outreach. The organizers will select talks from submitted abstracts, and all attendees are encouraged to present posters and stay for the subsequent GRC. Based on previous experiences, young scientists are excited by GRS participation and remain highly engaged at the GRC.

NSF Awards · FY 2025 · 2025-10

This award will support the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Multifunctional Materials and Structures, focused on the theme Enabling Multifunctionality through AI-Informed Material Discovery and System Design, along with the accompanying Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) tailored for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and junior researchers. The events are co-located, with the GRS scheduled for 24-25 January 2026, followed by the GRC from 25-30 January 2026. The conference will bring together researchers and practitioners from across academia, industry, and government to exchange insights, share recent advances, and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in emerging areas of multifunctional materials research. Support provided through this award will enable early-career researchers to attend and participate in both events, enhancing technical dialogue and scientific exchange within the field. Outcomes are expected to include new approaches to integrating intelligent materials systems with computational design and machine learning tools, as well as collaborative efforts that drive innovation across disciplines. The conference and seminar will explore scientific challenges central to multifunctional materials and structures that exhibit adaptable, active, and reconfigurable behavior. Technical focus areas include: (a) informatics-driven discovery of materials and structures, (b) data-guided modeling and integrated system design, (c) development of intelligent and programmable materials, (d) research into synthetic and bio-integrated material systems, and (e) advancing multifunctional technologies to higher technical readiness levels. The meetings will draw a wide range of researchers with expertise in mechanics, materials science, chemistry, physics, computational engineering, and system design. Discussions will target key issues in the field and foster actionable ideas to propel progress in engineering multifunctionality for real-world applications in energy, safety, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. 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.