Gordon Research Conferences

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2025-02

Abstract We are requesting support for the 2025 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Metabolomics and Human Health: The Interaction Between Humans, Lifestyles and the Environment Viewed Through Metabolism, and the affiliated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS): Metabolomics and Human Health. The GRC/GRS will be held entura Beach Marriott, 2055 Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, California, United States. Our proposed conference brings together world-class metabolomics scientists who are advancing data capture technologies and developing software for data preprocessing and multi-omics analysis, with clinicians, epidemiologists, and bench level researchers to February 1-7, 2025, at the V share advances, describe challenges, and discuss possible solutions that support the use of metabolomics in precision medicine, nutrition, exposomics and environmental health , . The proposed speakers and attendees will come with a wide array of skill sets in metabolism microbiome, genetics, technology advancement, software development, and expertise in pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry, nutrition, public health, exposure sciences, bioinformatics, informatics, health, and medicine. We have designed a conference (in collaboration with the Gordon Research Conference management) that will ensure a venue for vigorous formal and informal discussions. We will maximize opportunities for prominent investigators to interact with junior attendees of the conference, and those new to the field of metabolomics. Qualified researchers from underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities will be encouraged to attend for engaged learning experiences, and to contribute their own perspectives to advancing research. We will prioritize funds from the NIH to support the participation of underrepresented groups. Our proposal will promote the development, and continued involvement, of qualified researchers from underrepresented groups in the field of metabolomics. We are very excited about the diverse range of topics that will be covered at our conference, that span technology and software development, a wide range of disease and therapeutic areas, and will include perspectives from genetic, lifestyle and environmental exposures that define an individual’s or system’s metabotype, and their response to intervention. We expect the GRC/GRS on Metabolomics to continue to be a “go to meeting” for the metabolomics community (>150 attendees at the first two meetings), and particularly as a meeting that focuses on in depth interactions among senior and junior investigators.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Project Summary Cancer remains a global health challenge. While this may traditionally be viewed as a biochemical and genetic problem, cancer is characterized by profound changes in the physical properties of tissues. Indeed, these changes have been at the heart of cancer detection for centuries, from the palpation of tissue, which is still used for mammary self-screening, to X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging. Moreover, as the field of bioengineering develops, multiple new approaches for cancer therapy become possible. Thus, it is imperative that forums that enable multidisciplinary and convergent approaches to the understanding of cancer, its detection, and treatment can be discussed. This GRC will provide that platform and deliver the following key objectives: 1. Exchange the latest unpublished findings and set goals to advance knowledge further. 2. Overcome systemic barriers between fields, encouraging interaction between cancer biologists, physicists, clinicians, and bioengineers. 3. Nurture trainees and empower talent from all backgrounds to succeed. Specifically, we will bring together world leaders, both established and rising stars, in diverse topics relating to the physical sciences of oncology. They will share unpublished data and we will foster an environment for constructive and innovative discussions. Early career researchers will have numerous opportunities to both present their data and build their networks. This will include the GRS preceding the GRC and extend throughout the GRC. Targeted deployment of bursary funds will enable the participation of researchers from the widest range of backgrounds. Session topics have been selected based on their anticipated impact and the key challenges facing the field. Discussion leaders will play a key role in setting the scene, enabling constructive discussion involving participants from all career stages, and providing a brief, forward-looking, summary to each session. Inclusive mentorship will be a focus, with the goal of training and fostering the next generation of researchers at the interface of physical sciences and cancer biology. Thus, the conference will have a long-term impact by producing new ideas and collaborations across disciplines and institutions, and through developing the leaders of the future in the field. Collectively, this conference will enable the synthesis of recent progress and new ideas involving the physical sciences of oncology into new directions for both discovery and translation research. The integrated application of the fields of soft matter and polymer physics, biomechanics, mathematics, bioengineering, and cancer biology will enable transformative discoveries. In addition, our convergence and fostering of new talent from diverse backgrounds will drive the field forward in the coming years.

NSF Awards · FY 2025 · 2025-01

The Gordon Research Conference on Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (GRC-CCUS) is organized to explore and disseminate emerging advances with respect to creating sustainable carbon management solutions. This conference addresses the urgent ecological and environmental need to advance sustainable carbon management solutions to meet the growing need for energy and resources while limiting detrimental environmental impacts. The conference is forward – looking and is organized to disseminate emerging advances in harnessing natural resources including soil, water, and biomass to aid in carbon management. The conference provides a platform to educate scientists and engineers across the career pipeline on the latest advances in engineered and natural solutions to capture, convert, store, and remove CO2 emissions for a sustainable future. The conference serves as platform to discuss emerging scientific and technological advances for managing rising CO2 emissions. Topics ranging from the fundamentals of carbon transformations to the role of biomass, soil, and water resources in carbon management, industrial decarbonization, and scale – up and deployment will be discussed. The conference is designed to broaden participation of a wide range of stakeholders in advancing and co-creating transformative carbon management solutions. These stakeholders include students, early career researchers, faculty members, industry and national laboratory representatives. International engagement and collaborations will be fostered to educate and train the next generation of leaders in advancing sustainable engineered and natural carbon management solutions. Early career researchers will have the opportunity to disseminate their findings, and seek training and mentoring through the Gordon Research Seminar (GRS). New scientific and technological insights from scaling up solutions will inform the community on opportunities and challenges in unlocking the path to commercial impact. New knowledge associated with social acceptance and governance of carbon management solutions will be shared at this conference. 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 2025 · 2025-01

PROJECT SUMMARY The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on the Cell Biology of Megakaryocytes and Platelets is the premier international meeting in the field. Every other year, this conference brings together established and junior investigators, graduate and postdoctoral trainees, as well as interested industry scientists to communicate and discuss unpublished data that are critical to the development and disorders of the megakaryocyte lineage. The 2025 conference, the 10th of this GRC/GRS series, will provide a collegial and open setting to facilitate networking, promote discussion and foster collaborations among current and emerging leaders of the field. The long-term scientific mission of the conference is to bridge the gap between researchers working on various aspects of the lineage, including hematopoietic stem cells, megakaryocytes, and platelets. This mission is more relevant than ever, as the interdependence between each cell type becomes increasingly clear, such as the role of megakaryocytes in stem cell development, and the impact of inflammation on megakaryocyte growth and platelet production. More specifically, the 2025 conference aims to: 1. Highlight the extraordinary progress being made in our understanding of platelet function in the context of hemostasis, thrombosis, and inherited platelet disorders. 2. Discuss the latest unpublished research on the engineering of in vitro generated platelets. 3. Link the megakaryocyte/platelet lineage to immunity and inflammation. 4. Redefine the lineage and the bone marrow niche. 5. Examine state-of-the-art studies that push the field into new directions, including molecular mechanisms regulating platelet production and vascular interactions. To encourage interaction between researchers, we have combined megakaryocyte and platelet presentations in the same sessions. In addition, 10 high ranking abstracts will be selected for short oral presentations throughout the conference.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Summary The 2025 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Mycotoxins and Phycotoxins provides an international forum for the presentation and discussion of emerging research on fungal and algal toxins, their effects on human and ecosystem health, and the biology and ecology of toxin production. Fungal and algal toxins are naturally occurring food and water contaminants that adversely affect human and animal health globally, with a disproportionate impact in developing nations. A multidisciplinary approach is critical in detecting, understanding, managing and mitigating their health and economic impacts. The 2025 GRC on Mycotoxins and Phycotoxins will provide a forum for academic, government, and private sector scientists to exchange ideas on harnessing advances in biology, chemistry, ecology, plant pathology, epidemiology, and risk assessment to address the problems associated with the occurrence of these natural toxins. The goal of the conference is to bring together a wide range of outstanding senior scientists and junior investigators (graduate students, postdoctoral investigators, and early-career scientists), from diverse backgrounds and geography, to address the task of ensuring the safety of food and water supplies. Interactions between junior and senior scientists, and across the two areas of expertise, will be strongly promoted in the best tradition of this GRC. Vigorous discussions, guided by recognized discussion leaders, will be key for identifying new strategies for dealing with the complex problems presented by biotoxins. Dedicated daily poster sessions and more relaxed social activities, such as a banquet dinner and traditional soccer and ping-pong matches during afternoon free- time, will also provide opportunities for fertile cross-disciplinary interactions and the evolution of new collaborations towards innovation. The 2025 Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), immediately preceding the GRC, will be organized and led by a graduate student and postdoctoral researcher. While the 2-day meeting shares common core and diversity aims with the larger GRC, it is unique in that only junior scientists attend, present their work, and engage in discussion with their peers. The environment will be welcoming and collegial and will provide an unmatched opportunity for future researchers to interact. The GRS leaders have also designed career mentoring into the meeting by inviting six mentors who are established in their disciplines. Additionally, two leading junior investigators from this seminar will be chosen by GRC chairs to present their research on the final day of the GRC.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Summary The 2025 Gordon Research Conference on Tropical Infectious Diseases (2025 GRC-TID) and its preceding event, the 2025 Gordon Research Seminars on Tropical Infectious Diseases (2025 GRS-TID), are renowned for fostering innovation and collaboration in global health and infectious diseases. The conference seeks to promote inclusivity and diversity in participation, aiming to narrow the divide between high-income and low-income nations. Despite affecting over a billion individuals in 149 countries, neglected tropical infectious diseases have historically been overlooked in attention and funding, creating significant obstacles in research and intervention efforts. The conference’s Specific Aims 1. Enhance diversity in the community. To enhance diversity by promoting gender equity and geographic representation, with equal gender distribution among speakers. Financial support is provided for attendees from underrepresented backgrounds. The venue for the event has been moved from the USA to Italy to improve accessibility. It also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Specific Aims 2. To overcome critical challenges hindering progress. The program covers various topics, including vaccine development, host-pathogen interactions, global health challenges, and more. It challenges current paradigms by covering all groups of tropical pathogens (bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses) and vectors, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration for innovative disease prevention strategies. 2025 GRC-ITD focuses on the latest research, diagnostic and treatment advances and disease control measures. Specific Aims 3. Foster career development. The conference prioritizes career development through mentorship opportunities for scientists at all career stages. Participants can expand their expertise and forge lasting connections by fostering networking and informal exchanges. The expected impact of the 2025 GRC-TID and GRC-IDT is to advance scientific knowledge, drive innovation, and promote collaboration in the fight against infectious diseases. The conference aims to spark transformative breakthroughs in disease management and control strategies by championing inclusivity and diversity. In conclusion, the 2025 GRC-TID continues its legacy of excellence in scientific research and collaboration, shaping a brighter future for global health and tropical infectious diseases. The 2025 GRC-TID is significant in bringing together global researchers to address the challenges of tropical infectious diseases that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Project Summary This Gordon Research Conference (GRC), “Vascular Cell Biology”, and the accompanying Gordon Research Seminar (GRS, organized by and for trainees) of the same name have the overarching hypothesis that gaining a better understanding of how endothelial and mural cell (smooth muscle cell, pericyte) phenotypes are established and maintained to enable proper vascular function in distinct tissue environments is important basic knowledge that is crucial for preventing disease progression and promoting vascular repair and regeneration. The goals of this GRC/GRS are to bridge existing knowledge and communication gaps between researchers at all levels (students, postdocs, junior and senior scientists) in academia, industry and government who study vascular cell biology and those who study vascular disease, bioimaging, genomics and other related areas. These fields have recently developed paradigms, tools and models to aid this goal, and this integration is predicted to move all fields forward towards timely translation of basic discoveries. This GRC will strongly foster lasting interdisciplinary interactions and collaborations amongst NIH-funded and international vascular cell biologists, between academic, industry and government scientists, and development of the next cadre of scientists at the intersection of these fields by exposure to new ideas, issues and opportunities. The associated GRS will also support these goals with an emphasis on trainee development. The GRC Chair and vice-Chair are leaders in the vascular biology field and well-suited to organize the meeting. The meeting goals will be accomplished by bringing together a selected group of researchers (about 150 participants) to a small, semi- isolated site (in Ventura, California) for a week, in a venue and meeting structure designed to foster extensive discussion after presentation of largely unpublished data, and to promote informal interactions and networking through shared meals and afternoon social activities that especially benefit trainees. Invited speakers and discussion leaders are chosen based on excellence in research and willingness to engage trainees. Participants will be chosen based on topic and demographics. Female, early/mid-career stage and minority speakers have been invited, and those groups will be encouraged to apply as participants. A GRS pre-meeting will be organized by trainees, for trainees (with limited input from GRC chairs and GRS faculty mentors), and feature presentation of trainee work, to facilitate networking among this group and provide them with a peer group as they transition into the larger meeting. This GRC/GRS meeting will have a strong and lasting impact on the field, as it addresses important basic questions and health issues in vascular biology at a propitious time.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2025-01

PROJECT SUMMARY This proposal seeks support for the 14th Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on “Salivary Glands and Exocrine Biology”, subtitled Preclinical Modeling, Engineering & Therapeutics for Glandular Diseases. The GRC takes place at the Sheraton Hotel venue in Ventura, CA on January 26-31, 2025, and a prelude is the 4th pre-conference Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) for trainees on January 25-26. The overall objective of the 2025 GRC/GRS is to catalyze innovative thinking in areas where basic, pre-clinical, and translational research lead to improvements in human health, promote high-quality collaboration among researchers using new approaches to advance the field, to honor pioneering work in the field, and to transmit knowledge and inspiration to a younger generation in continuing a legacy of innovative science. An important goal is to provide trainees sufficient interactions with experts in the field and encourage participation of those who are traditionally under-represented in science, including women, members of minority groups, and persons with disabilities. With the 2025 GRC/GRS, a precedent is taken to integrate a vast variety of new innovations on 3 different levels. First, the plenary sessions covering the 2025 GRC builds on a myriad of current status-quo research topics and integrates new technical novelties across a variety of exocrine tissues (e.g., salivary, lacrimal, and submucosal glands, lung, and pancreas). Both basic and pre-clinical research, as well as clinical adaptation of therapeutics are covered in the areas of cancer, radiation-induced xerostomia, Sjögren disease, aging, and diagnostics. A fitting ratio based on seniority, gender, and geographical position from around the globe is considered for invited speakers, and all attendees can participate in poster sessions. Mini-talks are included to highlight late breaking abstracts. The second focus lies with training the next generation of diverse scientists by enhancing trainee networking, discussions on careers within and outside academia (GRS), and a ‘senior investigator-trainee’ lunch discussion (GRC). Thirdly, professional growth for GRC/GRS attendees is made available through a plethora of previously incorporated GRC activities mixed with new opportunities, including a Power Hour, podcast series, think-tanks on relevant topics in the field, and a corporate-guided state-of-the- art technique session. Overall, this conference seeks to bring together a diverse group of senior experts and trainees to present the current state of scientific findings, formulate new ideas and discussions, form high-quality collaborations, and drive innovation in the field to improve human health.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2025-01

PROJECT SUMMARY This R13 application requests partial funding to support the upcoming Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on RNA Nanotechnology, which will be held in Ventura, CA on Jan 5–10, 2025, and the associated Gordon Research Symposium (GRS), to precede it on Jan 4–5. The meeting will be co-chaired by Dolores Di Vizio and Mark Bathe, who served as the co-vice chairs of the third GRC in January 2023, elected in 2019 at the same GRC Meeting. Vice-chairs are Nils Walter and Alissa Weaver. RNA nanotechnology continues to grow as an important field, with active research being carried out to elucidate fundamental principles of, and develop innovative approaches to, the design and construction of RNA assemblies for diagnostic, therapeutic, and structural applications in biotechnology and medicine. The pace of discovery and innovation in RNA nanotechnology has significantly accelerated in the past two years with the success of the mRNA vaccines that helped mitigate the spread of COVID19, which has spurred major research activity in other forms of mRNA vaccines including principally also cancer vaccines. RNA nanotechnology is built on the unique properties of RNA, including its structural versatility, its known biological functions, its ease of production and functionalization, and its programmability, which altogether make it an ideal platform on which to build self-assembling architectures with a variety of functional attributes for biomedical applications. This GRC focuses on linking fundamental studies of RNA sequence, modifications, and structure to self-assembly and packaging to inform translational studies using RNA nanotechnology in therapeutics and diagnostics with in situ characterization. The 2025 meeting will cover a range of topics in nine sessions. Sessions on Structure-based Elucidation of RNA Function, RNA Therapeutics, RNA Modifications, RNA Delivery, RNA Imaging & Characterization "In Situ", RNA Immunology, RNA Cargo Selection, Transport, and Processing, RNA-based Diagnostics and Biomarkers, and RNA Synthetic Biology will feature cutting-edge research on the molecular basis of nucleic acid architectures and modifications, design and characterization of RNA for cancer vaccines and therapeutics, and biophysical approaches to study and predict RNA function. Sessions on RNA cargo selection in extracellular vesicles, RNA immunology, and RNA therapeutics will provide perspectives on the discovery, isolation, and application of RNA from extracellular vesicles and learnings from viruses with an emphasis on translational aspects of natural and synthetic RNAs in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. The 2025 conference will continue to emphasize robust representation of women and minority scientists. The invited speakers and discussion leaders will include a mix of established researchers in the field and outstanding junior-level investigators from around the world. The meeting will be advertised to a diverse audience to include early career and under-represented minority scientists in the RNA nanotechnology and related fields. A Power Hour will feature topics of diversity, inclusion, and opportunity for under-represented scientists.

NSF Awards · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Public abstract The Gordon Research Conference on Polar Marine Science is held every 2 years and provides a high profile and international platform for highly interactive discussions. These meetings deal largely with new observations and unpublished results, leading to the development of conceptual frameworks and new collaborations. This version of the conference will bring together Arctic and Antarctic sea ice researchers to develop a network of interdisciplinary polar scientists. Knowledge of polar marine sea ice systems is necessary for understanding ocean circulation, predicting sea level rise, estimating oceanic CO2 uptake, and for managing fisheries and biodiversity conservation, and is therefore relevant to both local communities and global society. In addition, the open discussion format and international participation fosters interaction between participants, giving early career scientists the opportunity to develop a broad network of peers. Technical abstract This 2025 Gordon Research Conference on Polar Marine Science, titled “Sea Ice as a Nexus in Polar Seas Between the Ocean and the Atmosphere” aims to convene a diverse collection of national and international scientists to discuss cutting-edge and interdisciplinary research on the impact of sea ice on polar oceans and atmosphere. Topics to be covered include 1) how sea ice shapes the physics, biogeochemistry and ecosystems of polar oceans; 2) the physical and chemical properties of sea ice ecosystems; 3) sea ice supported biodiversity; 4) how sea ice can promote evolutionary mechanisms; and 5) sea ice as a proxy for life on solar system icy moons. The conference, along with the preceding early career seminar, will foster discussions between early, mid and late career stage researchers on interdisciplinary and cutting-edge polar sea ice science. The funds requested by this proposal will be used to enhance the participation of early career scientists, as well as the excellence and international diversity of attendees. 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 2025 · 2025-01

Abstract The Gordon Research Conferences (GRCs) stand at the forefront of fostering innovative, unpublished research. This esteemed conference unites leading scientists, emerging scholars, and students, dedicated to advancing our understanding of the Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) axis—a critical regulator of development, aging, and metabolism, and its dysregulation's link to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. The 2025 conference is set to delve into the dual nature of IGF-1, exploring its beneficial and detrimental effects across life stages and seeking interventions to address existing knowledge gaps. It uniquely focuses on the endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine roles of IGF and insulin, aligning with the NIDDK’s objectives to cover a spectrum of topics from receptor signaling to its impact on gene activity in metabolic organs. A key feature of this conference is its focus on the latest research on IGF/insulin's role in inflammation, metabolism, stem cell influence, and its connection to health span and cancer. The inclusion of clinical experts to discuss new human mutations within the IGF axis marks a significant addition to this year's agenda. Objectives of the conference include promoting comprehensive dialogue among experts and newcomers, encouraging global collaboration across continents, and advancing junior investigators through mentorship and networking opportunities. These objectives are meticulously integrated into the conference structure, from Power Hours focusing on diversity and inclusion to career development workshops and intimate sessions with leading experts. The impact of the 2025 IGF GRC extends beyond scientific discourse; it is a vital incubator for innovation, mentorship, and professional development within the NIDDK community. By emphasizing open dialogue, collaboration, and inclusivity, the conference aims to catalyze groundbreaking research and future advancements in IGF and insulin research. It underscores the importance of community, collaboration, and career development in propelling scientific progress, making it a pivotal event for shaping the future trajectory of IGF-1 and insulin research.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2025-01

PROJECT SUMMARY This proposal requests partial support for a conference on Consciousness, Anesthesia and Evolutionary Biology as part of a Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) to be held from January 26-31, 2025. The broad, long-term goal of this conference is to bring together neuroscientists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and evolutionary biologists to discuss cutting-edge research related to consciousness, cognition, and mental health. The 2025 conference will include a GRS for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career investigators, to be held immediately prior to and in conjunction with the GRC. The specific aims of this meeting will be to convene 30 leading experts who will present rigorous, impactful science at scales of study that span from molecular and circuit neuroscience to animal and human imaging and behavior. This conference focuses on cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk, and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. Afternoon poster sessions will permit all participants to contribute to these topics, and participation by trainees will be strongly encouraged. In addition, the GRS will be specifically aimed at graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career investigators, allowing them to present their research in a relaxed and supportive environment. Every effort will be made to promote diversity and gender parity. The significance of this application lies in a much-needed forum provided by the GRC and GRS to bring together and synergize members of the international research community working on consciousness. The GRS will help to train and inspire the next generation of investigators who will move the field forward. The health relatedness of this application is that our conference will address key topics relevant to human health, including mechanisms of consciousness, unconsciousness, and altered consciousness; novel approaches to prognosticate and treat disorders of consciousness; the potential for anesthetic- and psychedelic-induced states to treat neuropsychiatric disorders; and how to improve cognitive recovery in patients undergoing general anesthesia. We will also explore the evolution of consciousness, sleep, and hibernation across diverse species, which will stimulate multidisciplinary discussions and lead to new insights and approaches to improve brain health in humans.

NSF Awards · FY 2025 · 2025-01

This award will provide support for the 2025 RNA Editing Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) entitled “Biological Discoveries and Emerging Technologies in RNA Modifications and Editing” to be held in Lucca (Barga), Italy, on March 15–16, 2025. Organized by and for early-career researchers, this GRS will provide a dedicated forum for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to present their ongoing work, share ideas, and develop professional skills before the associated Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on RNA Editing. All attending trainees will have the opportunity to present their research in either an oral or poster format and will benefit from mentorship opportunities including a keynote lecture from a prominent leader in the field and a panel focused on developing scientific writing skills. The GRS aims to promote scientific exchange, mentorship, community building, and fostering an inclusive environment. By offering early-career researchers the opportunity to share unpublished findings and connect with their peers, the GRS will support the development of the next generation of scientific leaders and innovators in RNA biology. RNA modifications and editing are essential to gene regulation, impacting key processes like translation, immunity, and disease progression. While these modifications are present in nearly all organisms, many of their biological functions remain poorly understood. The 2025 GRS will highlight emerging discoveries in two sessions, “RNA Modifications Across Biological Systems” and “Tools and Technologies in RNA Editing and Modifications.” These sessions will emphasize fundamental discoveries and technological advances with a focus on presenting unpublished data to inspire scientific exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. By providing a space for early-career researchers to network and develop scientific and professional skills, this seminar will advance research in RNA biology and contribute to the development of tools and technologies with applications in health, biotechnology, and agriculture. 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 2025 · 2025-01

This NSF award will be used to financial support US-based graduate students, postdocs, and other early career scientists, including under-represented minorities, to attend the Gordon Research Conference on Chloroplast Biotechnology and its preceding GRS (Gordon Research Seminar) held from March 29 – April 4, 2025, in Lucca, Italy. Chloroplasts are essential organelles in algae and plants, and they carry out photosynthesis to produce sugars and starch from captured sunlight and CO2. Chloroplasts also produce a diverse array of molecules that are essential in our food and for our health, including several (pro)vitamins, amino acids, anti-oxidants, fatty acids and lipids. This conference will serve to discuss ongoing research to improve chloroplasts in plants and algae to enhance their production of products that are beneficial for our society. These include vaccines, novel pharmaceutical products, nutritional supplements, as well as biofuels. Junior and senior researchers will discuss and interact to generate new ideas and start novel collaborations to accelerate scientific discoveries. The Gordon Research Conference on Chloroplast Biotechnology held from March 29 – April 4, 2025, in Lucca, Italy, will present novel research in engineering plastids to either improve existing functions (e.g. photosynthesis) or provide them with new one. Recent progress in this research, particularly through the transfer of molecular solutions from algae and cyanobacteria, has been impressive. In parallel, the engineering of novel functions into chloroplasts to make use of their metabolic and protein synthesis capabilities is also at an exciting juncture. The genetic transformation of plastids is now routine in many plants and algae, so the focus is moving to synthetic biology solutions based on expression of multiple genes under sophisticated control circuits. Indeed, the relatively small and well-understood plastid genome is now a prime target for ambitious projects in several countries aimed at design and synthesis of novel genomes with enhanced traits. The basic science underpinning these advances (e.g. genome structure and replication, control of gene expression, proteostasis, plastid metabolism, metabolite transport) will be covered where relevant to these biotechnological applications. The technologies discussed will cover the entire range from subtle tweaks in plastid metabolism, plastid genome editing, to complete redesign of the plastid genome, and will include all aspects of modifying organellar genomes, proteomes or metabolomes needed for applications in agriculture, industrial biotechnology or the pharmaceutical sector. Target products to be covered include, for example, biopharmaceuticals (vaccines and therapeutic proteins), industrial enzymes, green chemicals and next-generation biofuels. 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 2025 · 2025-01

Project Summary The ocular surface is comprised of the cornea, conjunctiva, eyelids and associated glands that are responsible for secretion of the tear film. Dysgenesis or disruption of the homeostasis of any of these structures can lead to corneal and ocular surface diseases, which can result in loss of eyesight or cause blindness. Understanding the genesis of the ocular surface tissues, and its normal function and repair after disease or trauma, is crucial for identifying disease-associated genes and novel drugs that may lead to innovative therapies that are essential for maintaining visual health. We request support for the Gordon Research Conference and Seminar of the Cornea and Ocular Surface Biology, Pathology and Regeneration (GRC-COSBPR), February 16-21, 2025, at Four Points Sheraton-Holiday Express in Ventura, California. The goal of the 2025 GRC-COSBPR is to bring together international leaders in the field and provide a forum for the most recent, cutting-edge basic, translational and clinical research focused on expediting translation of findings from bench to bedside. Building on the strong track record from the past six meetings, we plan 9 scientific sessions on key paradigm shifting innovations in ocular surface biology, pathology, and tissue repair. The session titles are: 1. Novel Approaches to Data Acquisition and Analysis; 2. Cellular Interactions, the Extracellular Matrix, and Morphogenesis; 3. Genomics and Gene Regulation; 4. Advances in Cornea and Ocular Surface Wound Repair; 5. Mechanisms of Ocular Surface Disease and Disorders; 6. Stem cells of the Ocular Surface; 7. Inflammation and Regeneration of the Ocular Surface; 8. Sickness and Health of the Cornea and Ocular Surface; 9. Translation of Ocular Surface Research into Novel Therapies. We are organizing a diverse, gender-balanced meeting with speakers invited from North and Latin America, United Kingdom, Israel, Asia (Japan, India, China), and Australia. Special emphasis will be given to increase diversity by inviting women and underrepresented minorities (URMs). Each session will be co- moderated by an early career scientist paired with an established researcher. The sessions will include extended time for discussions. A portion of each session is uncommitted to select speakers from submitted abstracts, particularly graduate students, postdocs, clinician trainees, early career investigators, and URMs. The GRC conference will include a “Power Hour” to discuss challenges women and underrepresented minorities face in science and issues of diversity and inclusion. The 2025 GRC-COSBPR meeting will be advertised by the GRC and the program updates will be posted on the website and via social media such as X (Twitter) and Facebook to increase visibility among junior scientists and trainees. We believe our program is aligned with the scientific goals of NEI and its support will enable us to provide a high quality and successful meeting.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Project Abstract This proposal requests partial support for Eye Movements: Understanding Perception, Cognition, and Action in Health and Disease, a unique international meeting on eye movements – their underlying mechanisms, associated disorders, and possible treatments and applications – that is part of the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) series, to be held July 6-11, 2025 at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. It is preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) organized and hosted by and for trainees to be held July 5-6 2025. The long-term goal of the Eye Movement Gordon Conference is to increase our understanding of eye movements to advance our basic science knowledge and to improve our ability to diagnose and treat disorders of ocular motility, gaze control, and vision, and additionally to understand how eye movement abnormalities can be used to diagnose underlying brain disease and injury. To accomplish this goal, we have put together a program that reflects the diverse expertise and research areas that include the remarkably broad intellectual landscape of our field. We will assemble 38 invited speakers and discussants that span the full range of scientists – from trainees to senior investigators whose research spans the full breadth of our field – from the molecular level to whole system behavior. We anticipate approximately 140 participants for the five-day meeting in a secluded and inclusive setting. The program will have 9 sessions on a wide range of topics including: infantile nystagmus; control of fixational eye movements; understanding how individual differences alter eye movements; eye movements during reading and during decision-making; how new cutting edge approaches are opening up new understanding of how eye movements are controlled by the brain; how vestibular implants can alter eye movement abnormalities; and finally how eye movements can be used as biomarkers to diagnose central nervous system dysfunction. Four poster sessions will facilitate scientific exchange and mentoring among all participants. “Power Hour: Committed to Inclusion and the Professional Development of Women and Underrepresented Minorities in Science” will provide an opportunity to support the professional growth of women and under-represented minorities, and is open to all attendees, and will focus on building inclusive laboratory and research practices. From the associated GRS, we will draw speakers for the morning sessions to give short talks to provide an opportunity for trainees to present to the entire conference. In size and intensity, the Eye Movements Gordon Research Conference is significant in our field for its ability to disseminate the latest unpublished scientific advances, foster productive new insights and collaborations, stimulate interest in eye movement research among young investigators, and increase the diversity of the research workforce, all with the ultimate goal of accelerating the discovery of desperately needed new therapies for people with disorders of ocular motility, gaze control, and visual function.

NSF Awards · FY 2025 · 2025-01

This award provides partial support for participants in the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Seminar (GRS) on Plant Lipids: Structure, Metabolism, and Function, in Pomona, CA, January 25-31, 2025. The GRC and GRS provide a premier platform to explore the essential role of plant lipids in advancing science and addressing societal challenges. Lipids are vital for plant growth and environmental adaptation and are a renewable resource for food, energy, and sustainable products. The conference highlights innovations in understanding lipid functions, their applications in agriculture and bioenergy, and their impact on global food and energy security. By fostering collaboration among leading scientists and early-career researchers, the event aims to strengthen the global plant science community. Efforts to support participation from underrepresented groups and early-career scientists will ensure equitable access to these critical scientific discussions. Through these efforts, the conference aligns federal investment in science with societal benefits such as resource sustainability, and the development of future scientific leaders. The 2025 GRC and GRS on Plant Lipids brings together scientists from academia, industry, and government, as well as many international researchers, to address fundamental and applied questions in lipid biology, focusing on biosynthesis, signaling, and lipids’ role in stress responses and adaptation. Key sessions will explore lipid-mediated signaling, membrane dynamics, and the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism. Innovative integration of synthetic biology, systems biology, and computational modeling will enable researchers to integrate lipid data across biological scales. By emphasizing novel approaches, including lipid-protein interactions and functional genomics, the conference seeks to uncover new pathways for enhancing plant resilience and developing sustainable bio-based solutions. All Seminar participants and many GRC attendees are early-career scientists who will benefit from the meetings’ scientific discussions, networking opportunities, and career mentoring activities. Interdisciplinary collaborations catalyzed by the meetings will set the stage for transformative advancements in plant lipid research with broad applications in food security, bioenergy, and adaptation. 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 2025 · 2025-01

Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) “2025 Quantum Biology GRS” will be held on March 1-2, 2025, at the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco in Lucca, Italy. This is a pivotal conference for early-career researchers focused on the study of quantum phenomena in biological systems. The GRS provides a close-knit and extended meeting to share ideas and network in an informal setting, fostering a strong sense of community and collective progress. The long-term goals of this seminar are to foster interactions and collaborations among the graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who share common research interests in various aspects of quantum biology including method development for theory, computation, and experiment. To achieve these goals, the GRS has created a program of about 10 speakers (chosen from abstracts submitted by attendees, and an established investigator as a Keynote Speaker). These talks will describe current advances in understanding the role of quantum phenomena in enabling and enhancing biological function beyond the classical limit. This seminar will help in the career development and research infrastructure of early-stage scientists, incorporating broader groups in STEM, by providing them with a platform to present their research, network with senior investigators, and gain exposure to the exciting and diverse career options in quantum biology research and contribute to bioeconomy. Moreover, it will inspire and motivate young scientists to contribute to the advancement of our understanding of how the applications of cutting-edge quantum technologies and sensing techniques to study biological processes in new regimes with sensitivity unachievable by existing methodologies. The GRS will hold a Career Mentorship Panel featuring three leaders from diverse backgrounds to expose trainees to various career options as scientists in quantum biology research. This career panel, a crucial part of the seminar, will play a significant role in helping graduate students and postdoctoral researchers decide between different paths and network with the panelists in the various areas represented in the session. The seminar includes two poster sessions where all attendees can present their work to their peers and the panelists. The seminar is immediately followed by the regular GRC conference and some attendees may stay for the conference to have opportunity to mingle and interact with senior investigators. This meeting was supported by the Molecular Biophysics program in the Division of Molecular and cellular Biosciences. 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 2025 · 2025-01

PROJECT SUMMARY This application seeks support for a Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and corresponding Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Cilia, Mucus and Mucociliary Interactions from February 16-21, 2025, in Pomona, CA. This is a highly integrated and unique meeting that unites basic scientists, bioengineers, translational investigators, and clinicians who study the components and fundamentals of cilia and mucus biology, their interface as a mucociliary apparatus, and human diseases related to mucociliary dysfunction. Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is essential for respiratory tract defense against inhaled pathogens. MCC dysfunction leads to infections and complications in common conditions such as asthma through to rare genetic disorders, including cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Advancing technologies have led to growing knowledge of the assembly and function of cilia, the production and secretion of mucin glycoproteins, and the cilia-mucus interactions required for MCC. These innovations stem from the ongoing work of established teams and new entrants, including young investigators. Thus, a central element of this meeting focuses on promoting the visibility of trainees and young investigators within the field, as well as championing women and minority researchers, thus aligning with GRC and NIH missions. A cohesive program is proposed to enhance the interplay between specialized disciplines that seek to integrate knowledge and impact advances in biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, development, genetics, and translational research of respiratory tract diseases. The GRS and GRC leadership teams share a common vision of fostering an innovative, informative, and integrated forum for discussing novel research and current challenges in mucociliary biology. The conference will emphasize the following scientific themes: a) genetic and gene regulatory mechanisms of mucociliary components, b) structure and function of mucin glycoprotein polymers and motile cilia, c) secretion of mucins and mechanics of ciliary activity, d) the effects of mucociliary function and dysfunction on host physiology and pathophysiology, and e) the on-going application of cilia and mucus biology to develop promote respiratory health and reduce the burden of disease. With this approach, we seek to achieve three Specific Aims: 1) To disseminate, discuss, and integrate the latest, unpublished, cutting-edge data on cilia, mucus and mucociliary interactions in a forum of world experts and early career scientists; 2) to provide a platform that links fundamental scientific knowledge related to cilia, mucus, and mucociliary interactions to human disease and avenues for diagnosis and therapies; and 3) to facilitate and promote the involvement and advancement of underrepresented minorities, women, and trainees across aspects of mucociliary interactions, through top-down program choices to increase global representation, as well as bottom-up initiatives including childcare grants and Carl Storm fellowships to mitigate barriers to more inclusive audiences.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2024-12

Project Summary This application seeks partial funds to support the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Mitochondria in Health and Disease to be held in Ventura, CA, March 23-29th 2025. The meeting will be the third in this series and covers diverse topics in mitochondrial biology with emphasis on the contextual responses of different cells and tissues, including the brain. This stand-alone mitochondria-focused meeting emerged from the growing need for a forum to capture and integrate the many areas involving mitochondrial biology, ranging from basic and translational science to environmental health and computational biology. The GRC format is particularly well suited for this forum because it provides a five-day conference setting where cutting edge unpublished findings are presented in an inclusive environment, attracting experts and trainees from institutions worldwide. Time for discussions and networking is rigorously protected and encouraged in every scientific session and free time in the afternoons. A setting where open discussion takes place encourages collaboration and is crucial to advancing the frontiers of mitochondrial science. In addition to accelerating mitochondrial research and promoting cross-disciplinary collaborations, the conference is committed to enhance visibility and participation of women scientists, minorities, and young investigators. For the 2025 meeting, 45% of confirmed speakers and discussion leaders are women; 10% of whom are from underrepresented minorities (URM). Also, 8 invited speakers are at the Assistant Professor level. Short talks selected from abstracts will further provide opportunities to feature research by early career scientists, trainees and URM. The meeting will also host a GRC-sponsored Power Hour, which is an open communication forum scheduled early during the conference to discuss challenges surrounding diversity in science. Another conference objective is to train graduate students and postdocs and provide networking and informal mentoring opportunities to enrich their career development. The 2025 meeting will also host for the first time the associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), which involves a full day of talks and poster sessions one day prior to the main meeting. It provides a forum for graduate students, post-docs, and other scientists with comparable levels of experience and education to present their work in addition to build collaborative relationships with their colleagues at a critical time in their careers. The GRS is also an ideal opportunity to introduce young investigators to the GRC experience. The GRS is chaired by two trainees, who have full independence and discretion in organizing the program. Collectively, the GRS and GRC will have scientific sessions featuring outstanding mitochondrial biologists from multidisciplinary fields, with a broad focus on Mitochondria Signaling and Metabolism. Given the collective breadth of expertise and research interests, we believe our program will catalyze productive cross-disciplinary interactions to propel the field forward.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2024-12

PROJECT SUMMARY Neural crest cells and cranial placodes share evolutionary and embryological origins and are of fundamental importance to vertebrate development, evolution, and disease. Together, they form the cranial sensory ganglia, but individually they each give rise to an incredibly diverse array of cell types and tissues. Neural crest cells form most of the bone, cartilage, and connective tissue of the head and face, the dentine-producing odontoblasts of teeth, the ciliary muscles and corneal endothelium of the eye, cardiomyocytes and aorticopulmonary septum of the heart, chromaffin cells in the adrenal gland, pigment cells in the skin, all peripheral glia, peripheral autonomic and enteric neurons, and most peripheral somatosensory neurons. Placodes form the sensory receptors, afferent innervation and support cells of the paired peripheral sense organs (nose, inner ear, lateral line system), the lenses of the eyes, cranial somatosensory (trigeminal) neurons and visceral sensory (epibranchial) neurons that transmit a wide variety of information from the heart, gut and other visceral organs as well as taste buds, and the endocrine adenohypophysis, which is important for fertility and homeostasis. Neural crest cells and cranial placodes provide experimental paradigms for studying cell and tissue induction, stem cell multipotency, patterning, morphogenesis, invagination, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, migration, and differentiation. Neural crest cells and placodes are synonymous with vertebrate evolution, and defects in their development underlie a broad range of birth defects and diseases including craniofacial malformations, cardiac and gastrointestinal anomalies, sensory deficits, abnormal physiological function, and cancer. This Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Neural Crest and Cranial Placodes brings together a diverse group of leading scientists working on all aspects of neural crest cell and placode biology. The objectives of the GRC and GRS are to present unpublished data and novel approaches, form new collaborations, mentor junior scientists, and build professional networks. These will be achieved by providing a unique forum that allows for the exchange of scientific ideas, and the promotion of long-term interactions, between senior scientists and junior trainees, all in the context of the supportive environment provided by the GRC and GRS. Meeting these objectives will, in turn, accelerate the exchange of interdisciplinary advances across different model systems, promote technological innovations in the field, and deepen our understanding of neural crest cells and cranial placodes at genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels. Recent advances in generating neural crest cell and placode derivatives from human stem cells have major implications for our understanding of vertebrate development and evolution, the pathogenesis of congenital disorders, and the promise of tissue engineering in regenerative medicine.

NSF Awards · FY 2024 · 2024-12

The Plant Proteolysis Gordon Research Conference (GRC) with its associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), is an international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk, and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages through evening poster sessions and communal meals. Plant proteolysis has important practical implications for society, including a major role in agriculture through its impact on plant defense and yield, as well as applications in biotechnology. The Plant Proteolysis GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their research as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. The two-day seminar also offers a conducive environment for participants to engage in stimulating discussions on innovative concepts, and establish collaborative relationships with their peers. This GRS includes a career mentoring discussion panel designed to offer insights and guidance from experienced mentors on navigating the journey from academic training to professional roles in science. The GRC program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and offers oral presentations, poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals to allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field. GRC has a strict no-publication policy and the final program including talk titles will be posted in the GRC website for historical purposes only. Shaping the cellular proteome, proteolysis is a key process in growth, development, stress, and disease. It is engaged in protein maturation, regulation, and degradation. Given the number of genes involved that carry out this process, proteolysis appears to be particularly important to plants. The number of proteins devoted to the ubiquitin-proteasome system, including about 1000 E3 ligases, exceeds that in any other kingdom of life. Also contributing to the processing and turnover of the cellular proteome are well over 500 individual proteases of different catalytic classes, as well as endosomal and autophagic sorting pathways. Proteolysis is a highly regulated process, allowing plants to acclimate to adverse conditions by reshaping the proteome in response to environmental cues. The GRC and GRS will bring together participants from who study different aspects of plant proteolysis to foster discussion, collaborations, and define the challenges and future opportunities in this research area. This award is funded by the Cellular Dynamics and Function Cluster of the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences in the Directorate for Biological Sciences. 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 2025 · 2024-12

PROJECT SUMMARY Protein homeostasis (often referred to as proteostasis) is the equilibrium in our cells between the timely making and degradation of proteins to ensure function and to avoid accumulation of toxic species. Both the continuously changing normal physiology and a manifold of external challenges, including acute forms of stress (temperature, oxidation and inflammation) or chronic conditions (expression proteins from inherited gene mutations or due to somatic mutations during aging) require a highly orchestrated and versatile protein quality control systems that ensures that this balance is well-maintained. This network not only concerns chaperones and protein degradation systems (both proteasomal and lysosomal) that assist in folding and disposal, but also coordinated regulation of the making or halting of protein synthesis (both at the transcriptional and translational level). Importantly, if protein homeostasis collapses, a progressive cascade of protein aggregation is initiated driving the age-related decline in cellular functions and degeneration of tissues, ultimately leading to loss of organismal resilience. Whilst protein aggregation is best known as the driver of neurodegenerative diseases, it is becoming clear that it is also a root cause for several other age-related diseases including cardiomyopathies, muscular dystrophies and type-2 diabetes. Inversely, the adaptive capacity of cells to restore imbalances in the making of (faulty) proteins by adjusting their protein quality control systems sustains their vitality during carcinogenesis. The 2025 GRC on "Stress Proteins in Growth, Development and Disease", scheduled for July 6-11, 2025, at the Jordan Hotel at Sunday River. This 12th installment will be held under the subtitle “Targeting the integrated PQC network to combat ageing and age-related diseases” and promises to cover the cutting edge advances in the field of protein homeostasis, ranging from the basic regulatory mechanisms that drive their versatile and adaptive response to changing conditions, to how components of protein quality control systems act at the molecular level to handle (misfolded) proteins, up to (pharmacological) intervention strategies that boost or inhibit these systems to combat (age-related) diseases to improve healthy aging. The conference will begin with the Graduate Research Seminar (GRS) on July 5-6, nurturing the next generation of investigators in our field. Exceptional GRS participants, selected by the GRS attendees, will showcase their research through oral presentations at the main conference. Moreover, dedicated sessions and roundtable discussions will empower junior investigators, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity in scientific pursuits. Finally, a PowerHour session, focused on diversity, will complete this conference. Our meetings have always blended cutting-edge science, on a deeper understanding of the maintenance of protein homeostasis, with a warm and inclusive atmosphere, fostering collaborations and invaluable connections for future careers. Led by Dr. Harm H. Kampinga (chair) and Dr. Patricija van Oosten- Hawl (co-chair), this GRC promises to uphold its reputation as a premier gathering in the field, charting the course for future advancements in protein homeostasis research.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2024-12

PROJECT SUMMARY – Gordon Research Conference/Seminar on Cardiac Arrhythmia Mechanisms Disorders of heart rhythm are leading causes of sudden death and stroke. Progress in elucidating molecular, cellular, and systems-level mechanisms has promoted new concepts that have guided the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. However, cardiac arrhythmias remain major causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Due to the emergent, multi-scale nature of cardiac arrhythmias, inter- disciplinary approaches are needed to solve the most urgent problems. From its inception in 2003, the GRC on Cardiac Arrhythmia Mechanisms has sought to integrate knowledge across multiple scales to better understand and treat cardiac rhythm disorders. The theme of the 2025 GRC on Cardiac Arrhythmia Mechanisms is: Recognizing diversity of cells, systems & individuals to advance arrhythmia therapy. This meeting will emphasize cellular, systems-level, and inter-individual diversity to provide novel, multi-scale insight into arrhythmia biology and pathogenic mechanisms. The meeting will also highlight emerging multidisciplinary investigational and therapeutic approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. This biennial conference is widely regarded by the arrhythmia biology community as the premier forum in which cutting edge concepts and new observations on mechanisms and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias are discussed, through an integrated program that spans the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels up to clinical translation. The first Aim of the meeting is to share the latest advances in mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias from multi- disciplinary perspectives using state-of-the-art methodologies. Consistent with our theme of diversity within and between hearts, we developed sessions that will cover the roles of non-myocytes, precision medicine, and a variety of topics that impact diverse populations. The second Aim is to promote networking and spark new interdisciplinary collaborations. The meeting will bring together cell biologists, electrophysiologists, and clinician- scientists, as well as expert experimentalists and mathematical modelers all working on similar problems with diverse perspectives. The third Aim is to promote and increase representation of early-stage investigators, gender minorities, scientists from historically marginalized groups, and persons with disabilities in the cardio- vascular field. We are seeking partial support for registration and travel for trainees from these groups to attend both the GRS and GRC. Our goal is to promote the professional growth of a diverse and inclusive generation of cardiovascular scientists.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 2024-12

Project Summary The GRC on RNA Editing is the most important international meeting addressing the modifications that alter the 4 standard nucleosides found within RNA and their implications in health and disease. Today, we realize that RNA editing and modifications play fundamental roles in translation, gene expression, innate and adaptive immunity, cognition, neurological disorders, cell differentiation, and cancer. Furthermore, population-wide human genome data has associated polymorphisms in modification enzymes, and their RNA targets, with varied disorders, providing crucial genetic links. Importantly, paths have been forged between basic science and industry by repurposing RNA editing and modification systems as therapeutics. In these efforts, investigators associated with the GRC are paving the way by founding a series of biotechnology companies based wholly or partly on these technologies. Accordingly, the GRC on RNA Editing is an impactful event where international leaders in the field meet with promising early career principal investigators and trainees to share data and ideas in order to nucleate the next generation of consequential discoveries. To support these overarching goals, the 2025 GRC on RNA Editing will focus on the following specific aims. First, this event will help develop the next generation of scientific leaders that will drive the field of RNA editing and modifications forward. To support this aim, the GRC will be preceded by a 2-day GRS, focused entirely on trainees and their mentorship. Moreover, the RNA Editing GRC will strategically ensure that our community is diverse, equitable and inclusive by supporting trainees and early career scientists, women, and underrepresented scientists, and by offering a “power hour” focused on promoting diversity and inclusion and career development. Second, the meeting will stimulate the exchange of transformative ideas in the area of RNA editing and modifications in order to nucleate novel, interdisciplinary discoveries. This aim is facilitated by the unique GRC format which, besides the talks, sponsors forums, and provides generous free time to promote networking. During the 5-day GRC itself, 51 talks and 2 keynote addresses will be spread out over 9 thematically diverse sessions with strong ties to many human diseases. Third, this GRC will facilitate the translation of academic discoveries in the area of RNA editing and modification into health-related industrial applications. Towards this aim, we will include many representatives from RNA editing and modifications companies, who will give talks and participate in mentorship sessions. One entire session will be dedicated to novel therapeutic applications of RNA editing systems. In conclusion, the 2025 GRC on RNA Editing will accelerate discovery and application of RNA editing and modification by inspiring research into biological mechanisms, by fostering knowledge translation, by building a strong, diverse, and inclusive community and by developing the next generation of creative scientists. Thereby, it will ultimately promote broad research initiatives, biotechnological and economical advancements, and improvements to human health.