2023 Glycobiology GRC and GRS

Gordon Research Conferences, East Greenwich RI

Investigators

Abstract

This is an application for partial support of the Glycobiology Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and the associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) to be held together at the Four Points Sheraton in Ventura, CA, on March 11-17, 2023. The Glycobiology GRC is one of the most prestigious forums in the field with a long-standing tradition of very successful biennial meetings that have been regularly hold for past 44 years (the 2021 Glycobiology GRC was cancelled because of the pandemic). The 2023 conference, subtitled “From structure to function: Biological roles of glycans as major building blocks of life”, will continue the tradition of emphasis on the structure, function, and biology of macromolecular glycoconjugates. The breadth of topics and the diversity of techniques employed in this highly multidisciplinary field will attract a diverse group of scientists with a common interest in glycans and their functions. Oral sessions will focus on the glycobiology of cell communities, cell signaling and molecular recognition, the immune and the nervous system, embryonic development, viruses, pathogen-host interactions, glycoprotein biosynthesis and trafficking, human diseases, while also discussing bioinformatic approaches and novel technologies in the field. Poster sessions will be held each of the four full days in the late afternoon, and will continue informally after the evening sessions. Unique features of this conference include: (i) a 5-10-minute discussion following each oral presentation, (ii) the secluded meeting venue where all participants dine and socialize together outside of the sessions, (iii) afternoon social activities planned to promote networking, and (iv) poster displays accessible throughout the day and following evening sessions to maximize exposure. Short oral presentations will be selected from outstanding poster abstracts to bring forth the latest developments in the field. Top graduate student, postdoc, and very junior faculty poster presentations will be judged and awarded in the main meeting session. The Glycobiology GRS pre-meeting will focus on graduate student and postdoc presentations, and a mentoring session, to provide young investigators with opportunities for training and networking. All applicants will be encouraged to present a poster and special efforts will be made to increase diversity, including participation of junior scientists, women, and minorities. Special efforts to increase diversity will be enhance the impact on mentoring and training opportunities. The logistics also focuses on enhancing publicity, accommodating the needs of attendees with children and families, and handicapped individuals, who will be considered equally in the selection process. The meeting is expected to bring together the leading and promising junior scientists in the field from all over the world and significantly contribute to the generation and dissemination of novel ideas and technologies, promoting new collaborations, and nurturing new generation of researchers from diverse backgrounds at the frontiers of biomedical research.