Bacterial Pathogenesis: From Pathogen Physiology to Interactions with Host Microbiota and Immune System

The 2018 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) "Microbial Toxins and Pathogenicity" and its companion Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will showcase exciting basic and applied research in the bacterial pathogenesis field while promoting intensive discussion and networking between new and veteran researchers from academia, government, medicine and biotech. This biennial international conference is regarded by the microbial pathogenesis community as our premier venue for intellectual exchange. To be held July 8-13 at the Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire, the Conference is led by Chair Andrew Camilli, PhD and Vice-chair Heran Darwin, PhD. Nine sessions will feature 35 invited speakers plus 4 selected from the GRS, chosen to integrate cutting-edge research on bacterial toxins, virulence regulation, pathogenesis, pathogen evolution, physiology, role of host microbiota, and innate immune responses. Poster sessions will promote extended discussions between colleagues within and across disciplines and ranks. To integrate and develop the next generation of scientists in our field, the GRC will be preceded by a GRS. Together the Seminar and Conference promise to provide an exceptional forum for a diverse population of scientists to learn about cutting edge discoveries in the field, and consider and challenge the current paradigms, barriers and opportunities to advancing knowledge of molecular mechanisms of microbial infection.

To promote diversity among participants (ethnic diversity; inclusion of international participants or participants from smaller schools) a limited number of travel fellowships of $500 each will be available to attend the meeting. To apply for the fellowship you must first apply and be accepted to the GRC, then apply to the meeting Chair for the fellowship (send CV and short note of how you would contribute to diversity). These applications will be due before May 14th, 2018. Recipients will be notified by May 21st, 2018.