Our understanding of the biology of myelinating cells in the nervous system continues to expand rapidly. Since the last meeting in Ventura, CA, USA in 2006 there has been a significant move towards utilizing the insights gained from the basic biology of myelinating cells in the development and understanding of the potential for myelin repair in the adult CNS and PNS. The realization that the adult nervous system contains populations of stem cells and neural precursors capable of generating new myelin has propelled studies on the genesis and differentiation of myelinating cells to the forefront of biomedical research. The program for the 9th Gordon Conference on Myelin "Development and Diseases of Myelin" is designed to capitalize on these advances and further accelerate research in this area. We will make a concerted effort to invite investigators at the junior faculty level to be speakers at this meeting. The more senior investigators have been encouraged to act as session chairs and provide overviews of the field. This will allow young investigators a unique opportunity to present their work, and become known to their scientific peers. Few other venues offer such an opportunity. Appropriate attention will be paid to ensure gender balance in the roster of speakers. We are also committed to fostering trainees in the field of myelin biology and to specifically encourage their participation we will offer stipends for travel and registration as funds permit. All attendees will be expected to contribute to an oral presentation or present a poster. We believe that poster sessions are a key element in fostering productive interactions between scientists with different expertise. In keeping with the goals of the Gordon Conference such interactions will provide impetus and direction to the field of myelin biology.