The objective of the Gordon Research Conference on Biomineralization is to explore the fundamental mechanisms that underlie biomineralization processes in all organisms, as well as their possible applications. The interest in this topic stems from the important role that biomineralization processes play in biology, biotechnology and medicine, and the inspiration that can derive from the understanding of biomineralization strategies in chemistry, interfacial science, materials science, and nanotechnology. The goal of this GRC is thus to foster discussion on fundamental and applied biomineralization aspects, by bringing together chemists, physicists, biologists, medical doctors and engineers who would otherwise not overlap on the conference circuit, in a setting that promotes cross-disciplinary fertilization of new ideas.

The specialty of biomineralization is in exercising control at many different hierarchical levels. Investigation on biomineralization thus covers the whole spectrum from the molecular level to the skeletal tissue, its properties and structure-function relations. Over the last few years we have witnessed exciting new developments originating from the realization that transient precursor phases play a fundamental role in the development of the mature mineralized material. Side by side, new experimental and modeling techniques are now available to explore the dynamics of the systems.

We anticipate that these and other avenues will be explored in an exciting meeting with invited oral presentations that will include, but not be limited to the subjects: Structure/function relations- from architecture to function, Mineralization mechanisms, Transient mineral precursor phases, Bioinspired materials, Mechanisms of crystal growth, Matrix/mineral interactions, Cellular and genetic control of mineralization.

The oral sessions will be followed by the highly successful afternoon poster sessions, providing all conferees with the opportunity to present their latest research and to exchange ideas in a more informal setting. As in the past, discussions will continue during the social gathering in the poster hall following the evening lectures. Both posters and lectures should present work that has not been previously published to a significant extent. All conferees are encouraged to submit and present posters. We will select 8-10 of the best poster abstracts for short oral presentations.