Molecular Engineering, Measurement and Manipulation at the Boundary between Living Systems and Synthetic Materials

The Biointerface Science GRC is a premier, 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scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference 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 held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.

The study of interfaces between biological systems and synthetic materials is central for a wide variety of areas that spans from biosensors and separations, to tissue engineering, immunotherapy, and also in understanding fundamental design principles in cell biology and biomedical engineering. A focus will be on measuring and manipulating the boundary between living systems (macrophages, stromal cells and bacterial pathogens) and synthetic materials.

In the 2024 GRC, we will specifically address new emerging topics that will include:

(1) DNA nanostructures at biointerfaces;

(2) mechanical signaling at interfaces;

(3) nanoscale machines and robotics at biointerfaces;

(4) immune receptor signaling at engineered interfaces;

(5) translational biointerfaces;

and (6) emerging tools and concepts in biointerfaces.

Each session of the GRC on Biointerface Science will be introduced by an expert Discussion Leader who will provide a general overview to integrate the research communities and stimulate conceptual discussions. Speakers with international recognition in the field will join young investigators and scientists gaining important experience by attending this conference. Shorter talks will be selected from abstracts to highlight emerging topics, especially from early-career researchers.

Our goal is to offer a platform to evoke productive collaborations and long-term partnerships. We will identify new scientific and technological opportunities associated with the Biointerface Science field and provide an open forum for debate and discussion.