The Biology of Host-Parasite Interactions GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.
The Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on The Molecular and Cellular Biology of Eukaryotic Infectious Organisms will bring together junior scientists from a wide range of parasitology backgrounds to collaborate and share their research.
The 2026 GRS will focus on the molecular and cellular basis of eukaryotic parasites and host-parasite interactions. The seminar will cover topics in host-parasite interactions including genetic evolution, immunology and immune evasion, drug development and resistance, parasite motility and host invasion, and encompass a diverse array of parasite groups including apicomplexans, kinetoplastids, and helminths.
The program will provide graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with opportunities for peer-to-peer presentations and networking at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. Young scientists will present their work to their peers through poster sessions and talks, as well as engage with more established members of the parasitology community through a mentorship Q&A panel.
Application Instructions
The seminar will feature approximately 10 talks and 2 poster sessions. All attendees are expected to actively participate in the GRS, either by giving an oral presentation or presenting a poster. Therefore, all applications must include an abstract.
The seminar chair will select speakers from abstracts submitted by March 1, 2026. Those applicants who are not chosen for talks and those who apply after the deadline to be considered for an oral presentation will be expected to present a poster. In order to participate, you must submit an application by the date indicated in the Application Information section above.
Program Format
Gordon Research Seminars are 2-day meetings which take place on the Saturday and Sunday just prior to the start of the associated GRC. The GRS opens with a 1-hour introductory session on Saturday afternoon, followed by a poster session, dinner and a 2-hour session in the evening. Sunday morning begins with breakfast and is followed by another 2-hour session, a second poster session, and lunch. A final 1-hour session takes place just after lunch, and the associated GRC begins later that evening.
