Fundamental Biotic and Abiotic Mechanisms of Biomineralization

Biomineralization means many different things to different people. Biomineralization is the outcome of a genetic program that results in an anatomical feature, the product or target of pathological processes that threaten health and well-being, evidence of evolutionary mechanisms, the consequence of a complex choreography of cellular events, an effect of reciprocal action between environment and living systems, the result of phase transformations and self-assembly, or a quintessential example of the role of surfaces, buried interfaces, and interphases. And that’s merely the beginning. Beyond the fabrication of hierarchical structures with emergent functional properties, biomineralization is a source of inspiration for innovating materials, designing new structures and processes, and developing biomedical interventions.

The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Biomineralization aims to tie this diverse field together. Held for the third time in conjunction with the Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), the GRC welcomes researchers from the physical, life, health, and engineering sciences to participate as we cover the full breadth of organismal and mineral systems. This meeting will focus on the investigation of fundamental biotic and abiotic structures and mechanisms, and the applications of knowledge gleaned from the process. Finally, we will discuss ways in which combining experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches is beneficial to studying these highly complex systems.

Vibrant and stimulating poster sessions that complement the invited lectures have contributed to the success of past GRS and GRC meetings. Often continuing deep into the night, these sessions enable participants, and especially young researchers, to present their latest results and exchange ideas in a less formal setting. All conferees are strongly encouraged to submit and present posters. As in previous years, 8-10 poster contributions will be selected for short oral presentations.