Bio-Crystallization and Bio-Assembly Across Scales

The Biomineralization Gordon Research Conference is dedicated to understanding the fundamental processesby which organisms produce minerals and other crystalline structures, as well as the possibility to harness these principles in technological applications. This well-established conference draws researchers from around the world working in the fields of biology, chemistry, materials science, geology, physics, biomedicine, dentistry, and beyond. Attendees are drawn together by a common interest in understanding the biological, chemical, and physical mechanisms of biomineralization across phyla, and applying this understanding to the development of new materials. This focus on fundamental mechanisms attracts scientists with a broad range of interests: from cellular and molecular biology to materials chemistry, from advanced microscopies to multiscale modeling, from biosynthetic pathways to isotope geochemistry and oceanography, and more. This dynamic conference brings together researchers with a broad range of specializations who find common inspiration in seeing how the general principles of biomineralization arise from and are applicable to different fields.

The 2026 Biomineralization GRC will continue the tradition of a highly interdisciplinary program. Sessions will highlight topics including: bone and tooth biology, collagen, biomechanics, pathological mineralization, nucleation and growth models, and classical and emerging biomineralizing model organisms. This year, a particular focus will be on looking beyond biominerals to topics related to biocrystallization and even bio-assembly, as well as exploring examples of “applied biomineralization” in architecture and construction.

The Conference, held in conjunction with the Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), will bring together a community of prominent senior investigators and junior scientists who are at the forefront of their fields. The informal nature of the conference, along with abundant discussion time, breaks down barriers between students and junior and senior investigators, leading to an ongoing free and animated exchange of scientific ideas. All attendees are encouraged to present posters from all areas of biomineralization research, containing in part at least some new unpublished work. As usual, about 10 poster contributions will be selected for short oral presentations with priority being given to early career scientists. The collegial atmosphere of this Conference, with exciting, invited lectures, which are complemented by lively poster sessions, as well as opportunities for informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, provides a venue for scientists from different disciplines to brainstorm and promotes cross-disciplinary collaborations in the various research areas represented.