The Carotenoids 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scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages.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 an array 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.
Carotenoids are ubiquitous isoprenoid pigments found throughout nature, where they play essential roles in photosynthesis, photoprotection, and organismal health. Beyond these primary functions, carotenoids serve as precursors to a wide range of apocarotenoid metabolites, such as retinoids including vitamin A, phytohormones, and growth regulators, which influence growth, development, stress responses, signaling, and communication across diverse biological systems. While plants and many microorganisms synthesize carotenoids de novo, animals rely on dietary sources, underscoring the central importance of carotenoids for nutrition and human health. Ongoing research continues to uncover new carotenoid- and apocarotenoid-derived molecules, pathways, and mechanisms of action. These discoveries are increasingly being translated into applications through synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, crop biofortification, and breeding, with impacts spanning agriculture, nutrition, medicine, and biotechnology.
The 2027 Carotenoid GRC brings together carotenoid researchers from diverse fields, including medicine, plant science and horticulture, chemistry and photochemistry, physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, synthetic and evolutionary biology, and related areas, who are interested in understanding the functions of carotenoids and their derivatives across biological systems and in elucidating and harnessing these molecules for health applications, crop improvement, and beyond. The conference provides preeminent venue for communicating the latest results in the carotenoid field, connecting fundamental discovery with real-world applications, and offering a shared scientific platform for collaboration and innovation across a broad and interdisciplinary research community.
The GRC will be preceded by the 6th Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Carotenoids, organized entirely by graduate students and postdocs, providing an interactive platform for trainee researchers to showcase their work, engage with peers, and discuss frontier carotenoid research.
Stay tuned! Registration waiver competition deadlines and deadlines to be considered for oral presentations will be announced at a later date.
