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scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages.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.
Registration Waiver Competition: Graduate and postdoctoral trainees are invited to submit their abstracts by September 18th, 2026 11:59 PM EST to the Carotenoids GRC. Abstracts may be identical to those submitted to the Carotenoids GRS. Winners will receive a full registration waiver for the conference. Competitive abstracts will have a background, methods, results, and conclusion sections that demonstrate the rigor and impact of the research.
Oral Presentations Deadlines: Abstracts submitted by September 18th, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST to the Carotenoids GRC will be considered for short oral presentations during the conference. Selections will be made on the basis of topical alignment, impact, and rigor.
Poster Presentation and Attendance Deadlines: Abstracts and applications to attend the conference will be considered on a rolling basis. The final deadline to apply to attend and present an abstract in poster format is December 13th, 2026 11:59 PM EDT.
Carl Storm Opportunity Fellowship: First-time attendees to any GRC are eligible to compete for a full registration waiver. Abstracts must be submitted by September 18th, 2026. To be eligible for the fellowships, an applicant must be attending a GRC for the first time and illustrate how it would advance their career goals, contributions, or access to opportunities in their field. One recipient will be selected and will be notified by e-mail no later than 2 months before the conference.
