Craniofacial development is an extremely complex morphogenetic process requiring the proper integration of many specialized organs and tissues. This includes eyes, ears and teeth, together with bone, cartilage, muscle, connective and nervous system tissues. The size, shape, number and structure of craniofacial elements vary dramatically as a consequence of evolutionary selection. Abnormalities in the development of craniofacial tissues and organs are associated with approximately one-third of all congenital birth defects. Rapid advances in our understanding of the molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms underlying craniofacial development and evolution are now being translated into novel approaches for disease prevention and repair via tissue regeneration and bioengineering.

The 2010 Gordon Conference on Craniofacial Morphogenesis and Tissue Regeneration will bring together a collection of leading investigators to present cutting-edge research on the molecular, cellular and genetic aspects of craniofacial development, evolution, disease and regeneration. Session topics will include neural crest cells and placodes, development of interactions between skeletal and connective tissues, signaling pathways mediating cell communication, animal models and genome wide association studies of human disease, advances in regenerative stem cell biology and replacement of craniofacial tissues through tissue engineering.

The collegial atmosphere of this Conference together with scheduled opportunities for informal gatherings and poster presentations provides numerous opportunities for interactive discussions. Furthermore, the Conference will provide platform opportunities for junior scientists to present their work. A number of abstracts will be selected for oral presentation. In addition, a Gordon-Kenan Research Seminar is being held in conjunction with the Conference. This provides a special additional platform opportunity for post-doctoral scientists and students to present their work amongst their peers.