Novel Mechanisms of Regulation in Epithelial Biology and Their Implication in Physiology, Aging and Disease

This conference has been deferred to 2023 due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check back soon for the 2023 schedule.

This meeting is considered to be the leading epithelial biology Gordon conference differentiation and keratinization. The GRC-EDK showcases the latest conceptual and technological advances in epithelial biology which has consistently moved the field forward with direct impact on human health. To maintain the pre-eminent quality of past meetings, this meeting in 2021 entitled “Novel mechanisms of regulation in epithelial biology and their implication in physiology, aging and disease” aims to bring together preeminent speakers at the forefront of stem cell biology, cancer, regenerative medicine, immunity, aging, epigenetics, skin diseases, novel single cell molecular technologies, global genomics, and novel therapies. The objectives and long-term plans of this conference are to present and discuss the latest developments in these different fields of expertise through both formal and informal discussion as well as generate new opportunities of synergistic team approaches towards future discoveries and novel therapeutic prospects to advance the field as a whole. The excellence of the science is rooted into the diversity with respect to topic, location and gender. Over 20% of speakers are from outside the immediate field, 85% did not speak in the 2019 meeting, and over 30% of oral presentations will be selected from submitted abstracts to accommodate late breaking exciting stories and ensure plentiful speaking opportunities for early career investigators and trainees. The relatively isolated location and residential nature of the 2021 Conference, and the informal afternoon periods, maximize opportunities for scientific discussions, mentoring interactions and new collaborations. Finally, a power hour on the first day of the conference will catalyze important discussions for ways to recognize and tackle discriminations in science. For 2021, we will continue our commitment to trainee mentorship through the 5th Gordon Research Seminar on Epithelial Differentiation and Keratinization (GRS-EDK), immediately preceding the GRC-EDK. GRS meetings are organized and featured by trainee scientists providing a unique opportunity to not only discuss their science in an informal supportive setting but also to network with peers and develop life-long collaborations. The GRS-EDK will also feature a career mentoring panel discussion with special emphases on transitioning to career independence, careers in academia versus industry, and the importance of gender and racial diversity within science. Collectively, these programs will concentrate on three fundamental areas 1) moving forward cutting-edge research in the area of skin biology 2) promoting translation of key research findings to clinical practice and 3) furthering the careers of early stage investigators and trainees to maintain the highest level of innovation of this field.