The Exocrine Glands: Development, Function and Disease 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scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages.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.
The conference has a long-standing foundation of research on salivary gland biology that has helped define fundamental concepts in exocrine organ development, secretion, and disease. Building on this legacy, the conference further broadens its scope to encompass a wide range of exocrine tissues, including lacrimal, mammary, sweat, pancreatic, and airway glands, with an emphasis on shared biological mechanisms and organ-specific adaptations. The program integrates core topics in gland development, morphogenesis, secretion, metabolism, immune regulation, injury, and regeneration with emerging approaches in spatial biology, advanced imaging, AI-driven analysis, and 3D/4D model systems. Clinical and translational perspectives are woven throughout the meeting, addressing autoimmune disease, cancer, fibrosis, metabolic disorders, and therapeutic strategies across multiple exocrine organs.
The aim of the conference is to foster in-depth discussion, presentation of unpublished work, and cross-disciplinary exchange in the highly interactive GRC format. By bringing together basic scientists, clinicians, and bioengineers studying diverse exocrine organs, the meeting aims to catalyze new collaborations and accelerate translation of fundamental discoveries toward clinical impact. Early-career investigators, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty, are especially encouraged to participate through talks, posters, and informal discussion sessions, with ample opportunities for mentorship, networking, and engagement with leaders in the field.
