The Mammary Gland Biology GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.
The mammary gland is a uniquely dynamic organ, undergoing profound structural and functional changes throughout life — from development and puberty to pregnancy, lactation, and involution. These tightly regulated processes offer critical insights into how cell fate, tissue architecture, and signaling pathways are orchestrated in normal physiology — and how their disruption leads to breast cancer.
The Mammary Gland Biology GRS brings together early-career researchers exploring the interface between mammary gland biology and breast cancer. By “Connecting the Ducts,” this year the meeting will focus on the biological principles that link development, homeostasis, and disease progression. Sessions will highlight how emerging models, molecular tools, and developmental insights are advancing our understanding of mammary gland physiology, tumor initiation and progression, therapy resistance, and microenvironmental influence. Through interdisciplinary discussion and mentorship in an open environment for dialogue and idea exchange among young investigators, this seminar aims to foster collaborations that bridge basic and translational science. To this aim the program will count with a keynote presentation from a leader in the field and short talks from selected abstracts to showcase the different approaches and scenarios that converge in the mammary gland study. This GRS will also have a career development component and host a coaching workshop lead by a professional coach facilitator that will work on developing and improving communication skills and assertive communication.
Application Instructions
The seminar will feature approximately 10 talks and 2 poster sessions. All attendees are expected to actively participate in the GRS, either by giving an oral presentation or presenting a poster. Therefore, all applications must include an abstract.
The seminar chair will select speakers from abstracts submitted by February 22, 2026. Those applicants who are not chosen for talks and those who apply after the deadline to be considered for an oral presentation will be expected to present a poster. In order to participate, you must submit an application by the date indicated in the Application Information section above.
Program Format
Gordon Research Seminars are 2-day meetings which take place on the Saturday and Sunday just prior to the start of the associated GRC. The GRS opens with a 1-hour introductory session on Saturday afternoon, followed by a poster session, dinner and a 2-hour session in the evening. Sunday morning begins with breakfast and is followed by another 2-hour session, a second poster session, and lunch. A final 1-hour session takes place just after lunch, and the associated GRC begins later that evening.
