The Mutagenesis 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scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages.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 2026 Gordon Research Conference on Mutagenesis will highlight emerging research into how and why genetic mutations arise, and what their broader biological consequences are. Organisms are continuously challenged by a variety of genotoxic stresse, both internally generated and environmentally sourced, that can compromise genome stability and alter cellular function. These genomic changes contribute to numerous biological processes and pathologies, including tumor development, aging, neurodegeneration, immune evasion, and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance.
This meeting will bring together a diverse group of scientists employing a wide spectrum of methodologies, from molecular biology and genomics to structural biology, systems biology, and in vitro models, to dissect the mechanisms that underpin mutagenic processes. A central theme of the 2026 conference will be exploring how fundamental processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and chromatin dynamics can introduce or prevent genetic alterations. Attention will be given to how sequence context, epigenetic modifications, and non-canonical DNA structures influence mutation hotspots and repair fidelity. In addition to mechanistic insights, the program will feature talks that connect mutagenesis to broader physiological and evolutionary contexts, including host-pathogen interactions, immune system adaptation, and genome editing technologies. The conference will include presentations by established leaders and rising stars, with select talks chosen from submitted abstracts. Extended poster sessions and open-format discussions will promote collaboration and the free exchange of ideas in an inclusive, intellectually rich environment. This vibrant, interdisciplinary meeting is an ideal forum for researchers at all stages to share their latest findings, gain fresh perspectives, and forge new collaborations aimed at understanding the forces that shape our genomes.
