Next-Generation Views on Mutation Mechanisms and Their Impact

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.