Molecular and Cellular Diversity in Host Defense and Inflammation

The Phagocytes 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scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages.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 a diverse range 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 2023 Phagocytes Gordon Conference will bring together scientists from around the world to discuss the most recent advances in the field. Invited speakers will present their latest unpublished research related to the many aspects of phagocyte biology that impact multicellular organisms throughout their lifespan. Featured topics will include Molecular mechanisms of phagocytosis; plasmacytoid dendritic cell function; Mechanisms of neutrophil extracellular traps; the role of phagocytes in neuroimmunology, regulation of host-pathogen interactions, and new discoveries in microbiome-phagocyte interactions, as well the role of myeloid cell diversity in cancer and coronary artery disease. The program is designed to encourage vigorous discussion and the free exchange of ideas. The GRC Phagocytes has been for decades the reference conference to present state of the art research related to immunology, host-defense and inflammation having thus a direct impact on human disease. Each scientific session will be chaired by a prominent researcher who will highlight recent progress and knowledge gaps related to each topic, and guide subsequent discussion. As participation of junior scientists is a key goal of the meeting, the conference will also include interactive sessions for presentation of ~120 posters, and additional speakers will be chosen from among the submitted abstracts. The collegial atmosphere of this conference is exemplified by the shared meals, and the substantial time provided for informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings to further promote interactions between attendees at all levels. The overall environment is therefore designed to provide multiple opportunities for learning and for the development of exciting collaborations. To facilitate the participation of students and postdoctoral fellows, the conference will be preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS). The Phagocytes GRS is planned by and for trainees, and proves an opportunity for our future leaders to present their research via seminars and posters in a supportive and interactive environment.