Conference Description
The Plant and Microbial Cytoskeleton 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scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages.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 Plant and Microbial Cytoskeleton GRC will address diverse concepts of spatiotemporal organization, the function of multiple cytoskeletal systems, and how they orchestrate cellular and biophysical processes in model and non-model organisms. This meeting will encompass walled and wall-less cells across macroscopic (plants, fungi, protists) and microscopic (fungi, protists, archaea, and bacteria) species. The core scope of this meeting is to promote the exchange of expertise by (1) connecting scientists focused on similar cell biology problems but in divergent organisms (e.g., cell division in plants and bacteria), (2) introducing researchers outside the cytoskeleton field but who can contribute with fresh ideas to address persistent problems, and (3) Guest speakers with expertise in tool development, including new microscope systems, computational analysis, and cutting-edge chemical biology of new probes for cell biology. Historically, participants have been exposed to cutting-edge tools, such as microscopy, in vitro reconstitution, biophysical, and computational approaches. The event will include 27 talks from invited speakers, 25 talks selected from submitted abstracts, and dynamic poster sessions.
The topics, speakers, and discussion leaders for the conference sessions are displayed below. The conference chair is currently developing their detailed program, which will include the complete meeting schedule, as well as the talk titles for all speakers. The detailed program will be available by April 11, 2026. Please check back for updates.
Keynote Session: Integrating Cell Function and Community Behavior
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Subcellular Organization in Space and Time
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Technology Development and Discovery in Cell Biology
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Cytoskeleton Structure, Dynamics and Assembly
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Cellular and Organismal Environmental Responses
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Forces and Mechanics
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Cell Signaling Polarity and Fate
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Cell Size, Growth and Shape Control
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Billion Years of Cytoskeleton-Driven Cargo Transport
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
