An Evolving Cytoskeleton: Diverging Mechanisms and Converging Patterns

The inaugural 2022 Plant and Microbial Cytoskeleton Gordon Research Seminar aims to provide an engaging and inclusive forum for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other scientists with comparable levels of experience to exchange cutting-edge ideas and new data in the field of cytoskeletal research in plants, fungi, bacteria, archaea, protists, and other microbes. The focus of this meeting is on the divergent properties and unifying functions of cytoskeletal networks, in line with our continuous effort to understand this ubiquitous, intricate and indispensable component of living cells. Trainees are encouraged to present their research on topics ranging from cell division, cell morphogenesis, intracellular trafficking, cell motility, and the response to stress. Our general discussions will emphasize the similarities and differences in cytoskeletal processes that bridge the gap between diverse model organisms.

Together with its associated Gordon Research Conference (GRC), this trainee-organized GRS will provide an interdisciplinary, supportive and collaborative environment for attendees with comparable levels of experience to present their unpublished work and participate in lively discussions with their peers. Additionally, the GRS will feature mentorship from senior scientists and career development opportunities aimed at preparing trainees for the next step in their chosen career paths. Financial support may be available for attendees; please contact the GRS chairs for more information.

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 May 15, 2022. 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.