The Plant and Microbial Cytoskeleton GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.
The 2026 Plant and Microbial Cytoskeleton Gordon Research Seminar is a unique opportunity for early career scientists, i.e. graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other scientists to present their research and network with their peers and future colleagues. This meeting will focus on the ever-growing number of approaches and areas of study encompassed by plant and microbial cytoskeletal research, as well as research in which the cytoskeleton plays a critical supporting role. Our aim is to broaden our perspective of cytoskeletal research by highlighting the intersections between cytoskeleton biology and biological processes across diverse model organisms, technologies, and analytical approaches. This will encourage participants to explore connections across disciplines, approach data in new ways, enhance their own research through collaboration, and most importantly, forging friendships that drive us to ask more questions.
The meeting will feature two keynote speakers, early-career scientists working on plants and microbes, who will share their research as well as their path to becoming primary investigators with their own laboratories. There will also be a career panel discussion with individuals from a variety of backgrounds to share how they carved their own career paths in this constantly changing landscape of funding and job security within the field of biology. Additionally, applicants will be selected to present posters or give short talks about their research. Between sessions, plenty of time and space is provided at the venue for socializing, relaxing, or informal discussions between attendees/speakers/presenters alike.
Attendees are encouraged to present their unpublished work not only on core cytoskeletal processes in plants and microbes, but also on research where the cytoskeleton intersects with broader aspects of cell biology, including but not limited to cell division, motility, trafficking, development, morphogenesis, and basic aspects of cytoskeletal constituents. Discussions that emphasize the interrelationship and connection between each other’s work are highly encouraged! Attendees will find a friendly and welcoming community where curious minds feel open to ask questions and start new collaborations and friendships for years to come.
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 3, 2026. 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.
