The second Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Polyamines will be held in Waterville Valley, NH on June 20-21, 2009, preceding the Polyamines Gordon Research Conference (GRC) June 21-26, 2009. The 2009 Polyamines GRS will be a unique opportunity for all graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with an interest in any aspect of the polyamine field. This is an exciting field that brings together scientists using mammalian, fungal, plant, and microbial models to study polyamines in the context of metabolism, transport, gene regulation, cancer and disease etiology, enzymology, drug discovery and development, pharmacology, and structural biology.

These meetings are designed, planned, and executed by and for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to foster casual, pressure-free interactions among early-career scientists. Building on the success of the inaugural Polyamines GRS held in 2007, the 2009 Polyamines GRS will feature poster presentations and research talks by participants from around the world, shared meals and social events, and close interaction with a small group of senior scientists in the polyamine field that will act as mentors for the weekend. Depending on your level of experience, you may apply to attend the GRS to (1) interact with other young scientists and learn more about the many aspects of polyamines research; (2) present your work at the poster session; or (3) give a short research talk.

It is our hope that all GRS participants will also apply to attend the Polyamines GRC that follows from June 21-26, 2009. The GRS will serve as valuable introduction to the Gordon Conference experience and will help enable younger scientists to confidently participate in the Polyamine GRC programs. Further, we hope to once again select top research talks from the GRS for presentation at the GRC.