The Silk Proteins and the Transition to Biotechnologies 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.
At the core of this meeting lies a fundamental question: how can the unique sequences and remarkable functional properties of silk proteins be translated into technological innovation? Presentations will explore how molecular composition translates into material properties relevant to therapeutics, advanced textiles, tissue engineering, multifunctional coatings, and biointegrated electronics. The GRS is a 2-day meeting held on Saturday and Sunday immediately before the associated GRC. The scientific program will cover multiple disciplines, from biology to physics, organic chemistry, and materials science, to illuminate the pathways that connect fundamental understanding of protein sequences to technological breakthroughs. A keynote lecture by a distinguished researcher will outline the field's challenges and opportunities. In addition, short presentations by early-career scientists with different expertise will reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Poster sessions throughout the meeting will encourage spontaneous scientific exchange, while a dedicated mentorship panel will further support young scientists in navigating their professional trajectories and building lasting mentoring connections.
This GRS aims to be a catalyst, turning open scientific questions into collaborative research agendas and transforming a community of individuals into a network of future leaders.
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 March 21, 2027. 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.
