2019 Microbial Adhesion and Signal Transduction Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar
Abstract
This biennial meeting, first held in 1987, focuses on the importance of adherence structures in orchestrating bacterial behaviors and interactions with hosts, as well as signal transduction during these processes. The primary goal for the 2019 meeting is to promote the exchange and vigorous discussion of the frontiers of knowledge on the mechanisms by which bacteria adhere, sense and respond to biotic and abiotic surfaces. Adhesive interactions promote host colonization, and formation of biofilms, community behaviors that can be antagonistic or symbiotic, and afford new opportunities for therapeutic interventions targeting infectious diseases. Provocative and inspiring discussions will be achieved by assembling investigators using diverse approaches to study this topic. These approaches include the traditional and cutting edge models. Through exposure of the field to newly appreciated roles of metabolic signaling and phenotypic heterogeneity in the assembly of and interactions within microbial communities we aim to stimulate new avenues of research on challenging and medically important problems. Hence, with this conference we seek to advance fundamental research on microbiology, microbial communities and biofilms which are specific interest areas of the Army s Life Sciences Division. Importantly, we seek to promote the advancement of women and young investigators (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and starting independent scientists) to become the next generation of leaders in this field, who will both generate knowledge important to advancing the Army s biological research agenda, and be future candidates for positions within the Army s scientific programs. This proposal details our request for funds to partially support registration of speakers and discussion leaders to participate in this conference and seminar. Our objectives for this funding request are: 1. Support well-established leaders in the field as invited speakers and discussion leaders. Their participation is essential to maximizing attendance, attracting participants from outside the field, providing a core source of discussions, and overall success of this conference. By contributing to their registration fees and travel, we will ensure their willingness to participate in this and future GRC Microbial Adhesion and Signal Transduction conferences. 2. Support outstanding junior independent investigators. Invited speakers will include a substantial proportion of junior investigators. In addition, short talks will be selected on the basis of submitted abstracts and preference will be given to junior independent investigators of diverse backgrounds and gender. We aim to contribute to their registration, facilitating attendance by these exceptional young scientists. 3. Foster the training of the next generation of investigators in this and related fields and promote their integration with seasoned leaders of the field This will be accomplished by holding an associated short pre-conference Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on the same topic, in which all of the talks are presented by trainees. The GRS will give trainees an opportunity to organize a mini-conference, and will provide a stimulating environment for lively discussion by supporting attendance of the most exceptional young investigators to be speakers and discussion leaders. We request funds to support registration and travel of four GRS attendees who will be selected to give short talks at the main conference (GRC). The successful achievement of these objectives will guarantee the success of both the GRS and GRC to advance knowledge and stimulate new ideas in this field by assisting the best and brightest to attend and fully participate, thereby ushering a new generation of scientists into this field.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910166
Entities
People
- Renee Tsolis
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Gordon Research Conferences
- United States Army