2026 Enzymes, Coenzymes and Metabolic Pathways GRC and GRS

About This Grant

Project Summary The 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Enzymes, Coenzymes, and Metabolic Pathways will take place July 25–31, 2026, at the Grand Summit Hotel in Newry, Maine. As one of the longest-running and flagship forums in the field, this conference is a premier venue for disseminating cutting-edge research on the molecular mechanisms of biological catalysis. The central theme for the 2026 meeting, "Innovating Enzymes: Cofactors and Design," reflects the field's transformative shift toward integrating classical enzymology with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and de novo protein design. The specific aims of this conference are to: (1) accelerate discovery in fundamental enzymology by convening global experts in structural biology, kinetics, and chemical biology; (2) foster cross-disciplinary collaboration between computational and experimental scientists; and (3) mentor the next generation of scientists. The scientific program will feature sessions on AI-guided enzyme engineering, protein-derived cofactors, metalloenzymes, and synthetic metabolic networks. This meeting is highly relevant to public health. Sessions will address the critical role of metabolic dysfunction in neurological disorders, exploring how enzymatic defects and cofactor deficiencies contribute to neurodegeneration and how they can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. Discussions on natural product biosynthesis and novel catalytic mechanisms will provide insights into antimicrobial resistance and the development of next-generation antibiotics. A dedicated focus on engineered biosensors will highlight their potential to detect metabolic and cofactor imbalances underlying neurodegenerative disease, as well as to monitor pathogen-associated metabolites and antimicrobial resistance, advancing strategies for both neurological health and infectious disease intervention. To ensure lasting impact, the conference will be integrated with a GRS for trainees. Together, these elements will catalyze new research directions and strengthen the scientific workforce to confront critical biomedical challenges.