2026 Biomineralization Gordon Research Conference and Seminar

About This Grant

Summary The objective of the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Biomineralization (‘Bio-Crystallization and Bio-Assembly Across Scales’) and the associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS; ‘Fundamentals and Applications of Biomineralization Across Diverse Model Systems’), is to convene a group of multidisciplinary researchers to present their cutting-edge results and discuss the fundamental processes by which organisms produce minerals and other crystalline structures, as well as the possibility to harness these principles in dental, medical, and technological applications. These researchers will come from backgrounds in biology, chemistry, materials science, dentistry, biomedicine, geology, physics, and beyond. Speakers and poster presenters will share unpublished results across a broad range of topics: from cellular and molecular biology to materials chemistry, from advanced microscopies to multiscale modeling, from biosynthetic pathways to isotope geochemistry and oceanography, and more. The 2026 Biomineralization GRC will continue the tradition of a highly interdisciplinary program. Sessions will highlight topics including: tooth and skeletal biology, collagen, biomechanics, pathological mineralization, tissue engineered models of mineralizing systems, and hierarchical assemblies in biology and bio-inspired materials. As a complement to the presentation sessions, the daily poster sessions are central elements of the GRC and GRS meetings. They will serve to broaden and deepen discussions about emerging topics in the field. Sixteen poster contributions will be selected for short oral presentations based on quality and with priority being given to early career scientists. To achieve the objective of the 2026 GRC/GRS on Biomineralization, the meeting will focus on three specific aims: Aim 1: Bring together early career and established researchers with a broad range of specializations who find common inspiration in seeing how the general principles of biomineralization arise from and are applicable to different fields. Aim 2: Present a cutting-edge scientific program that will engage early career investigators as well as experienced researchers in order to: (i) identify universal scientific principles and mechanisms that are common to biomineralization processes across phyla, (ii) look beyond biominerals to topics related to biocrystallization and even bio-assembly, (iii) explore examples of applied and translational biomineralization. Aim 3: Create an environment that will foster fruitful interactions among graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career investigators with established scientists. Early career researchers will be fully integrated into the high-quality scientific program through both formal (e.g., invited talks, selected poster presentations) and informal (e.g., shared meals and afternoon activities) opportunities. The GRS is a key component for establishing a strong community that will continue throughout the GRC.