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European Commission - HORIZON

“Artistic intelligence” : harnessing the power of the arts to address complex challenges, enhance soft skills and boost innovation and competitiveness. Call: Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society 2026. Programme: HORIZON. Keywords: Arts, Art history, Creativity management, Design innovation, Experimentally-driven research and innovation, ICT & art, Life long learning, Mental health, Open innovation, Social innovation, Social sciences, interdisciplinary, Visual arts, performing arts, design. Open call from the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Belltown Art Walk

The Belltown Artwalk community group will be hosting an art exhibit located at the Slip Galley 2301 1st Ave on Jan 10, 2025. The exhibit will feature four artist as they delve into themes of self perception, identity, and the complexities of internal dialogue. Through curated pieces that explore the fluid and often distorted boundaries between mind, body, and self, viewers are invited into deeply personal reflections. The show will also hosts two free public workshops aimed at fostering introspection and self-expression. The event is free and open to the public.

NLM - National Library of Medicine

Project Summary Advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the landscape of healthcare, offering new opportunities to enhance diagnosis, personalize treatment, optimize clinical workflows, and ultimately im- prove patient outcomes. The Machine Learning for Healthcare (MLHC) Conference is dedicated to accelerating scientific progress in this rapidly evolving field by providing a premier forum for the exchange of ideas, dissemi- nation of cutting-edge research, and development of interdisciplinary collaborations among computer scientists, engineers, clinicians, and healthcare innovators. The 11th Annual MLHC Conference, to be held at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, on August 12th – 14th, marks a significant milestone for the community. In celebra- tion of this anniversary, the meeting will highlight state-of-the-art advances in machine learning for healthcare while also placing special emphasis on the challenges and opportunities involved in translating these technolo- gies from research settings to clinical practice. Through its emphasis on biomedical informatics and data science methodologies that make health data and machine learning models more findable, interoperable, reusable, and trustworthy in clinical use, MLHC is directly aligned with the NLM’s mission. Specifically, sessions will focus on methodological innovation, rigorous evaluation, deployment considerations, and pathways toward achieving meaningful, real-world impact at the bedside. Core objectives of the conference are to (1) update attendees on timely developments across the spectrum of AI-driven healthcare research, (2) foster cross-disciplinary commu- nication and collaboration, and (3) strengthen the pipeline of future leaders in the field. A central component of MLHC is its commitment to supporting and engaging students/trainees through opportunities such as free con- ference registration, travel awards, best student paper awards, poster and oral presentation sessions, mentoring events, and training-focused workshops. This application seeks funding to support such trainee participation, en- abling students and early-stage researchers to present their work, attend scientific sessions, and engage directly with experts who are shaping the future of AI in healthcare. Support from NLM through this R13 mechanism, will enhance trainee activities, broadening access, particularly for those with limited travel and professional devel- opment resources. While in the previous years, the conference has mainly sought funding from private entities, this year NIH’s support will be critical in expanding the conference’s capacity to reach graduate students, post- doctoral researchers, and early-career investigators across the country. As the MLHC Conference enters its second decade, this support will ensure that the meeting continues to advance rigorous, reproducible, and clin- ically grounded research while cultivating the next generation of innovators dedicated to improving patient care through machine learning.

OD - NIH Office of the Director

Twenty-four NIH-funded investigators studying a wide range of biomedical research topics at the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) are requesting funds for a transmission electron microscope (TEM), the Talos L120C G2 (Thermo Fisher Scientific). UMB has a long history of TEM use conducted at the Electron Microscopy Core Imaging Facility (EMCIF), and the decommissioning of the current TEM has drastically impeded the ongoing research projects. This TEM will replace an 20-year-old Thermo Tecnai T12, a 120 kV tungsten filament instrument, whose reliability and stability were decreasing when we lost the capability to capture images. Through demonstrations of microscopes from several vendors as well as Director and user experiences, the Thermo Talos L120C G2 is the ideal replacement research microscope with its high-contrast, high-resolution optics for biological samples. Its lanthanum hexaboride crystal electron source and Ceta 16M CMOS and Smart digital camera will produce bright, well-contrasted images for all our users. Its user-friendly software interface with features such as motorized stage, alignment recall, automated apertures, and rapid specimen exchange make this a good fit for a core facility. The remote operation features are ideal for training users and providing fee-for-service to distant users. The Talos L120C will be placed in the current TEM room, which is a pre-existing, well-designed space with convenient access to the main Core lab and staff. It will be administered by the EMCIF which is part of the Center for Innovative Biomedical Resources (CIBR) which provides resources to UMB researchers. Our staff will provide training in sample preparation and in operation of the new TEM. EMCIF is jointly supported by the School of Dentistry and the School of Medicine. We support research across the entire UMB campus as well as the University of Maryland System. The new TEM will be placed into the existing recharge system available to users through an iLab software interface available through the web and as a smart phone app. The new TEM will support continued progress of NIH-funded research projects of UMB scientists that are relevant to our mission of improving the human condition and serve the public good of Maryland. The EMCIF has a strong record of collaboration with researchers providing electron microscopy results for presentations, publications and grant applications. Strong institutional support provides for Director and staff salaries, space, instrument service/maintenance, administrative services and other EMCIF operating costs. If funded, the Talos L120C will be the primary TEM for UMB faculty research, and it will expand our capacity for biomedical research at UMB and at regional institutions. The impact will extend beyond the cancer, blood, infectious disease, bone development and other research projects listed in this proposal. The EMCIF’s mission is to provide state-of-the-art instrumentation and training to researchers, trainees, graduate students and staff. We aim to train the next generation of scientists to appreciate and interpret electron micrographs.

NIA - National Institute on Aging

Project Summary Due to the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) now have life expectancies similar to those of people without HIV (PWoH). As PLWH live to older ages, they become susceptible to numerous aging-related diseases, and there is abundant evidence that these occur at earlier ages (chronologically) than in the general population or in demographically similar PwoH. This earlier occurrence has posed a major challenge to the clinical care of PLWH- both in knowing what the optimal care is, and in delivering it. These are major problems worldwide, but especially in resource-limited settings. While large meetings are important venues for scientific exchange regarding the latest knowledge on the care of PLWH as they age, there is a compelling need for smaller meetings that facilitate the personal discussions, learning, and networking that are critical to effective dissemination of advances and to the career development of early-stage investigators in the field of HIV and aging. Since 2010, the International Workshop on Aging & HIV has addressed this important need annually, bringing together 140-200 international delegates to discuss the latest findings and controversies in the biology of aging as it is affected by HIV and in methods for incorporating these into the delivery of clinical care to often challenging populations. The Workshop has traditionally been held in one site over two days (although a 3- day virtual format was used in 2021 and 2022 because of COVID-19, and a hybrid format has been used since 2023), with expert plenary speakers either from pertinent areas outside of HIV research or performing research or care on PLWH, and oral and poster presentations based on submitted abstracts. Also included are interactive panel discussions with audience involvement; short talks dealing with topical issues in these areas, guided tours of related posters, and sessions specifically devoted to mentoring young investigators. Researchers receive ample feedback and evaluation on their work. This R13 application proposes the following aims to enhance the 17th International Workshop on Aging & HIV, which will be held in hybrid format on Oct. 15- 16, 2026 in a site that is still being determined: 1) To provide scholarships to trainees and investigators who need financial support to attend the Workshop, especially those from resource-limited settings; and 2) To provide support for experts who need financial support to give plenary lectures at the Workshop. Funding of this application will greatly enhance the reach of the attendance at the Workshop, which in turn will facilitate dissemination of expertise and experience globally and translation of research findings into clinical strategies that can improve the lifespan and healthspan of PLWH everywhere now and for years to come.

Friends of Block Party at The Station

Friends of Block Party at The Station will organize a music and arts festival showcasing South Seattle artists and small businesses (Block Party at The Station). It will be held on June 17, 2017, from noon to 8pm, along 16th Ave S, between S. Bailey and Roberto Maestas Festival Street. The festival will spotlight marginalized communities. A majority of festival performers will be women and LGBTQ artists of color. The festival will also showcase Beacon Hill as an immigrant community in order to challenge anti-immigrant narratives and rhetoric.

Rainier Beach Merchants Association

The Rainier Beach Music and Arts Fest, (BAAMFest), will celebrate our beautiful, vibrant community and highlight the Rainier Beach business district. BAAMFest is a cultural celebration with music, dance, spoken word, visual arts, food, art vendors, contests and more. These events activate hot spots in the community with powerful expressions of art and engaging activities for the whole family. BAAMFest is on July 22, 2017 on the Rainier Beach Community Center Plaza 8825 Rainier Avenue South.

National Park Service

This year's festival will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Anacostia Park and the Year of the Anacostia a year-long invitation to HONOR history, CELEBRATE progress and ENJOY the Anacostia River and its surroundings as we ENVISION an inspiring future. Festival activities will include: boating, fishing workshops, hands-on art projects, musical performances, bike parades, and other unique programs engaging families with the river, its history and ecology. This FREE event aims to encourage District residents and tourists alike to explore communities and parks east of the Anacostia River.

Gullah Geechee

The Gullach Geechee Festival - Call and Response is a diverse set of activities from August through November 2018 including poetry readings, a genealogy weekend, an American Gullah Art Exhibit and a 3 day Gulla Geechee Family Reunion. These activities will highlight and celebrate a long forgotten African American sub-culture.

Belltown Community Council Parks and Arts

The 2017 Belltown Community Plan prompted a revival of civic urbanism. One plan objective is more park activation to bring the community together. This project will support the expenses of a schedule of several park events and programming throughout the year in Belltown parks. This project will be completed by September 30, 2019.

Dia de Muertos Committee

The Dia de Muertos celebration event will take place on November 2 & 3, 2019 at Seattle Center. This event is part of the Festal Cultural Festivals and brings to life this vibrant Mexican tradition remembering and honoring the departed ones through colorful art, history, musical performances, and cultural activities that transport spectators and participants to different regions of Mexico. The main goal is to connect the Mexican and Latinx communities to their heritage and share these rich traditions with the broader community. The event is free and open to the public.

Center for Linguistic and Cultural Democracy

We plan to bring back Caribbean Sea Fest, a pan Caribbean, family-oriented arts and cultural event. The event will be held on July 31, 2022 from 11 am to 7:30pm at Pier 62 located at 1951 Alaskan Way Seattle WA. The anticipated project completion date is September 30, 2022.

Rainier Beach Community Club

This project provides reusable yard signs for the RB Garden Tour and Arts & Crafts Bazaar, supplies and equipment for RB HUB for Urban Survivor Skills Training and other HUB activities and start up equipment for free Family Movie Nights in Rainier Beach.

Socks on my Hands Productions

Seattle Community Puppet Day (SCPD) is a biannual event that uses arts and culture to create a day of service, enrichment, and entertainment. In 2024 we are offering the event on Saturday 9/14 to create equitable access for the communities of Columbia City, Ranier Valley and Beacon Hill. The day will offer dedicated hours for litter clean-up, free workshops with master puppet artists, and wandering performers, a puppet parade, and kids dance party based at the Ranier Arts Center. In cooperation with the Puget Sound Puppet Fest, we will be sponsoring free access to the Jim Henson: Life and Legacy exhibit complemented by a screening of Jim Henson Idea Man and a special presentation by Karen Falk, archivist to the Jim Henson Company and a VIP guest appearance by Karen Prell (Red Fraggle).

HomeSight

The Othello International Festival is a celebration of and for the members of the Othello community. This project will increase the involvement of people from diverse backgrounds in the Othello community. Activities will include an art creation station, face painting, ethnic dance performances, a petting zoo, carnival activities, live music, vendors, information booths, and food vendors/trucks. The purpose of this event is to continue to develop a neighborhood identity where people get to know one another and feel part of the community as a whole despite coming from all different backgrounds and cultures. In this way, they will feel motivated to share in other neighborhood improvements and endeavors such as neighborhood planning, clean-ups, promotions of the business district development, beautification projects, etc. We want community members and organizations to come together to ensure the place we call home is thriving.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

The Gordon Research Conference on Environmental Sciences: Water is to be held June 14-19, 2026, in Holderness, NH. The 2026 conference theme is Novel Approaches and Tools to Address Aquatic Impacts on Human and Environmental Health and will feature a program of thought-provoking research by leading researchers and experts in the field of water quality science and technology. The conference will bring together 190 participants from multiple countries in an immersive and informal setting. The program will feature a series of plenary talks by established and emerging researchers, as well as daily poster sessions by conference attendees. The overarching theme of the 2026 conference recognizes that state-of-the-art research is needed to understand challenges facing water resources, and to develop solutions to address these challenges. Ensuring water quality is critical for protecting human and ecosystem health, as well as maintaining ecosystem services. This conference will showcase innovative researchers who focus on current water resources challenges, including the presence of persistent contaminants and pathogens, access to clean water for communities, and environmental stresses on water. This aspect of the conference will provide a forum for discussing and evaluating the most pressing water issues of our time. The conference will highlight scientists who directly study environmental impacts through field measurements and community engagement, along with those working at the science-policy interface. Specific aims of the conference are to: 1) Feature a scientific program that links water quality issues, the protection of human health, and sustainability of environmental resources through a plenary program of leading researchers from different fields and perspectives - themes include chemical and biological exposures, human health impacts, and innovative solutions for the management of water resources; 2) Advance discovery while promoting mentoring, networking and learning by offering a platform for graduate student and postdoctoral researchers to present their research at the full conference, as well as provide a venue for informal interactions between senior scientists and trainees and broad participation of scientists from different professional settings; and 3) Provide a conference that fosters discussion and debate of research results through close interaction of participants from academia, industry, and government laboratories. Funds will be used to support the attendance of invited plenary speakers, as well as graduate students and postdoctoral trainees. Outcomes related to the quality of the scientific program, discussion, management, and atmosphere will be evaluated through surveys of conference attendees. 1

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

PROJECT SUMMARY Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are a significant public health and economic problem, and white matter of the CNS is implicated in nearly all human neurological diseases/injuries. The overall aim of the White Matter and Beyond workshop is to bring together leading experts, emerging investigators, and innovators in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore the next frontiers of research in white matter. This meeting will foster interdisciplinary exchange on the latest advances in MRI technologies, biophysical modeling, and analytics of white matter, while expanding our focus to also encompass the related microstructural, inflammatory, and metabolic processes that define brain and spinal cord health. It is essential for researchers to come together to share knowledge and map the next phase of research and translation to improve outcomes from white matter diseases and injury. The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) workshop on White Matter and Beyond, will be held in Marseille, France, October 14-16, 2026. The ISMRM is a US-based scientific association whose purpose is to promote communication, research, development, and applications in the field of magnetic resonance in medicine and biology. Its multidisciplinary membership consists of over 8,000 clinicians, physicists, engineers, biochemists, and technologists. This in-person workshop offers the opportunity for discussions, networking, and interaction between trainees and established researchers. The scientific program spans multi-disciplinary aspects of white matter MRI from technical method development to fundamental physical insights to applications to human diseases and injury to white matter. Each session is anchored with a physicist/engineer to provide an overview of state-of-the-art methods, highlighting promising avenues and interesting clinical applications. It will appeal to neurologists, radiologists, physicists, engineers, and regulatory experts with interests in quantitative, biophysical, and reproducible MRI. Poster presentations are an integral part of the program and will be advertised in power pitch presentations. The workshop is being organized by an international team of investigators with administrative assistance from the ISMRM and facilitated by a local organizing team. This proposal requests funds to exclusively support students and postdoctoral trainees and will be used to cover conference registration costs and partial travel support. Speakers will be chosen based on scoring of submitted abstracts by the organizing team. This support will provide a unique opportunity for trainees and junior researchers to reach an international audience, enhancing their career development and collaborations.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

PROJECT SUMMARY We propose to hold the 2026 Joint Workshop on MR Phase, Magnetic Susceptibility and Electrical Properties (EMTP Workshop) on September 20–23, 2026, in Annapolis, Maryland, United States. The purpose of this meeting is to convene researchers, clinicians, trainees, and industry partners working on MRI techniques that measure key electromagnetic tissue properties, including Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM), Electrical Properties Tomography (EPT), and related methods. Participants will review recent progress and identify unmet needs for future development, with a particular focus on facilitating broader clinical adoption. Tissue electromagnetic properties—magnetic susceptibility measured by QSM and electrical conductivity and permittivity measured by EPT—provide unique information about tissue composition and microstructure. These measurements offer quantitative imaging biomarkers for iron and myelin content, water content, ion concentration, and cellular architecture. Such biomarkers have shown diagnostic and prognostic potential across multiple neurological and systemic diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and tumors. Building on previous EMTP workshops and recent community efforts to strengthen reproducibility, standardization, and data sharing—including consensus papers and guidelines for QSM and EPT—there is a pressing need to further solidify research and development efforts that support their clinical translation. Structured dialogue among researchers, clinicians, and industry partners is essential for identifying unmet needs and driving coordinated solutions. The workshop has the following three aims: (1) Bring together researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to highlight advances, identify key questions, knowledge gaps, and obstacles to the wider clinical adoption of QSM and EPT; (2) Foster a multi-center collaborative workforce to advance standardization, harmonization, data sharing, and benchmarking essential for quantitative imaging biomarkers; (3) Educate trainees and early-career investigators, as well as researchers from different backgrounds on the fundamentals and state-of-the-art developments in QSM and EPT. The organizing and steering committees consist of leading experts in MR phase, QSM, and EPT, including MR physicists and engineers, applied mathematicians, biologists, and clinicians, with representations of both junior and senior investigators. Scientific presentations will be combined with dedicated panel and roundtable discussions to enable in-depth exchange of ideas, cross-disciplinary brainstorming, and active engagement across the study group. Multiple networking opportunities will also be incorporated. Information about disability access, childcare and other family care facilities will be made available to the attendees. The 2026 EMTP Workshop will be a timely event to facilitate education, integrate ongoing community initiatives, catalyze new collaborations, and accelerate scientific progress and clinical translation of QSM, EPT.

NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

ABSTRACT Abnormal lipid and lipoprotein metabolism is mechanistically linked to many common diseases such as obesity, fatty liver, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and neurodegenerative diseases. The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Lipoprotein Metabolism is recognized as a premier meeting for disseminating cutting-edge research, sparking collaborations, and fostering new paradigms in this fast-moving field. The 2026 GRC will continue this tradition of highlighting research excellence in various areas of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. The conference, to be held in Waterville Valley, NH from June 2-7, will focus on important new developments in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism relevant to human disease. Oral presentations (in 9 integrated sessions) will highlight state-of-the-art scientific approaches, exploring molecular, structural and cell biological studies, model systems of metabolism, and preclinical and human studies of new therapeutic targets. The overarching goal is to bring together scientists from diverse research areas, career stages, and geographical locations who share a passion for discovering and applying new paradigms in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism to improve human health. The GRC will be preceded by the Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), a forum for trainees to present their research in a setting of mentorship and inspiration provided by peers and selected faculty in attendance. The First Aim of the 2026 GRC on Lipoprotein Metabolism is the communication of cutting-edge, unpublished science on lipoprotein metabolism. This includes 45 presentations in 9 oral sessions, each with an identified theme and a discussion leader who will facilitate dialogue and encourage participation by all attendees. Several of the oral sessions will feature short presentations by trainees and early career investigators, selected from submitted abstracts by a panel of established investigators. The roster of confirmed speakers is an impressive array of leading researchers from a range of career stages and represent the world’s best scientists in the area of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Our Second Aim is to achieve broad participation and engagement opportunities for all attendees. GRCs place high priority on the principles of safety and the creation of a welcoming environment. The 2026 GRC on Lipoprotein Metabolism has long-standing reputation as a safe and engaging meeting for all participants to share their unpublished results in a collegial manner. We expect this meeting to discuss the opportunities and challenges for emerging therapies for diseases such as CVD, obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Collectively, we expect the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Lipoprotein Metabolism to improve human health through promoting open dialogue, collaboration, and scientific innovation.

NHLBI - National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

PROJECT SUMMARY The objectives of the 2026 GRC “Lymphatics” are to present state-of-the-art research on the lymphatic vascular system, to fuel scientific exchange across scientific disciplines and expertise, and to spearhead new ideas and collaborations. The meeting will bring together investigators from all backgrounds and from all career stages, converging on lymphatics as one common theme. Specific Aims are (1) To present conceptual advances in research of the lymphatic vascular system and its pathologies; (2) To discuss paradigm shifting findings of lymphatics in different organ systems and their contribution to disease; (3) To integrate knowledge from different disciplines; and (4) To nurture junior investigators and trainees entering the lymphatic research field. Sessions will cover conceptual advances in development and disease of lymphatic vessels from basic aspects to potential clinical applications. The meeting will highlight recent insights into the diversity and organ-specificity of lymphatic endothelium. Novel molecular regulators for lymphatic vasculature during bone development, Schlemm’s canal in the eye and lacteals in the intestine will be discussed. New factors regulating lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic integrity will be introduced. Advances in research on lymphatic malformations, lymphedema and other congenital lymphatic diseases will be discussed. The meeting will also present emerging concepts on the role of lymphatics in atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. Paradigm shifts in the field will be presented, and crosstalk between lymphatics and immune system discussed. Advances in understanding how lymphatics contribute to disease, including cardiovascular inflammation, cancer, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases will be highlighted. A key goal for this meeting is to serve as a platform for growth of lymphatic research, and for helping to promote new scientists entering this research field. Abundant opportunities for the presentation of research by early career investigators will be provided. The GRS on Lymphatics organized by junior investigators will provide opportunities exclusively for junior investigators to present their work and form collaborations. Aside from presentation and poster sessions, a career development session will also be held during GRS to provide guidance to those just getting their start in the lymphatic research field, and to discuss strategies for how to navigate issues impeding lymphatic research or obstacles to participation by incoming lymphatic researchers. A patient session will also be held to allow researchers to hear from those suffering from lymphatic diseases and hear their perspective on the potential promise of translating lymphatic research into new therapies. The sponsoring organization is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of science. In accordance with its mission, this conference will place emphasis on the presentation of unpublished data, high-quality science and rich discussions in many fields, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, immunology, metabolism and neurobiology. We anticipate that the opportunities provided to young investigators participating in this conference will facilitate their rise as future leaders of the lymphatic research field.

NIA - National Institute on Aging

Project Summary NIH supported research aims to advance our understanding of biological systems, improve the control of disease, and enhance health. It is well-recognized that connecting investigators with complementary expertise’s in fundamental cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, state of the art imaging with those developing avenues for the treatment of disease are essential to get effective advances. This grant proposal seeks support for the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Lysosomes and Endocytosis, with a central theme of “Endosomes and Lysosomes in Action Across Cells, Tissues and Disease States”. As the field of Lysosomes and endocytosis evolves with increasing research in this aging related topics, the 2026 meeting will place an important emphasis on neurodegenerative disease, specifically Alzheimer Disease and related aging disorders. Exploring at the cellular, molecular and structural levels how defects in lysosomal and endocytic processes contribute to disease onset and progression are essential fundaments for therapeutical intervention. Endosomes and lysosomes are critical components of the endomembrane system, orchestrating essential cellular processes including cargo sorting, degradation, membrane trafficking, and signaling. Their coordinated activity ensures proper cellular homeostasis and adaptability across a wide range of cell types and tissue environments. Emerging evidence highlights their dynamic and context-dependent roles in development, immunity, metabolism, and cell fate determination. Notably, dysregulation of endo-lysosomal pathways is increasingly recognized as a central contributor to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, metabolic syndromes, and lysosomal storage diseases. The GRC will bring together internationally recognized experts and emerging scientists to present unpublished data, stimulate discussion, and develop new collaborations. The GRS, held prior to the main conference, will offer a focused environment for trainees and junior researchers to present their work and build professional networks to boost their careers.

NIDA - National Institute on Drug Abuse

PROJECT SUMMARY The 2026 Gordon Research Conference on Membrane Transport Proteins, “The Dynamic Membrane Transporter: Gateways to Health & Disease,” will convene ~200 investigators from academia, industry, and medicine at the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco, June 14–19 (trainee-led GRS, June 13–14). This location facilitates participation by a broad international community of scientist, trainees, and early-career scientists working on membrane transport proteins. The broader scientific exchange directly benefits public health in the United States by speeding advances in the understanding of disease mechanisms, the development of new drugs, and the identification of promising therapeutic strategies. It also ensures that the United States researchers remain fully engaged with the discoveries, technologies, and research shaping drug discovery in this important field. Membrane transporters comprise roughly 10 % of the human genome, yet fewer than 4 % are clinically exploited, despite their central roles in prevalent disorders, including autism, depression, ADHD, addiction, and diabetes, and in rare diseases such as Christianson syndrome and mucoviscidosis. Breakthroughs in cryo-EM, AI-driven structure prediction, live-cell biosensors, and human-derived disease models now make it possible to translate fundamental transporter biology into first-in-class therapeutics, creating a timely need for a forum that seamlessly links molecular mechanisms to clinical applications. The program’s nine themed sessions and two plenary lectures deliberately pair structural and mechanistic discoveries with preclinical and clinical perspectives, covering topics from vesicular neurotransmitter loading and blood–brain-barrier gateways to ABC/OCT1-mediated drug disposition. Interwoven “Technology Spotlight” talks and “Reality-Check” panels will showcase state-of-the-art methods while candidly addressing their limitations, establishing rigorous, field-wide standards. A 1.5-day, trainee-run Gordon Research Seminar, anchored by keynote mentors Drs. Sara Jones and Walter Boron, plus mentoring innovations such as “Scientist Speed-Dating” lunches and the forum Breaking the Mold: Overcoming Barriers to Career Advancement will foster an inclusive, supportive environment that cultivates the next generation of transporter scientists. Guided by three specific aims, catalyzing translational science, elevating rigor and reproducibility, and building a global workforce, the conference is poised to reveal new transporter ligands, biomarkers, and drug-delivery strategies; to disseminate best-practice methodologies; and to launch enduring mentorship networks. By uniting siloed disciplines in a confidential, off-the-record environment that encourages presentation of unpublished data, the 2026 GRC will accelerate transporter-based solutions for some of today’s most urgent unmet medical needs.

NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Project Summary The Neural Development Gordon Research Conference (GRC) is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished re- search, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a broad range of speakers and discussion leaders from insti- tutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific commu- nities. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions and afternoon free The 2026 GRC on Neural Development at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island USA will bring together scientists who investigate fundamental questions related to nervous system development, using molecular, cellular and organismal approaches. Topics include the genesis of neurons and glia, cell lineages, cell-cell communication including with CNS-resident immune, vascular and fibroblasts, and the assembly of neural circuitry. time, and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field. Our excep- tional speakers will address cutting-edge questions including how evolution shaped the emergence and diversi- fication of extant nervous systems, how developmental mechanisms prime the nervous system for future function In line with these broad topics, speakers employ a range of classical and emerging model organisms including flies, frog, fish, mice, ferrets, and non-human primates. They also use state-of-the art human-cell based models like neural organoids. The invited speakers employ broad approaches including: molecular genetic techniques and genomic approaches such as transcriptomic and epigenetic profiling; single cell mRNA sequencing and lineage barcoding; CRISPR-based manipulations and screens; live-imaging and high-resolution microscopy; neuroimaging and human genetics. The meeting will promote extensive exchanges between junior and senior scientists from different career stages, geographic locations and scientific interests. This collegial atmosphere will be fostered through interactions at talks, poster sessions, meals, and informal gatherings during free time. Networking will be promoted with journal editors and members of funding agencies that support research in this field. There will also be many short talks selected from abstracts, which will feature the most exciting recent work by early-career researchers We en- courage applications from researchers across institutions, career stages, countries, and relevant scientific topics, with the goal of having broad participants to enrich the meeting. A GRS is reserved for trainees only, including PhD students and postdocs. This will precede the meeting, and is organized and run by trainees, and will include sessions on related topics along with an invited keynote speaker. and how the nervous system ages under healthy and pathological conditions. .

NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Since 1984, the biennial Proteoglycans (PGs) Gordon Research Conference (GRC) has been an essential meeting for PG researchers. Recognized as the leading international forum for PG and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) research it brings together established and new PG researchers in a collegial and scientifically stimulating environment. Important to the meetings success is a history of a collegial atmosphere that fosters the dissemination of unpublished and emerging research that stimulates scientific discussions and collaborations among all attendees. This proposal is requesting partial support for the next PGs GRC, “Frontiers in Basic and Translational Proteoglycan Research to Improve Human Health,” which will be held from June 28th to July 3rd, 2026, and the associated PG GRS entitled, “Integrated Proteoglycan Research to Improve Human Health,” to be held on June 27th - 28th, 2026 at Proctor Academy, Andover, NH. An Executive Committee consisting of former Chairs of PGs GRCs plus organizers of meetings for the international conferences on PGs (ICP) and the International Society for Hyaluronan Sciences (ISHAS) offers input on the conference program. An advisory committee, consisting of expertise in various subfields in proteoglycan research, has been formed. Both committees provide expertise across a broad area, including fundamental, translational, and clinical PG research. The meeting will bring together highly regarded scientists performing impactful PG research and developing new techniques to support proteoglycan research advancement, some of whom will be attending this meeting for the first time. The invited scientists will present the latest findings in fundamental PG research addressing biosynthesis, catabolism, and technological advances in the field. A major focus of this GRC will be highlighting PGs as therapeutic tools and targets. To provide early-stage investigators an opportunity to highlight their research, the meeting program includes short talks during oral session and poster sessions each day. Short talks will be selected from abstracts to be complementary to the theme of the associated oral session. The scientific program aims to present state-of-the-art science to spark scientific discussions and collaborations, leading to the generation of new ideas, innovative research projects, and new grant proposals. The organizers have and will continue to pay careful attention to the participation from different stages in the scientific careers in all aspects of the conference. In the meeting, Dr. Kaori Oshima (MGH), Dr. Rob Ritcher (University of Alabama at Birmingham) and Dr. Paul DeAngelis (University of Oklahoma) will serve as panelists to talk about their experience in overcoming the challenges in academia and discussing different career opportunities for young graduate students and trainees. Attendees of this meeting will be selected by invitation or from the applications submitted online with careful attention. We expect approximately 200 attendees to this conference.