2024 Cell Biology of the Neuron Gordon Research Conference and Seminar

Summary We request funds to support attendance of field-leading scientists and diverse trainees across career stage at the 2024 Gordon Research Conference on the Cell Biology of the Neuron, Waterville Valley, NH, June 23-June 28, 2024. We also request support for up-and-coming junior scientists to attend this meeting and the associated Gordon Research Seminar for early career investigators and trainees, which immediately precedes the GRC (June 22-23). The Cell Biology of the Neuron meeting has long been, and will continue to be, a prominent platform for critical, pre-publication discussion on the recent discoveries that contribute to move forward understanding of neuronal cell biology. These conferences will highlight breaking data and technologies that address the interface between cell biology and neuroscience. Molecular and cellular understanding of neuronal function is critically essential for successful efforts to tackle neuronal dysfunction as accompanies aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, it is imperative to elaborate the complex cell biology that drives health and function of neurons to understand the neuronal activity that underlies virtually every aspect of human life. The 2024 conference will highlight emerging topics in this interdisciplinary area, via invited and abstract-selected talks and posters on topics including synaptic assemblies that mediate neuronal communication and plasticity, transport machines and structural organization of axons and synapses, mechanisms controlling neuronal shape, size, and connectivity, localized biochemistry, proteotoxicity, macromolecular and organelle turnover and homeostasis, vesicle transfer, and neuron-glia interaction. The multidisciplinary theme and shared focus will facilitate communication across the entire continuum of molecular and cellular neuronal biology. Our conference aims are to: 1) to stimulate progress in the field of neuronal cell biology by bringing together an exceptional group of scientists in a program that emphasizes emerging themes in neuronal function and dysfunction in health and disease; and 2) to inspire junior scientists and trainees by increasing and fostering cross-disciplinary scientific interactions, and fueling extension of the diversity of ideas, background, and training in the interdisciplinary field of neuronal cell biology. We plan an interactive and inclusive environment characterized by lively discussions among invited speakers, discussion leaders, poster presenters, and all meeting participants. We anticipate that the meetings will constitute a dynamic exchange of ideas and will lead to exciting new research directions. Participants will gain current understanding of the unique biology of neurons, and ideas to improve strategies for addressing devastating neuronal diseases may be forwarded.