The 2006 GRC on Rock Deformation is the 6th in a series of conference that have been organised since 1995 by the Physical Properties of Earth Materials Community, and will be held at the Big Sky Resort, in the heart of the northern Rockies. The theme of this conference is the relationship between the processes of rock deformation (from the nano-scale diffusion of atoms up to the lithospheric-scale transfer of large volumes of molten rock) and the spatial and temporal patterns that result. We also hope to offer one or two field trips before or after the conference that take advantage of the spectacular geology and scenery of the region.