In the Context of Matrix, Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Collagen is the most abundant macromolecule of the extracellular matrix and the principal determinant of tissue strength. Understanding how cells synthesize, organize, regulate and interact with collagen-rich matrices is therefore central to biological processes such as development, tissue homeostasis, ageing, disease, injury and repair. The Collagen Gordon Research Conference (GRC) is the premiere meeting in the collagen research field and provides a collegial atmosphere for scientists from academia, medicine and industry to discuss all aspects of collagen-matrix research. The 2013 Gordon Research Conference on ‘Collagen’ will emphasize the broad scope of collagen research. The Program will include sessions on Emerging Technologies, Collagen Biosynthesis and Assembly, Interactions, Receptors and Signaling, Developmental Mechanisms, Genetic Mechanisms, Collagen Regulation, Stem Cells, Repair and Regenerative Medicine, and Mechanobiology.

The sessions will be chaired by leaders in the field who will assist the Organizing Committee in putting together a program to encourage participation from leading investigators, young research fellows, students and post-docs. Some poster presentations will be selected for short talks. Poster presentations and informal gatherings in the afternoon and evenings will encourage scientists to discuss and debate collagen-ECM research. The conference will begin on Sunday evening with a session focused on discussing the emerging technologies in collagen and cell-matrix research. The conference will conclude on Thursday evening with a session focused on identifying the future direction of collagen-matrix research.

The 2011 Collagen GRC was associated with the first ever Collagen Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), which featured talks exclusively from graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The GRS was voted by the participants to be a major success and will be repeated in 2013. The 2013 Collagen GRS will be a 2-day symposium, opened by a keynote talk by Professor Leena Bruckner-Tuderman, that will provide a venue for young scientists to present and discuss their current work, learn from one another, and establish collaborative networks. Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are strongly encouraged to attend both the GRS and GRC. Three speakers from the GRS will be selected to give platform presentations in the main GRC meeting.