Exploring A Unique and Diverse Group of Bacteria

The phylum of Spirochetes forms an evolutionarily and structurally unique group of bacteria. Spirochetes are ubiquitous in nature due to their ability to adapt and colonize a wide range of environments and hosts. This diverse phylum includes pathogens associated with human and zoonotic diseases, such as Lyme disease, relapsing fever borreliosis, periodontal diseases, syphilis, endemic trepanemotoses, leptospirosis and dysentery. The global burden of spirocheteal diseases, lyme disease, syphilis and leptospirosis in particular, continues to increase annually due to a variety of factors, including climate changes. Due to the extreme divergence of spirochetes as compared to model microorganisms and their fastidious nature, our knowledge about the general biology of spirochetes is still limited. Since 1994, the biennial Biology of Spirochetes Gordon Research Conference has served as the foremost forum for researchers who study this diverse and successful group of bacteria. The highly interactive format emphasizes cutting-edge, unpublished scientific research at the forefront of spirochetology followed by open, collegial discussions. The Biology of Spirochetes conferences have fostered numerous productive, often lifelong, collaborations between investigators from a wide spectrum of backgrounds, interests and experimental approaches. The conference also provides a welcoming atmosphere for trainees and early-career scientists to introduce themselves and their research to the spirochete community and interact with established investigators in the field. Critical to our mission of enhancing career development is the Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), held the weekend preceding the Gordon Research Conference, which provides a relaxed, yet stimulating, setting for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to present their work, discuss their findings, and build collaborations. The 2024 meetings will cover topics from fundamental science to translational research at the frontiers of spirochete biology.

This meeting is oversubscribed and has many interested applicants. As the meeting reaches the maximum number of acceptances, all interested applicants will be reviewed and waitlisted until a spot opens.