Conference Description
The Centromere Biology GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions 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 communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
Centromeres are chromosomal loci that function to ensure chromosome segregation in every cell division cycle. Defective centromere function can lead to aneuploidy, contributing to cancer, fertility and developmental disorders. Due to the highly repetitive nature of the DNA sequences that underly centromeres in most organisms, these regions of the genome were largely excluded from previous genome sequencing and assembly efforts. However, in the last few years, breakthroughs in sequencing technologies (such as longer sequencing read lengths) and the development of advanced computational tools have overcome this barrier. Moreover, the determining the basis of centromere function in chromosome segregation has relied on a breadth of cell biological, biophysical, genomic and structural advancements. Researchers in this field are now armed with an unprecedented knowledge of the genetic, epigenetic and structural components that comprise centromeres. Combined with advances in genome editing and high-resolution cellular and molecular imaging technologies, centromere biologists are well positioned to elucidate exactly how this critical locus functions to ensure genome stability.
The goal of the Centromere Biology conference is to bring together a community of vibrant researchers from diverse disciplines to substantially advance current understanding of how this unique genomic locus is specified and functions in mitosis and meiosis. It will convene outstanding scientists in the field interested in all aspects of centromere biology, including those with expertise in the kinetochore and chromosome segregation machinery and in flanking pericentromeric regions. Speakers will present cutting edge findings that represent a broad range of disciplines including genomics, bioinformatics, genetics, epigenetics, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, cell and molecular biology and evolution. Discussion among international experts in this rapidly growing field will identify and shape key questions and approaches moving forward. This meeting will support a strong representation from researchers from all career stages and diverse backgrounds.
The conference will consist of nine sessions, on the topics listed below. The conference chair is currently developing their preliminary program, which will include the names of the invited speakers and discussion leaders for each of these sessions. The preliminary program will be available by October 29, 2025. Please check back for updates.
